SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0188 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

Fear is a very great obstacle in the path of Sadhana .
A timid aspirant is absolutely unfit for the spiritual path .

One must risk one’s very life if one wishes to attain immortality . The spiritual wealth cannot be gained without self-sacrifice , self-denial or self-abnegation .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0189 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

Fear is purely an imaginary non-entity .

Fear is a common instinct in everyone . Even the elements of nature , animals , insects and practically every creation on earth are subject to fear .

You must conquer this worst malady of mind if you wish to succeed in either material or spiritual path . If one conquers fear , one is on the road to success .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0190 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

Freedom from fear can be achieved by liberation from the objects of fear .

Re-educating the mind , bringing forth the power of the inner Spirit , dealing with the practical affairs , diligently putting into practice the knowledge that one possesses are all essential factors to overcome fear .

It must be felt that there is no object on earth which is to be afraid of or to be feared at .

You must essentially be bold , courageous and chivalrous .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0191 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

Fear is generally the result of pain , injury and discomfort .

There is a hereditary aspect of this instinct which accounts for its universality and its persistence . Factors of environment and training are also significant .

The idea of some external superior power over one's self is the chief cause of fear .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0192 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

Relatively the mind adopts an entirely different attitude .

Vision changes .
Glaring perception fails .
The mind is not balanced .
There is some abnormality in thoughts and actions .
Hysteric and neurasthenic convulsions are all due to one form of fear or other .

Impulsion and desire to escape or flee from the dangerous situation are the immediate results .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0193 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

But how to conquer fear ?

Whenever a child is afraid of something , you say that there is nothing to be feared , thus denying the object of fear .

Denial is the first step in the procedure .

Subsequently you explain to the child the actual thing , the Truth . Thus you convince that it was only fancy which created the sensation of fear .

You just positively affirm and assert what is true .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0194 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

You must develop constantly the knowledge that there is nothing in the universe to cause fear .

The subconscious mind which is first startled by an unusual sight , or incoherent voice should be kept assured that all such things are only false , the truth behind them being well acquainted with the normal sense and knowledge .

When fear is completely removed nothing can hurt you .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0195 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

Mere re-educating the mind will not strengthen the courage . Putting into practice on every occasion is quite essential . Well-developed knowledge coupled with practice alone can relieve one from fear .

Denying fear , one can overcome the object of fear itself .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0196 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

You should not have dualism in mind . You must always develop cosmic love and universal fellowship . When there is love and fellowship there is no enmity .

There is no superiority or inferiority of power . There is no pleasure or pain . Ultimately there is no fear .

This is the preliminary stage .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0197 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

The final stage is the feeling of Oneness of ALL . ALL are the manifest forms of BRAHMAN . ALL merge in BRAHMAN .

You can develop this feeling by giving up all attachment to this perishable body and identifying yourself with the Indweller , the Supreme Atman ( BRAHMAN ) .

This process entirely uproots fear and brings one into eternal peace . Fear does not emanate from one's Self .

It is the knowledge of the Self , the eternal Truth that totally annihilates fear .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0198 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

As regards the Sadhaka of devotional temperament , one should under all circumstances lay one’s fullest faith in GOD , take refuge in GOD and fully believe that GOD alone is one's sole refuge .

You must be very practical . You should first face boldly those ( and that ) of which you are afraid .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0199 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

You should meditate upon the various statements of Truth , that are contained in the Scriptures ; then your eye of wisdom will open , you will be gifted with right understanding and you will know the Truth .

This is worship of GOD . This is adoration to the Lord .

It is this which liberates you from all evils ( Ignorances ) .

SADHANA : TPPTSP | SEL0200 | SWAMI SIVANANDA

|| SADHANA FOR THE CONQUEST OF FEAR ||

Working mentally and practicing physically and at all times dwelling spiritually upon the divine thoughts , remaining in a higher stratum of mind , you not only overcome fear , but merge in the BRAHMAN Itself .