Introduction: Understanding the Nature of Fear
Understanding the Nature of Fear Fear is one of the most fundamental and powerful feelings that influence our behaviour. Since the early days of survival in the wilderness, to our fear of work, relationships and even the health of our bodies, fear has evolved and however, it hasn’t completely been eliminated. It’s as like a shadow has always been around us, sometimes safeguarding us, however often limiting our choices.
Every person is affected by anxiety at one point or another, including the fear of failing and rejection, the fear of losing of unpredictability, even the fear of death. While fear is an insulator against dangers however, it can also be a source cause us to feel depressed or impair our judgment as well as impede our ability to find the peace within us.
Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar, the world-renowned spiritual advisor and founder of The Art of Living Foundation offers profound insights on the root causes behind anxiety and the ways you can overcome it with mindfulness as well as meditation as well as spiritual insight. The lessons that he teaches reveal the way in which fear originates within the mind. It then disappears when one is reconnected to the vastness of our awareness.
Based on Gurudev, Gurudev often states:
“Fear is love standing on top of each other. “
One sentence sums up the core message”Fear is triggered by the fact that love, awareness, and faith disappear. By understanding how to meditate and accepting anxiety, it will transform into peace and understanding.
Fear & the Mind
The mind is the source and creator of fear and the destroyer. The fear we experience is not present out in the world, it is a sound inside our brains. When we think of the possibility of loss, danger or apprehension, our mind begins to project fearful thoughts. Gurudev says the concept of fear as an illusion that is triggered by our obsession with the limitless self – the ego, which feels isolated and insecure.
1. The Source of Fear
The root of fear is attachment. It is a fear of losing something we’re connected to, whether it’s our position belongings, family members, possessions and even our personal body. We are more dependent on objects that are temporary and possessions, the more anxiety overtakes us.
Gurudev says:
“You fear because you believe you’re an insignificant thing. When you realise that you’re infinite, your worry is gone.”
The realization that we are beyond the body, beyond mind and is beyond all possessions lets us be free from stress. Once you understand that you’re the immortal awareness that sees everything, fear does not hold you.
2. Fear and Imagination
A lot of the fear we experience is an illusion. Our minds love to imagine scenarios that aren’t real. The mind creates scenarios about the possibilities of what might go wrong even if everything seems to be fine. Gurudev frequently makes fun of people who fear incidents that haven’t been witnessed, by saying:
“Fear is a feeling of anticipation for things that haven’t actually occurred. Most of the time the event never occurs.”
That means fear is an aversion to imagination. This same kind of imagination that’s able to generate joy, art and creative thinking can create fears when it is influenced by anxiety or doubt. The awareness of this helps stop this pattern. Once we are aware of our mind’s habits the imagination can be used to inspire rather than a source of anxiety.
3. The Role of the Breath
Gurudev claims that the mental state is closely connected to breathing rhythm. If fear is present the breathing gets slow and uncontrolled. The body’s energy flow, which increases anxiety. When we control our breathing — as it is taught in Sudarshan Kriya as well as various other Art of Living practices -The mind relaxes and fears dissipate in a natural way.
He explains:
“Every emotion is accompanied by a beat in the breath. If you alter the breathing rhythm and the emotion, it can be altered. emotional state.”
That’s why practices of spirituality such as meditation and pranayama are extremely effective in conquering fear. They do not only work on the mental level, but additionally to the energetic system that keeps emotional habits.
Fear vs Faith
In the face of fear, it’s difficult to trust. If you believe, your fear won’t be an obstacle to your ability to bear. Gurudev frequently argues faith as a solution to anxiety. Faith isn’t simply blind faith. Faith is believing that the universe is in good order as well as the supreme order of the world.
1. The Power of Trust
It’s a belief in a larger source of power and the universe doesn’t happen just randomly happening, but deliberate. In the lack of faith, every uncertain situation can be risky. If we have faith in our beliefs, each obstacle is an opportunity for growth.
The method Gurudev is so wonderfully describing:
“When you know there is someone taking care of the care of you, are able to relax. The peace and calm is sought after. “
The heart can open. Faith expands; fear reduces. Faith connects with fear However, it separates. Fear says “I am alone.” Faith speaks to us “I am supported. “
2. The Illusion of Control
One major cause of fear is that it seems like we are in control of every part of the world around us. Our minds always try to control to plan, organize and modify results. Yet, this world, as large as it is, cannot be managed by our minds. When we realize that we are not the controllers as much as part of a huge universe, the anxiety fades out.
Gurudev teaches the art of surrender, not to be understood as vulnerability, but rather to be a source of wisdom.
“Surrender isn’t abandoning the cause; it’s accepting and allowing the rhythm of the universe. “
When we surrender of God’s divine wisdom which controls the universe We cease resisting the fact that is. Acceptance creates peace within us. Resistance is the reason for anxiety. peace comes as a result from acceptance.
3. From Worry to Wonder
It is changing our perception of our world. The fear of uncertainty could be the source of danger but faith regards the unexplored as a possibility for learning. That same fear that frightens certain people is enthralling for others in the light of their personal view. Gurudev encourages the pursuit of wonder instead of anxiety.
He states:
“Life is an amazing mysterious mystery. Do not try to figure it out, just live your life with joy. “
When we view life from a curious perspective We lose our fear. It is more easy to see challenges as possibilities instead of threats. The shift of our perception can unlock the way to greater insight and creativity.
Gurudev Advice on Being Bold.
One does not need to worry about the source of stress. It is the apprehension coping process. You will airborne high of being more spiritual and take giant leaps out of your origin instead of be at the mercy of your egocentric power thanks to wisdom of Gurudev.
Stability in the Self by the way of Meditating.
It is among the most appropriate ways of extending your life. Through the process of meditation, we will be in a position to manage the anxiety very cool and relaxed way that may enable us to manage stress and stress in our day-to-day life. The same can be credited because of its help in coping with anxiety and fear. When you are relaxed and are relaxed at the same time, that puts you in good place to make the right space not to be bothered with the problems you may be having. One of the greatest of things is consciousness. So that forbearance might be constructed.
Gurudev explains:
Through meditation, you can get to a place where you have no anxiety. The pressure is squeezed out and nothing to fret about. And nothing farther than mere vigor and grace. “
Now that we are aware of the fact that we are conscious then our nervous apparatus is growing stronger, our heads are growing healthier and our hearts becoming suppleter. When we realize that our bodies are being changed then we begin to become aware of the changes that are occurring in our bodies not with anxious anxiety, worry or fear but with the relaxed mood in the surrounding. We think that, we are in charge of it.
Living in the Present
The short term may involve internet being a threat Internet may be construed to be within the next few months or two. We find ourselves in a position where we do not care. All the advice that Gurudev gives is the advice that is given to the persons who desire to live a harmonious life. Peace can be located.
fear will never halt in the approaching future: yet, thou mayest be to-day and be happy. The present state of affairs will become noticeable and the anxieties will disappear. “
Yoga and meditation ensure that you live in the present. You may be on bad times, when you are not calm, comfortable and relaxed, it is time to relax. Any breath helps us to identify ourselves with the comfort of our bodies as well as with our dream to be a person in equilibrium.
Cultivating Detachment
His characters are the best prospects in the life of Gurudev which are composed of daring. That is called vairagya that is, distant-ness. The other phenomenon is the detachment phrase, which is also an extensively used phrase to define what detachment is not deprivation of affection or deep love to your beloved person. It is certainly understood that the mentioned individual is a brave one when you are surprised by him or her and need not rely on another thing. You do not even have to traverse the world before you do not have any problem as long as you are focused on the matter at hand as opposed to the future of the end product.
Gurudev tells, work and leave the rest of it to the Divine. That was borrowed as the assumption of the life of sacrifice. “
Peace and tranquility. It helps one get rid of the stress and anxiety component. It is a very good way of achieving a peaceful and smooth environment regardless of the justification of the allegations or not.
Service as a Path to Courage
One of the best ways of reducing anxiety is Siva (also called selfless service). You will calm down as long as you have a mission of making life better to the entire world. The Art of Living organization was established on spirituality which is founded on faith by Gurudev. The organization helps the needy and invests in the goodness. It is known that the mission of this organization is community building oriented and love towards others.
He instructs:
When you are deciding on what you can do and take advantage of then you should not think how this would influence your decisions. “
Even the service value will be able to change even our orientation, and bring us back to concentrate on the self towards ourselves. Having motivation makes people realize that we are human beings as well. It is an emotional feeling of a human being which is not subject to any particular rules. It is inspired by the need to love self and love other human beings.
Fear can best be rid of through Spiritual Wisdom.
Liberty is not the ability to feel safe externally but through inner metamorphosis. The world of spiritual wisdom will demonstrate that fear is based on root in the false idea that oneself is not significant. When we understand the essence of what we actually are and that is our pure consciousness then the fears will be out of the question.
The Eternal Self
Gurudev keeps on reminding us that we are not limited to the body yet there is a universal spirit who are as well. The body might be hurting or the mind might get stressed out but this does not affect the soul that exists beneath the body. Having this will provide us with undisturbed peace.
Gurudev explains that nothing can touch you since you are not the waves but the ocean.
When you are connected to the ocean rather than just the ocean, then you will be able to experience the anxiety of losing your life, dying as well as changes disappearing. All will be made to realize that everything is short-lived. Nevertheless, it is the same with your essence.
Death and Fearlessness
Fear of death is one of the primary causes in the case of anxious people. According to Gurudev death is an inevitable occasion, not the end of all lives. Gurudev explains living and dying as the two sides of the same coin, just like the fact that one uprises every morning before going to sleep.
Death comes back to the point at which it began. It is not something to be afraid of though, it is something that you have to know. “
Provided that one realizes this concept, the fear of death will not be an issue. The fact that one has lost a loved one makes him/her more aware. Every moment counts.
Knowledge and Wisdom
The concept of wisdom is termed as a Source of Light that helps to eliminate shadows and anxieties. The more we are aware of our own lives and experience and the laws of nature and the knowledge of the law of nature, the more room we possess to worry. Stress can lead to insomnia. Wisdom provides peace.
Gurudev often quotes:
When you know, you never have to fear. “
That is that he directs his attention to the development of the soul (svadhyaya) which consists of studying books, attending Satsangs and also reflecting upon profound thoughts. The study in this manner assists in arousing the mind besides assisting in purifying the mind.
Transforming Fear into Peace
Gurudev’s programs don’t just concentrate on philosophy, they’re successful methods that help turn tension into tranquility. Through his classes many students have found inner peace by embracing the joy of living along with endurance, happiness and peace.
1. Sudarshan Kriya: Breath of Freedom
Sudarshan Kriya, a breathing-synchronized exercise created by Gurudev has been proved to be a method of easing the deepest fears and emotional blocks. It helps to bring the mind and body into peace and harmony with Spirit. It can bring calm to.
Research results have proven research has shown that doing Sudarshan Kriya could decrease tension hormones, boost confidence and improves the physical strength of people who exercise. Regularly practicing the workout regularly experience greater faith and more energy.
2. Meditation and Silence
Silence is the primary factor in calm. The expression “silence” is that refers to peace. If you’re in stillness and peace the ringing of anxious thoughts is reduced. The mind becomes more expansive and tranquility is evident. Gurudev’s Silence Programs offer seekers the opportunity to find calm in a serene area. The causes of anxiety are eliminated.
3. Satsang and Collective Energy
Within a sacred area like singing, meditation or sharing your knowledge, you can bring everybody to the heart of. With satsangs, fear of being scared changes into joy once the energy releases from the contraction, and then expanded.
“Satsang refers to the organization of the truth. In this kind of company the fear is not a factor,” Gurudev says.
4. Living Wisdom Daily
The incorporation of a spiritual outlook to everyday tasks is a great way for enhancing. Gurudev advises people to take note of each moment during their day. Take on any situation by being compassionate, and to be amazed by God’s strategy. Simple techniques like mindfulness can eventually reduce stress.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Quotes on Fear and Peace
In order to summarise the fundamental of Gurudev’s philosophy. Below are a selection of Gurudev’s most inspirational quotes:
- “Fear is the love that stands in the middle of the road. “
- “Faith is knowing that you will always receive what you want. “
- “When you’re at this moment, worry can’t touch you. “
- “You are not a physical body. Your mind isn’t yours or mind, and it is not. The conscious is immeasurable unbreakable, eternal, and never ending. “
- “The reason for knowing is to eradicate anxiety and help you find the peace you deserve. “
- “Meditation can take you past fears into a space of liberation. “
- “Do your job and let the rest be left to God — that is the true test of courage. “
“When you live with love, fear vanishes; when you live in wisdom, peace dawns.”
Conclusion: From Fear to Freedom
Fearlessness isn’t just about overcoming life’s obstacles -instead, it’s about finding an unshakeable peace in oneself and that nothing external could be able to disturb. Gurudev Sri Shri Ravi Shankar’s teachings lead us towards this understanding with a mix of the wisdom of meditation, knowledge and the love.
In ignorance, fear thrives and disintegrates when it is aware. Once we realize the truth of who we are We realize there’s nothing to worry about since we’re part of the eternal and loving universe.
With faith, trust to God, meditation, and charity We can take through the darkest of times to peace. From contraction to growth through darkness illumination.
