Fear of the unknown is the mother of all fears. Much of our
anxiety and dread pertains to things and events of which we have no good knowledge.
Looking these fears squarely in the face can often make them vanish into thin air,
or at least make them appear less formidable.
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For although we take joy and hope to be synonymous with
life; pain, affliction, evil and injustice regularly impinge on our lives to
shock us out of such notions.
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The pursuit of happiness is a basic teleological urge
motivating all human behavior. The reveler in the streets, the scientist
involved in cutting-edge research, the connoisseur of art and the meditation
adept, each derives immediate or prospective pleasure from his or her specific
engagement physical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual. But that pleasure is
never unmixed.
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In its classificatory scheme of happiness (sukha) based on
the three gunas, the Bhagavad Gita tells us that sattvika sukha is a result of
prolonged, repeated and taxing effort that matures into a psychophysical state
of joyous equanimity. All higher forms of pleasure are defined by this category.
Sensual pleasure, on the other hand, is rajasika and is
characterized by an immediate sense of gratification. This satisfaction is not
only transient but ends up in misery for reasons that we shall soon discuss.
The third category of tamasika sukha is delusion of
happiness. The lazy and the callous, whose only source of happiness lies in sleeping
it off, comprise this category of tamasika people, and their number is by no means
insubstantial.
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Even in our more mundane moments, sorrow is a great
benefactor. It is sorrow that spontaneously collects our scattered minds and it
is in sorrow that we usually turn Godward. Moreover, it is the contrite heart that
is graced by God. It is for these reasons that Swami Vivekananda, echoing
Mother Kunti, once prayed: “Lord, place me in a position where all others may
criticize and abuse me, so that all my heart, mind, and love may turn to you
alone.” Suffering may well be the remedy for evil.
How To Overcome The Fear Of Unknown?
In Hindu philosophy, fear of the unknown is often seen as stemming from ignorance (Avidya) and attachment (Raga) to the transient aspects of life. Overcoming this fear involves several spiritual practices and philosophical understandings. Here are some key approaches from Hinduism to address and transcend the fear of the unknown:
1. Self-Knowledge (Atma Vidya)
- Understanding the Self (Atman): In Hinduism, knowing one's true self (Atman) is considered the highest form of knowledge. The realization that the self is eternal and beyond the physical body helps in transcending fears related to the unknown.
- Meditation (Dhyana): Regular meditation helps quiet the mind and allows one to experience the deeper reality of the self, reducing the grip of fear.
2. Bhakti (Devotion)
- Surrender to the Divine: Devotion to a personal deity (Ishta Devata) can provide comfort and security. Surrendering to the will of the divine and trusting in their guidance can alleviate fear.
- Prayer and Chanting: Engaging in regular prayer and chanting of mantras like the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, which is specifically for overcoming fear and seeking protection, can be very powerful.
3. Karma Yoga (Path of Action)
- Selfless Service (Seva): Engaging in selfless service and focusing on the well-being of others helps to diminish personal fears. By seeing the divine in all beings and acting without attachment to outcomes, one transcends personal anxieties.
4. Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge)
- Study of Scriptures (Svadhyaya): Reading and reflecting on sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and other scriptures provides wisdom and perspective on life and death, reducing fear.
- Discrimination (Viveka) and Detachment (Vairagya): Developing the ability to discriminate between the real (eternal) and the unreal (temporary) and cultivating detachment from material possessions and transient experiences can reduce fear.
5. Raja Yoga (Path of Discipline)
- Control of Mind (Manas): Practicing the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) as outlined by Patanjali, including ethical disciplines (Yamas and Niyamas), physical postures (Asanas), and breath control (Pranayama), helps in controlling the mind and emotions, thus overcoming fear.
6. Understanding the Nature of Life and Death
- Acceptance of Impermanence: Recognizing that life is transient and accepting the natural cycles of birth, life, death, and rebirth (Samsara) helps in reducing fear of the unknown.
- Karma and Reincarnation: Understanding the law of karma and the concept of reincarnation can provide a broader perspective on life events and reduce fear.
7. Association with Satsang (Holy Company)
- Spiritual Community: Associating with like-minded spiritual seekers and enlightened beings (Satsang) provides support and encouragement in overcoming fears.
By integrating these practices into daily life, one can gradually overcome the fear of the unknown and attain a state of inner peace and courage.