Fear is the main enemy of our inner strength. It weakens us to such an extent that we are unable to distinguish between good and evil – and even if we able to so distinguish; it renders us helpless and unable to act (meaningfully) upon this distinction. Fear is the avowed enemy of the self. It is a hurdle in the full and free expression of the human condition. If I say that I am afraid, that is to acknowledge that I am not a free person. That fear conditions my actions and responses, that I do not have the courage to break the shackles of bondage. Existential doubts may give rise to fear, and fear leads to a weakening of our inner resolve. The greater the fear of a particular step (or path), the more the conscious mind avoids taking a decision concerning it; though the subconscious may pursue various options and alternatives in the form of ideas, inspiration or dreams. Above all, we should not let the decision-making pathways of the conscious mind be adulterated or influenced by fear. One should not be afraid of one’s actions, one should be afraid of failing to act…

This brings us to a deeper truth – we should learn not to fear God. God is not responsible for any misfortune that befalls us; rather it is the chance events of the day that are to be blamed. Thus, one may find fault with one’s fate, but never with God. Fear of an unfortunate turn of events should not be turned into a fear of God. And by propitiating God, one does not do away with the underlying cause, which must be addressed by itself. Faith is a refuge; faith is not an excuse for failure to act.

We are not born to live in fear. Fear is bred into our genes, and it has to be reasoned away. The instinct of survival is a natural – albeit selfish – one. This is the first lesson to be learned in the truth of the species. It is not a lesson to be ashamed of, for it is part of the human condition. We should not let fear govern us, and rule us in its entirety. The subconscious engages in flights of fancy as it tries to reason with the unknown. It is only a defense mechanism (of the subconscious) aimed at self-preservation. It seeks the protection of the person, and has his welfare at heart. However, we would do well to remember that man is not just an animal in search of shelter and safety; he is a sentient being in search of self-fulfillment.

Do not deny fear – it is real, it exists deep within our hearts. Acknowledge it, and seek out its roots. Be aware of one’s fears, but reason with them. Fear, once it is ingrained in our hearts, does not allow us to reveal our true selves. There is no logical reason for us to be afraid. This is especially true of those who have nothing to lose but their fear itself! What are we afraid of? We should, in truth, only be afraid of our emotional behavior – this is to be avoided at all costs. It is possible to unlearn fear as part of a rational process, even though fear is an instinct inborn in us, which becomes strengthened through constant use (or misuse, one should say) as we grow older. Truth is the path that leads to freedom from fear – truth that is free from hypocrisy. In other words, one should be true to one’s inner nature to gain freedom from fear. A serene acceptance of life, founded on faith, is the antidote to fear. To overcome fear, the conscious (thinking) person should identify with and be true to his inner nature; breaking the linkages with the ego (self-image) one by one. Fear is to be overcome with the mind, and not with the heart. Follow the dictates of logic to overcome the emotions of the heart. Control the mind maintaining equilibrium and the fear will go away; thus restoring our inner peace.

We are sometimes afraid of other people, or to be more precise, of intimate contact with them. We fear that this may lead to the loss of one’s individuality. It is possible that we fear exposure of the ego (self-image) as hollow and pretentious – which can only hasten its disintegration and demise. Fear is an emotion we feel when we commit an act which is considered wrong (in society), and which we therefore wish to conceal lest it become common knowledge. We must be confident of ourselves, and comfortable with who we are. If we have confidence in our own abilities, we need not fear possible harm to the ego (self-image) when it is put to the test. Faith enables us to overcome our innate fears, and negates the fears of our fellows.

Men are not immune to the threat of force, or to the lure of cowardice, even though their conscience may be rooted in the law. When something unexpected or problematic occurs, it must be faced squarely. There is no point in merely going over in the mind what could – or should – have taken place. We must accept the situation as it is, and go on from there. We should not live in fear of the future, nor should we be afraid of the past; these fears combine to make us fearful of the present. The way does not lie in submission – the brave have to be strong enough to withstand despondency and despair without any ill–effects. Courage is the preserve of self-disciplined souls. Courage is also the duty of the followers of the path of virtue. Where courage is to be found, determination too is to be found. And, perhaps, the beginnings of faith. Courage is necessary to those whose duty it is to serve humanity – or any other noble cause. Especially if they find themselves in trouble, or are deemed to have failed in their task. In sum, the individual requires courage to succeed, irrespective of the situation.