Significance of Fearlessness
Synonyms: Bravery, Courage, Boldness, Intrepidity, Audacity, Gallantry, Determination
In Dutch: Onbevreesdheid; In Finnish: Pelottomuus; In Spanish: Intrepidez; In German: Furchtlosigkeit; In Swedish: 翱谤盲诲诲丑别迟; In Malay: Ketakutan; In French: 滨苍迟谤茅辫颈诲颈迟茅
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fearlessness'
Fearlessness in Buddhism represents a profound state achieved through liberation from suffering, allowing practitioners to confront challenges confidently and act with courage, reflecting the qualities exemplified by the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A mental state marked by the absence of fear, often resulting from a sense of security and ethical conduct.[1] (2) A trait of being unafraid, resulting from not tormenting other beings, which fosters a sense of security.[2] (3) The state of being without fear, which the Buddha exemplified, allowing him to preach the Dharma confidently.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A state of being free from fear and suffering, conferred by the Bodhisattva鈥檚 powers.[4] (2) A state achieved through the dispelling of fears, facilitated by the ability to manifest different shapes and recite mantras.[5] (3) A quality obtained by Purnamaitreyaniputra through eloquence and the power of speaking dharma, signifying confidence in his spiritual practice.[6]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A mental state achieved through enlightenment where one is free from the anxieties of the worldly existence.[7] (2) A spiritual state attained in which one is liberated from the fears tied to birth, death, suffering, and the lower realms of existence.[8]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The quality of not being afraid in the face of difficulties, allowing practitioners to maintain their focus.[9] (2) The quality of being unafraid and confident in proclaiming truths and guiding others on the spiritual path, exemplified by the buddha.[10]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The state of being free from fear, often associated with the teachings and presence of the Buddha.[11]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A state of mind achieved by Bodhisattvas where they are free from fear and doubt, enabling them to teach the Dharma with confidence.[12]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A spiritual quality that allows practitioners to confront challenges and adversities without being overwhelmed by fear.[13]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The quality of being unafraid and having reached a state free from trepidation.[14]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A state of mind marked by a lack of fear, which can lead to reckless or immoral behavior.[15]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The quality of being brave and unafraid, often associated with the spiritual realization of an enlightened being.[16]
Hindu concept of 'Fearlessness'
In Hinduism, Fearlessness reflects a state achieved through devotion to the supreme Lord, liberation from Samsara, and realization of one's unity with Brahman, leading to courage, peace, and freedom from worldly fears and challenges.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A state of being free from fear, as emphasized by the phrase 'ma bhaishtetya'.[17] (2) The state of being free from fear, which Lord Krishna provides to Rukmini.[18] (3) Fearlessness denotes the state of being free from fear, highlighted in the context of reassurance given to King Raivata.[19] (4) The state of being free from fear, as conveyed through the Lord's message.[20] (5) The quality or state of being free from fear, provided by Lord Krishna.[21]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A state of being free from fear, attributed to the influence of divine blessings as noted in the context.[22] (2) The quality of being unafraid or having courage, particularly in relating to spiritual devotion and challenges faced by devotees.[23] (3) A state of being free from fear, awarded by the lotus feet of Shri Gaurasundara.[24]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The protection bestowed by Shri Bhagavan upon Indra and his consort from the threats posed by daityas.[25] (2) A quality that devotees achieve through sincerest devotion (hari-bhakti), liberating them from worldly fears and concerns.[26] (3) The state granted to devotees by the lotus hands of Lord Nrisimhadeva, promising safety in the face of threats.[27]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The comfort and safety provided by Krishna's arms to the surrendered souls.[28] (2) The state of being devoid of fear, which is attained through devotion to Krishna and surrendering to His will.[29]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The characteristic of being unafraid, especially in the context of spiritual preaching and sharing beliefs despite opposition.[30]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A quality associated with the realization of non-duality, indicating a state free from fear.[31] (2) A quality of the Atman that arises from its immutability and freedom from change, signifying a state of perfect peace.[32] (3) A state where the self is free from any kind of fear, which contrasts with the fears perceived by the Yogis.[33] (4) The state of being free from fear which is natural to those who realize their identity with Brahman.[34]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A state described as the essence of Brahman, signifying a profound lack of fear attained through knowledge.[35] (2) A state of being free from fear, which is used as one of the arguments to support the existence of Brahman.[36] (3) The state of being free from fear, which is attained through knowledge of Brahman.[37]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A state of liberation from fear that arises through true knowledge and understanding of Brahman.[38]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A state of liberation described by Yajnavalkya, indicating the freedom achieved through understanding the true nature of the Self.[39]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The state of liberation or enlightenment reached through the understanding of Brahman, as highlighted in the scriptural passage.[40]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A desired state of being that is achieved when the individual soul aligns with its true nature and the will of the Supreme Person.[41]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The state of the Self that remains unaffected by fear, signifying its eternal and indestructible nature.[42]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The confident and composed demeanor of the guests as they sit at the banquet, symbolizing their noble lineage and bravery.[43] (2) The state of being without fear, a result of practicing self-restraint and understanding one's nature.[44] (3) A quality contributing to a person鈥檚 god-like possessions, representing the absence of fear.[45]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The state of being undaunted by life's challenges, recognizing the presence of the divine in all experiences.[46]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A characteristic of the dwellers of the forest, who resemble lions and tigers.[47]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The quality represented by the term 'abhayam', which was being recited by the brahmana and signifies courage in the face of danger.[48]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A state achieved through understanding one's unity with the Divine, leading to liberation from the fear of death and duality.[49]
Jain concept of 'Fearlessness'
In Jainism, Fearlessness embodies protection and fear dispelling, represented by Yaksha Kubera, and is attained through renunciation and detachment, emphasizing Yakshendra's role as a protector and symbol of courage.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A quality represented by one of Yaksha Kubera's arms, symbolizing protection and the dispelling of fear.[50] (2) A prominent attribute bestowed by Yakshendra, emphasizing his role as a protector and symbol of courage.[51]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A state to achieve through the practice of renunciation and detachment.[52]
The concept of Fearlessness in local and regional sources
Fearlessness, as described in the text, is a profound state of being unafraid, rooted in spiritual awareness, pivotal to Gandhi鈥檚 philosophy, empowering individuals against oppression, and essential for true freedom and societal progress.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Gandhi's characteristic bravery in facing challenges, admired greatly by Nehru.[53] (2) The absence of fear, which Bhatnagar asserts is essential for achieving true freedom.[54] (3) A key attribute of Gandhi's character, enabling him to confront authority and speak truthfully without fear.[55] (4) The state of being unafraid, achieved through the understanding that one's essence is the eternal soul rather than the physical body.[56] (5) An essential quality for Bharati that empowers individuals to act and strive for change.[57]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The absence of fear, which is a characteristic that should be embraced and always repeated, as it is a sign of weakness and should be overcome.[58] (2) This is the quality of being without fear, which Swamiji embodied, highlighting the importance of courage and confidence.[59] (3) This is a quality that is part of the solution that India has chosen, which helps nations to survive.[60] (4) A state where the person knows that they are in everything and in everybody, and they are the universe, and then comes the state of fearlessness.[61] (5) The central message from the Upanishads, which is the only religion to be taught, and is the opposite of fear, which brings degradation and sin.[62]