Significance of Fear of death
Fear of death is a significant concept across various South Asian philosophies, encompassing the anxiety relating to mortality that impacts individuals on emotional and spiritual levels. In Buddhism, it manifests as anxiety regarding the end of life and its consequences. Hinduism connects it to the transformations of divine characters, while Jainism presents it as a universal concern that can be transcended through spiritual practice. The fear of death is an inherent trait noted in multiple traditions, driving characters towards ethical dilemmas and motivating their actions.
Synonyms: Death anxiety
In Dutch: Angst voor de dood; In Finnish: Kuoleman pelko; In Spanish: Miedo a la muerte; In German: Todesfurcht; In Swedish: R盲dsla f枚r d枚den; In Malay: Takut mati; In French: Peur de la mort
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fear of death'
In Buddhism, the Fear of death manifests as anxiety stemming from various contexts, influencing spiritual growth and meditation. It highlights a universal sentiment concerning mortality, urging practitioners to confront and understand this instinctual emotion.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The anxiety or trepidation one feels about the prospect of dying.[1] (2) A motivator for virtuous living and renunciation observed in the narrative, particularly felt by those who see the consequences of their actions.[2] (3) An intense apprehension or dread regarding the inevitability of death, particularly relevant in the context of the king's decree.[3] (4) A driving emotional force behind the yakkha's actions and a theme in the Bodhisatta's dialogue.[4] (5) A state experienced by the brahmin, leading him to seek the wisdom of Senaka during a moment of crisis.[5]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A common anxiety experienced by all beings, indicated by the reactions of both the Venerable Acharn and the bear in the text.[6] (2) A profound concern that distracts practitioners from their meditation and spiritual growth, appearing as an omnipresent anxiety.[7] (3) A psychological barrier that can arise during deep meditation, particularly when experiencing the cessation of breath.[8] (4) A natural emotion that influences the behavior of the citta, often compelling it to comply and accept teachings.[9] (5) An instinctive reaction to the thought of dying, rooted in a misunderstanding of the heart's nature and existence.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A common anxiety that arises from the contemplation of mortality and the transient nature of existence.[11] (2) The emotion experienced by the merchant's daughter when threatened by her husband.[12]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The emotional turmoil experienced by beings unprepared for death, resulting from a lack of reflection and mindfulness about mortality.[13]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) An emotion experienced by monks, often addressed in the context of achieving a state beyond fear.[14]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A common human experience emphasized in the context of renouncing material joys in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[15]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A universal anxiety among beings regarding the end of life and its consequences.[16]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) King Sutosoma expresses that he is not afraid of dying but of failing to keep his promises.[17] (2) The anxiety and apprehension individuals feel regarding their mortality and the approach of death.[18]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An innate anxiety experienced by beings regarding the inevitable end of life.[19]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The emotional and instinctual response of living beings when confronted with threats to their lives, particularly in the context of meat-eating.[20]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The anxiety faced by asuras regarding their mortality during battles against the gods.[21] (2) The pervasive anxiety linked to the end of life, impacting both physical capabilities and mental state.[22]
Hindu concept of 'Fear of death'
The fear of death in Hinduism encompasses a deep-rooted anxiety about mortality, influenced by past experiences, and impacts spiritual growth. It illustrates the universal struggle with existence and the pursuit of enlightenment through understanding and spiritual refuge.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The anxiety and dread humans feel regarding their mortality and the inevitability of death.[23] (2) A sentiment experienced by people, forcing them to flee in various directions to escape the wrath of the Danavas.[24] (3) The apprehension or anxiety about mortality and the end of life.[25] (4) Apprehension regarding the end of life and its implications.[26] (5) The existential dread faced by warriors as they charge into battle, often forsaken by the brave.[27]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Refers to the powerful emotions and stakes involved in the potential loss of life.[28] (2) The anxiety experienced by the monkeys due to the mention of punishment for disobedience.[29] (3) The anxiety or dread associated with the end of life or mortal danger.[30] (4) Sugriva's anxiety about losing Rama and Lakshmana contrasted with Bibishana's encouragement about courage.[31] (5) A concept discussed by Ravana, questioning the bravery of Shuka and Sarana for their insolence.[32]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An emotional state that can be forsaken to achieve a clear and dispassionate mind.[33] (2) The fear of death is dismissed as an emotional burden that obscures the realization of rebirth and transformation.[34] (3) Bhagiratha's anxiety regarding mortality and the eventual consequences of life.[35] (4) A state of being in which the King becomes insulated from the anxiety regarding mortality due to his adoration of Siva.[36] (5) The anxiety experienced by individuals regarding their mortality, mitigated by a strong sense of their spiritual state.[37]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The inherent concern of the Danavas regarding their mortality in battle, influencing their decisions on engaging or avoiding combat.[38] (2) A psychological state that can be alleviated through recitation of sacred hymns, emphasizing the transformative power of spiritual practice.[39] (3) A theme presented by Shumbha, as he reflects on the inevitability of death and the consequences of fleeing battle.[40]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) The existential concern that shifts upon the realization of Mahesvara's divine blessings and protection.[41]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Anxiety or apprehension regarding the end of life and the unknown aspects associated with it.[42]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A natural apprehension that humans experience regarding their mortality.[43]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The anxiety or dread associated with mortality, which is countered by the sweetness of the prasada.[44]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) An inherent anxiety experienced by all living beings regarding mortality and the unknown that accompanies it.[45]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The anxiety associated with the inevitability of physical death and the spiritual consequences that follow.[46]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A natural emotion that arises when one is confronted with mortality, illustrated by the reactions of Shaci and Lord Gaura regarding Jagannatha Mishra's condition.[47]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The anxiety or concern surrounding the end of life and the unknown that follows.[48]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) An instinctual aversion found even in the most ignorant beings, reflecting an underlying knowledge of annihilation and suffering associated with dying.[49] (2) A natural response caused by the remembrance of pain associated with the concept of mortality.[50]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) An underlying fear that prompts attachment to life, rooted in the unconscious memories of past life experiences.[51]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) An instinctive reaction rooted in the subconscious memory of past experiences with death, contributing to one's struggle with spirituality and enlightenment.[52]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The natural human fear of mortality, which often leads to a denial of our inevitable end.[53]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A natural aversion to mortality and the end of existence, impacting the decision-making of individuals.[54]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A psychological condition linked to the notion of the mortal body, which is alleviated by knowledge of the unbodied Self.[55]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A profound realization experienced by the merchant鈥檚 son, taught to him by King Kalingadatta.[56]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) An underlying theme that influences the actions and motivations of characters in the narrative.[57]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The emotion experienced by the mortal part of Prajapati, leading to his transformation and subsequent duality.[58]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This represents anxiety or terror related to mortality, a negative outcome that can be linked to Jupiter's association with Rahu, affecting the native's peace of mind.[59]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The anxiety experienced by individuals, particularly sinners and unbelievers, concerning what happens after they die.[60]
Jain concept of 'Fear of death'
Fear of death in Jainism encompasses a deep dread of mortality, reflecting human vulnerability and the quest for safety, while portraying characters' emotional struggles. Ultimately, it highlights the advanced spiritual state achieved by Mahavira's disciples, who transcend this fear.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The overarching dread experienced by the characters in the story in relation to the inevitability of mortality.[61] (2) The king's concern upon finding the chief-queen in a dangerous situation.[62] (3) Ravana's obsession with Sita as his future wife, ignoring impending threats from Rama and Lakshmana.[63] (4) A concept discussed to illustrate the philosophical thoughts surrounding the acceptance of mortality.[64] (5) The concern that drives Bibhishana's motivations, showcasing the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by characters during battle.[65]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A state that the disciples of Mahavira had overcome, indicating their advanced spiritual practice.[66]
The concept of Fear of death in local and regional sources
Fear of death encompasses a profound anxiety about mortality, impacting enjoyment of life, provoking emotional vulnerability, and driving behaviors tied to existential dread. It reflects a universal concern, often eased by love and realization of one's existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The emotional conflict experienced by the boy, torn between his fear of death and the hope of living.[67] (2) A common human experience where the unknown nature of death causes anxiety and difficulty in acceptance.[68] (3) A prominent theme in Larkin's poetry, illustrated in several key works, including 'Ambulances' and 'Aubade'.[69] (4) Latha expresses her anxiety about dying and leaving her father, highlighting emotional vulnerability.[70] (5) An anxiety about mortality that affects the enjoyment of life's moments.[71]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The author addresses the ultimate anxiety related to mortality, illustrating the universal human fear of the end of life.[72] (2) The text indicates that in this life, everything is filled with fear, and the fear of death is specifically mentioned as an aspect of this fear.[73] (3) The speaker asserts that they are not associated with this emotion, implying an existence that transcends the limitations of mortality and its anxieties.[74] (4) The fear of death is not the speaker's true identity, as the text distinguishes the self from this emotional state.[75] (5) An innate apprehension or anxiety related to the end of life, a characteristic present in children, which cannot be explained if it is the first experience.[76]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Fear of death is something that the text suggests that one should be prepared for, by being watchful and prepared with good works to meet our Judge when the end of the world draws near.[77] (2) The intense anxiety regarding mortality that could not bring about a change in the survivors' sinful ways.[78]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The apprehension felt by the man as he contemplated the fate that awaited him if he failed to help the Queen.[79] (2) The reaction of the King's retinue when they realized they had mistakenly captured the King instead of Matalana.[80]