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Significance of Four fearlessnesses

The Four Fearlessnesses, referred to as vaisharadya, encompass qualities in a bodhisattva and the Buddha that reflect confidence and courage in the face of challenges and doubt. These attributes enable the bodhisattvas to teach the Dharma effectively, rooted in profound understanding and realization of emptiness. The four fearlessnesses confer security and assurance that eliminate fear, allowing both the Buddha and bodhisattvas to guide others with conviction. They are critical for spiritual authority and compassionate action within Buddhist teachings.

Synonyms: Bravery, Courage, Intrepidity

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Four fearlessnesses'

Buddhism Books

The Four Fearlessnesses in Buddhism embody qualities enabling bodhisattvas and the Buddha to act confidently and guide others without fear, reflecting deep realization and understanding essential for teaching and compassion.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The four states that define the Buddha's complete fearlessness in the face of obstacles or challenges.[1] (2) Four special qualities possessed by the Buddha that contribute to his effectiveness in helping beings.[2] (3) A set of characteristics that enable a bodhisattva to teach and guide others with confidence, essential for their role in helping beings.[3] (4) The specific instances of fearlessness that correspond to the functioning and expression of the ten powers.[4] (5) Attributes of confidence and security that support the practice of great compassion and loving-kindness.[5]

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) The qualities of confidence possessed by the Buddha in teaching and guiding beings towards enlightenment.[6] (2) Qualities of the Buddha that instill confidence and courage in sentient beings within the path to enlightenment.[7]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) The four qualities possessed by a fully awakened being, allowing them to act without fear.[8]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) Proclamations made without fear of contradiction, representing confidence in spiritual realizations.[9] (2) The qualities that allow buddhas to act without fear or doubt, derived from their profound understanding and realization.[10]