Buddhist Lama: it is better to look your fears in the face than run away from them

Fear. We all experience it.

We worry about their loved ones about self esteem, old age or even death. Or perhaps we read the news, watch the stories of violence, tragedies on the Indian highways and Railways, we learn fresh details about panic among the residents.

The object of our fear depends on who we are and the environment in which we live. In a society guided by the spirit of competition, we fear that will not hold at the same level with their peers, neighbors or colleagues. In a culture obsessed with accumulation of material goods, we're afraid that we don't have enough or less money than others.Such fears — it is quite normal. The good news is that fear is not a bad thing; it means you are alive. But when fear suppresses is something else.



 

Fear in Buddhism

Before attaining Enlightenment, the Buddha was afraid, like everyone else. He was also afraid to grow old, get sick and die. However, he realized that fear is like a self-fulfilling prophecy: without an understanding of the cyclical nature of the world, what we fear will be repeated again and again.

If there's something we fear in the moment, in this life and are unable to figure it all out — the same situation again in the future, in future lives.

According to Buddhism, only when we are freed from causes (karma — caused actions, and flare — preventing the emotions), the conditions (familiar behavior patterns and trends) and results (various types of existence) fear, we can begin to overcome it.

It may seem that to get rid of the disturbing emotions, and harmful actions — this is easier said than done. However, our future depends on it. There is a kind of fear that can destroy everything that is good in our world. This fear, or rather, "horror", is born when we give up negative emotions, and reject the universal law of karma and causality. When we don't believe in cause and effect, when ignored the cyclical nature of fear and of life itself, then we are able to commit any crime. Yielding to fear, we're shaking the foundations of virtue, and risk losing the moral foundations of society. When we fail to understand fear, it becomes our enemy.

Overcoming fear through understanding

Fortunately, as humans we have a unique advantage that enables us to overcome the fear.

Other living creatures like animals, feel fear and emotions, but they are limited to five senses. People can use logic, reasoning, and especially its internal qualities such as the ability of the mind to look inward, and try to explore and understand what fear is.

Understanding and overcoming fear are one and the same. Fear is born from lack of knowledge and understanding of the "unknown". So the solution is to understand fear. It is necessary not to push him away, but to recognize as part of life, and try to send to a good cause. When we understand fear, it becomes our friend.

People have a unique alternatives and the ability to overcome fear. We may not always see it, especially being scared, but she's always here. Do we use this chance depends on us.

One of the biggest drawbacks of fear that this loss of precious time. If we behave anyhow and do not understand the true nature of emotions, fear can pile up to such an extent that it will consume us. We will experience defeat. From the point of view of Buddhism, in this moment we forget that sympathy exists, that compassion will prevail and that moment of oblivion is born of fear.

To send fear into the channel of loving kindness

Examining fear from a position of good, we can use thinking and logic to overcome it. Whether this occurs through meditation, conversations with relatives or in other ways, we disclose "unknown" and lose the fear of force. Studying it, we learn a simple and powerful truth: fear is not good and not bad. Fear neutral. Positive or negative is our response and attitude to the fear — as we understand it, treat it as directed. He is like any other life instrument. We learn that fear is not an integral part of existence, be it so, we would never have experienced peace and compassion.

Realizing that power belongs to us, not the emotions, we can channel the fear into something positive. Understanding fear helps us to be humble, kind and caring. Being a good man with a good heart, it's easier to look fear in the face. In such a cycle right conduct lies a great hope for humanity.

In terms of Buddhism, all the problems of our society stem from a lack of understanding and fear of the unknown. When we experience this ignorance is strength through logic, reflection, penetrating into boundless internal resources of wisdom and compassion, we raise the flag of hope — not only for ourselves but for our world. Understanding fear implies that we understand ourselves. Understanding fear we understand more about compassion, about what it means to be human.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of understanding and overcoming fear is that we are not wasting your time. In fact, we use fear to focus more on the precious present. We all know that are facing great difficulties in India and around the world. May we not lose a single second, because every moment is an opportunity. The way we meet fear with courage, understanding and loving kindness to all living beings. published

Buddhist Lama Karmapa

 

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

Source: yogatimejournal.ru/2015/05/u-straxa-glaza-veliki/#more-13996

Tags

See also

New and interesting