Significance of Fearlessness
Synonyms: Bravery, Courage, Boldness, Intrepidity, Audacity, Gallantry, Determination
In Dutch: Onbevreesdheid; In Finnish: Pelottomuus; In Spanish: Intrepidez
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 embodies a profound state of unafraid confidence, achieved through deep understanding and liberation from suffering. This quality enables practitioners to face challenges, guide others, and act ethically without being overwhelmed by fear.
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: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The quality achieved by Vimalakirti allowing him to confront and overcome the troubling vengeance of the Maras.[4] (2) The absence of fear that arises from deep understanding and acceptance of the nature of reality, especially regarding death and impermanence.[5] (3) The state attained by bodhisattvas that allows them to act with courage in the face of difficulties.[6]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A state of being free from fear and suffering, conferred by the Bodhisattva’s powers.[7] (2) A state achieved through the dispelling of fears, facilitated by the ability to manifest different shapes and recite mantras.[8] (3) A quality obtained by Purnamaitreyaniputra through eloquence and the power of speaking dharma, signifying confidence in his spiritual practice.[9]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A mental state achieved through enlightenment where one is free from the anxieties of the worldly existence.[10] (2) A spiritual state attained in which one is liberated from the fears tied to birth, death, suffering, and the lower realms of existence.[11]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The quality of not being afraid in the face of difficulties, allowing practitioners to maintain their focus.[12] (2) The quality of being unafraid and confident in proclaiming truths and guiding others on the spiritual path, exemplified by the buddha.[13]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The state of being free from fear, often associated with the teachings and presence of the Buddha.[14]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) The state of being free from fear, particularly bestowed upon sentient beings by Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.[15]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) A state of living without fear that is achieved through profound understanding and liberation from suffering.[16]
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.[17]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A spiritual quality that allows practitioners to confront challenges and adversities without being overwhelmed by fear.[18]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The quality of being unafraid and having reached a state free from trepidation.[19]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A state of mind marked by a lack of fear, which can lead to reckless or immoral behavior.[20]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) One of the states attained by creatures who realized the seven dhammas, indicating liberation from fear and suffering.[21]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The quality of being brave and unafraid, often associated with the spiritual realization of an enlightened being.[22]
Hindu concept of 'Fearlessness'
Fearlessness in Hinduism embodies a state of being free from fear, achieved through self-realization, devotion to the divine, and understanding one's true nature, leading to liberation and the experience of profound peace.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A state of being free from fear, as emphasized by the phrase 'ma bhaishtetya'.[23] (2) The state of being free from fear, which Lord Krishna provides to Rukmini.[24] (3) Fearlessness denotes the state of being free from fear, highlighted in the context of reassurance given to King Raivata.[25] (4) The state of being free from fear, as conveyed through the Lord's message.[26] (5) The quality or state of being free from fear, provided by Lord Krishna.[27]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A state of being free from fear, attributed to the influence of divine blessings as noted in the context.[28] (2) The quality of being unafraid or having courage, particularly in relating to spiritual devotion and challenges faced by devotees.[29] (3) A state of being free from fear, awarded by the lotus feet of Shri Gaurasundara.[30]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The protection bestowed by Shri Bhagavan upon Indra and his consort from the threats posed by daityas.[31] (2) A quality that devotees achieve through sincerest devotion (hari-bhakti), liberating them from worldly fears and concerns.[32] (3) The state granted to devotees by the lotus hands of Lord Nrisimhadeva, promising safety in the face of threats.[33]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The comfort and safety provided by Krishna's arms to the surrendered souls.[34] (2) The state of being devoid of fear, which is attained through devotion to Krishna and surrendering to His will.[35]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The characteristic of being unafraid, especially in the context of spiritual preaching and sharing beliefs despite opposition.[36]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The confident and composed demeanor of the guests as they sit at the banquet, symbolizing their noble lineage and bravery.[37] (2) The state of being without fear, a result of practicing self-restraint and understanding one's nature.[38] (3) A quality contributing to a person’s god-like possessions, representing the absence of fear.[39]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A state of being unattached to worldly concerns that leads to a profound sense of peace and realization of the self.[40] (2) A state achieved through devotion and realization of the supreme Lord, leading to liberation from the cyclical existence of Samsara.[41]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A state of being liberated from fear, regarded as a divine boon bestowed by the deity within the temple.[42]
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.[43]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A characteristic of the dwellers of the forest, who resemble lions and tigers.[44]
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.[45]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The state granted to Brahma by Shiva, signifying freedom from fear and insecurity.[46]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A state of being without fear, which was offered to Bana, emphasizing a theme of protection amidst chaos.[47]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A quality expected of an ascetic, indicating mental and emotional steadiness amidst life's challenges.[48]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A quality associated with the realization of non-duality, indicating a state free from fear.[49] (2) A quality of the Atman that arises from its immutability and freedom from change, signifying a state of perfect peace.[50] (3) A state where the self is free from any kind of fear, which contrasts with the fears perceived by the Yogis.[51] (4) The state of being free from fear which is natural to those who realize their identity with Brahman.[52]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A state described as the essence of Brahman, signifying a profound lack of fear attained through knowledge.[53] (2) A state of being free from fear, which is used as one of the arguments to support the existence of Brahman.[54] (3) The state of being free from fear, which is attained through knowledge of Brahman.[55]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A state of liberation from fear that arises through true knowledge and understanding of Brahman.[56]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A state of liberation described by Yajnavalkya, indicating the freedom achieved through understanding the true nature of the Self.[57]
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.[58]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The state of the Self that remains unaffected by fear, signifying its eternal and indestructible nature.[59]
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.[60]
Jain concept of 'Fearlessness'
Fearlessness in Jainism embodies a state attained through renunciation and detachment, highlighted by Yakshendra's protective attributes, and symbolizes courage as represented by Yaksha Kubera, emphasizing the dispelling of fear.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A quality represented by one of Yaksha Kubera's arms, symbolizing protection and the dispelling of fear.[61] (2) A prominent attribute bestowed by Yakshendra, emphasizing his role as a protector and symbol of courage.[62]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A state to achieve through the practice of renunciation and detachment.[63]
The concept of Fearlessness in local and regional sources
Fearlessness is a vital trait for Bharati, enabling individuals to confront challenges confidently. It embodies the courage to address duties without fear, reflecting Gandhi's philosophy by empowering people to resist oppression and advocate for change.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A key attribute of Gandhi's character, enabling him to confront authority and speak truthfully without fear.[64] (2) The state of being unafraid, achieved through the understanding that one's essence is the eternal soul rather than the physical body.[65] (3) An essential quality for Bharati that empowers individuals to act and strive for change.[66] (4) A central element of Gandhi's philosophy, it plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to oppose oppression and injustice.[67] (5) The absence of fear or anxiety when confronting challenging duties or responsibilities.[68]