Significance of Freedom from fear
Freedom from fear is a multifaceted concept across various belief systems, symbolizing protection, compassion, and liberation from anxiety. In Jainism, it underscores the importance of welfare and safety, while Vaishnavism emphasizes achieving peace through devotion to Krishna. The Purana explores divine assurance from gods like Shiva and Vishnu, granting safety to believers. In Vedanta, it signifies realizing one's true nature, leading to a state devoid of fear. Historically, thinkers like Vivekananda associated freedom from fear with personal and national progress, advocating a life free from oppressive mental constructs.
Synonyms: Peace of mind, Security, Assurance, Tranquility, Safety
In Dutch: Vrijheid van angst
In Finnish: Vapaus pelosta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Freedom from fear'
In Buddhism, "Freedom from fear" signifies the protection offered by Avalokiteshvara against spiritual and physical threats, embodying a promise to alleviate anxiety and terror for beings seeking solace and safety.
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A promise made by Avalokiteshvara to alleviate the anxiety and terror experienced by beings.[1] (2) The relief and safety provided by Avalokiteshvara, illustrating his role as a protector against spiritual and physical terrors.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Freedom from fear'
In Hinduism, "Freedom from fear" encompasses various interpretations, including divine assurances of safety from threats, inner peace attained through spiritual practices, and liberation from existential anxieties, highlighting the benevolent qualities of deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Krishna.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The state achieved through spiritual practices, granting an individual confidence and security in various aspects of life.[3] (2) The assurance of safety and peace granted by deities like Lakshmi.[4] (3) The state achieved when the Pishaca, through the Brahmana's friendly engagement, finds mental peace and reassurance.[5] (4) A significant aspect of the divine intervention expected from Vishnu, aimed at alleviating the Devas' distress.[6] (5) A state attained through the grace of Narmada, liberating individuals from existential anxieties.[7]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The liberation provided by God that alleviates devotees from worldly anxieties and attachments.[8] (2) The assurance provided by Krishna that those who invoke his name would be protected from the serpent's threat.[9] (3) The state of liberation and peace that comes from spiritual realization and connection with the divine.[10]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A concept referring to the assurance of safety provided by divine forces to devotees or beings in distress.[11] (2) A state of security and assurance that Rama is expected to provide, reflecting his protective qualities.[12] (3) The boon Rama had provided to all, which emphasizes his protective nature.[13]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A state achieved through virtue and compassion, providing safety and tranquility in spiritual journeys.[14] (2) A state where a liberated sage lives without apprehension towards living beings.[15] (3) A boon granted by Shankara to Bana, reflecting themes of mercy and forgiveness in the narrative.[16]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The boon granted by Shiva to Brahma and others, allowing them to feel secure and protected.[17] (2) The reassurance provided by lord Shiva to the Ganas after they expressed their concerns.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A quality attributed to the wandering nature of Narada, likening it to the Sun that inspires beings with courage.[19] (2) The relief and safety experienced by devotees who worship Manasa, notably from the dangers of snake bites.[20]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The state of being liberated from anxieties and worries that plague the mind, leading to inner peace.[21] (2) Achieving liberation from all existential fears by understanding and worshipping the eternal cause within oneself.[22]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The state of being liberated from anxiety and dread, sought by the Devas from Brahma.[23] (2) The state of being unafraid or liberated from anxiety, emphasized in the discussions among the Devas.[24]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) A state of liberation from apprehension or anxiety.[25]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The state granted by Shiva to Indra, allowing him to confront the threats posed by Andhaka without trepidation.[26]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Refers to the peace and security provided by the goddess to her faithful followers.[27]
From: Linga Purana
(1) An important objective in the worship of Shiva, focusing on the protection and well-being of all beings.[28]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The state of being unrestricted by fear, which is questioned in the text.[29] (2) The state in which the jiva exists without fear, which is believed to be unattainable if viewed as separate from Ishvara.[30]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A state achieved by the released soul when it finds an abode in the invisible, incorporeal, and undefined.[31] (2) A state attained when the individual recognizes their true nature and the influence of the Supreme Person.[32]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A state of being devoid of anxiety or apprehension, resulting from the realization of absolute non-causation.[33]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A philosophical concept presented by Prajapati, suggesting that the true self should not experience fear, contrasting with the emotional realities faced during dreaming.[34]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The state in which one overcomes fear, contributing to a peaceful existence.[35]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The removal of apprehension regarding the worship of the Lord, allowing believers to engage with Him freely.[36]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The state of being without anxiety or dread, which is encouraged through the devoted practice of chanting Krishna's name.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A state achieved when an individual goes forth from home and grants safety to all beings against the fear of injury or death.[38]
Jain concept of 'Freedom from fear'
In Jainism, Freedom from fear encompasses safety and compassion, exemplified by Parshva's protective qualities, the care for buffalo by sheth Kamadeva, the support from sadhus, and the conflicting values upheld by King Jitashatru.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A concept associated with Parshva's protective nature, highlighting themes of safety and rulership.[39] (2) A concept requested by sheth Kamadeva concerning the welfare of the buffalo, symbolizing compassion and protection.[40] (3) The principle upheld by King Jitashatru in his kingdom, which clashed with his son's demands.[41] (4) The assurance and safety offered by sadhus to jivas, helping them to avoid harm.[42]
The concept of Freedom from fear in local and regional sources
Freedom from fear is essential for personal and national progress, enabling individuals to pursue truth, escape mental entanglements, and thrive in a supportive environment, fostering intellectual and personal growth without anxiety or oppression.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The essential condition for true investigation and understanding, promoting a rationalist mindset.[43] (2) A positive right ensuring individuals are protected from threats and violence in society.[44] (3) The state of living without anxiety or oppression, which Vivekananda believed was important for individual and national progress.[45] (4) The state of being unencumbered by anxiety or apprehension.[46] (5) A principle emphasizing the necessity of a safe and supportive academic environment, which allows for unrestricted intellectual and personal growth.[47]
From: Self-Knowledge in Krishnamurti’s Philosophy
(1) The state of not being hindered by fear, which is essential for experiencing true freedom.[48] (2) The vital need for individuals to be free from fear in order to seek truth and understanding.[49] (3) Freedom from fear is the liberation from entanglements that arise from beliefs, dogmas, nationalism, and other mental constructs that keep an individual isolated.[50]