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Fear. It’s universal, isn’t it? We’ve all felt it – that knot in your stomach, the racing thoughts, the dread of what *might* happen. But here’s the thing: fear isn’t just an emotion to avoid. It’s a teacher, a mirror, and sometimes, a doorway. What if I told you that the ancient wisdom of Hinduism holds the keys to not just managing fear, but transforming it into fearlessness? Let’s dive in.

 

1. Fear and Imagination: The Mind’s Greatest Trick: 

 

Fear doesn’t always come from what’s real. It comes from what we *imagine* could happen. Think about it – how often have you spiraled into worry over something that never actually occurred? Our minds are storytellers, and sometimes, they craft horror stories instead of fairy tales.

But here’s the good news: fear is an illusion. It’s like being afraid of the dark. The moment you turn on the light, the fear vanishes. Knowledge is that light. When we truly understand something – whether it’s a situation, a person, or even ourselves – fear loses its grip.

 

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2. Knowledge vs. Ego: The Battle Within: 

 

Knowledge is power. It’s the antidote to fear. But there’s a catch: ego. Ego is the voice that whispers, *You’re separate. You’re alone. You’re not enough.* It’s an *asuric* (demonic) quality that blinds us to the truth of our interconnectedness.

When we let go of ego, we step into a deeper understanding. We realize that we’re not isolated beings struggling in a chaotic world. We’re part of something vast, something divine. And that realization? It’s liberating.

 

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3. Jaya and Vijaya: The Lesson of Misplaced Desires: 

 

Ancient stories are more than just tales – they’re mirrors reflecting our own struggles. Take Jaya and Vijaya, for example. Cursed to become Hiranyaksha (greed for gold) and Hiranyakashyapu (desire for a golden bed), they symbolize how misplaced desires can trap us in cycles of fear and dissatisfaction.

Their story is a reminder to examine our own desires. Are we chasing things that truly matter, or are we clinging to superficial comforts that leave us empty? When we align our desires with our higher purpose, fear begins to dissolve.

 

Fear is just a thought

Fear is just a thought

 

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4. The FEAR Workshop: Face Everything and Rise: 

 

Fear can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control us. Here’s a simple framework to work with: FEAR – Face Everything and Rise.

– Face Everything: Acknowledge your fears. What are you really afraid of? Failure? Rejection? The unknown? Naming your fear is the first step to disarming it.
– Rise: Use knowledge and courage to move forward. Remember, fear thrives in ignorance. The more you learn, the less power it has over you.

Symptoms of fear like anxiety or self-doubt are clues. They’re pointing to areas where we need to grow, to understand, to shed light.

 

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5. Sat Chit Ananda: Your True Nature: 

 

At the core of our being lies Sat Chit Ananda – existence, awareness, and bliss. This is who we truly are. But fear? Fear pulls us away from this truth. Fear of death, fear of loss, fear of the unknown – these are illusions that obscure our innate joy.

When we reconnect with our true nature, fear loses its power. We realize that we’re not our fears; we’re the awareness that observes them. And that awareness? It’s boundless, fearless, and free.

 

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6. Responsibility and Dharma: The Path to Integration: 

 

Ignorance fuels fear, but responsibility dissolves it. In the context of dharma (righteous duty), responsibility means integrating our body, mind, and intellect. It’s about living in alignment with our higher purpose.

When we take responsibility for our actions and choices, we step into our power. We stop feeling like victims of circumstance and start becoming creators of our own destiny.

 

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7. Letting Go: The Gateway to Divinity: 

 

One of the most profound teachings is the practice of letting go. This doesn’t mean giving up; it means releasing attachments to likes and dislikes. When we let go of these preferences, we move closer to sanyasa (renunciation) – not of the world, but of the ego.

As we release the ego, we begin to see divinity everywhere. Not just in temples or idols, but in ourselves, in others, in the world around us. And when we see the divine in everything, fear has no place to hide.

 

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Conclusion: Embracing Fearlessness: 

 

Fear is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us. By cultivating knowledge, taking responsibility, and aligning with our true nature, we can move from fear to fearlessness. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s a deeply rewarding one.

So, the next time fear knocks on your door, don’t slam it shut. Invite it in. Ask it what it’s trying to teach you. Face it with courage, rise above it with wisdom, and discover the boundless joy that lies within.

 

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About The Article Author:

Our mission with FutureSTRONG Academy – to grow children who respect themselves, their time and their capabilities in a world where distractions are just a click or a swipe away.

I see myself as an advocate for bringing social, emotional and character development to families, schools and communities. I never want to let this idea out of my sight – Our children are not just GPAs. I’m a Writer and a Certified Master Coach in NLP and CBT. Until 2017, I was also a Big Data Scientist. In December of 2044, I hope to win the Nobel. Namasté

Write to me or call me. Tell me what support from me looks like. 

Rachana Nadella-Somayajula,
Program Director & Essential Life Skills Coach for Kids and Busy Parents

COURAGE - A Pillar of FutureSTRONG Academy

 

Our children will one day face the real world without our support. Academic development is not the only skill they will need in the real world where people skills like taking the lead, emotional intelligence and a strong moral compass will determine who will shine. So, as parents who want to raise well rounded adults, we want to give them the right tools for their personal development.

Here is COURAGE as described as the 6 C’s of Future STRONG.

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