What is the origin of fear and why does it trouble us?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"Fear is the shadow of the ego, born from the illusion of identifying with the perishable; when the 'I' dissolves into emptiness, fear simply vanishes."
According to Osho, fear arises from mistaken identification with the perishable body and the wavering mind; it is the shadow of the ego. Because we take what dies and changes as 'I,' the certainty of death haunts us. Attempts to eliminate fear only strengthen it. When identification dissolves and the 'I' disappears into emptiness, fear vanishes.
Fear comes because we think we are our body and thoughts that can die and change; when we stop clinging to them, fear fades.
Why this matters practically
- Instead of fighting fear, watch it and notice the 'I' it protects; awareness weakens attachment.
- Practice witnessing body and mind to loosen identification and ego.
- Approach spirituality from understanding, not crisis bargains, gaining steadiness amid change and death.
- Practice witnessing body and mind to loosen identification and ego.
- Approach spirituality from understanding, not crisis bargains, gaining steadiness amid change and death.
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