Sadhguru describes exploring the Root Cause of Fear and the Path to Freedom in a Sadhguru Sannidhyan.
Article | July 10, 2000
Sadhguru: Fear is a powerful and universal emotion that has shaped human behaviour for millennia. It acts as a defence mechanism, ensuring our survival by prompting us to respond to threats, both real and perceived. Yet, despite its evolutionary purpose, fear often manifests in ways that paralyze, control, and limit human potential. In the modern world, where physical dangers are less frequent, fear continues to thrive, fueled by psychological, emotional, and existential triggers. This raises essential questions: Why do we feel fear? What is its root cause? And, more importantly, how can we overcome it?
In a profound and succinct video, Sadhguru, a contemporary mystic and spiritual teacher, delves into the very essence of fear. Through his wisdom, he offers a unique perspective on how to transcend fear by understanding its origins and cultivating a deeper awareness. This article draws on Sadhguru's insights to explore the nature of fear, its underlying cause, and practical methods to free ourselves from its grip.
What is Fear?
At its core, fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat. This threat can be external—like a dangerous animal or an imminent physical harm—or internal, such as the fear of failure, rejection, or losing something or someone dear to us. Fear, therefore, is both a natural and learned response, rooted in our evolutionary biology and conditioned through life experiences.
Biologically, fear triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, preparing the body to either confront or flee from danger. Adrenaline surges through the bloodstream, the heart races, muscles tense, and our senses heighten. This response was crucial for early humans living in a world full of predators and immediate dangers. But in the modern world, this mechanism is often activated not by physical threats but by psychological and emotional concerns.
We fear failure, public speaking, loss of a loved one, poverty, and even success. Often, these fears are not immediate or life-threatening, but they still elicit strong emotional reactions. Fear, then, is no longer just about survival—it has become a pervasive mental and emotional force that shapes our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Why Do We Feel Fear?
Sadhguru explains that fear arises from our imagination. He asserts that the mind's capacity to project possibilities is both a blessing and a curse. As human beings, we possess the unique ability to think about the future, anticipate outcomes, and plan. However, this same ability can lead us to imagine negative scenarios, triggering fear even when there is no immediate danger.
Sadhguru states, "Fear is always about what will happen next, it's never about what's happening now." When we dwell in the future—worrying about things that might go wrong, or fearing the unknown—we become trapped in a cycle of anxiety. In essence, fear is not rooted in reality but in our projections and imaginations. We create mental images of failure, rejection, or suffering, and we become emotionally invested in these images as if they are certain outcomes.
The human mind, if left unchecked, becomes a powerful tool for creating fear. We start living not in the present moment, but in an imagined future that might never come to pass. This is why fear feels so overwhelming—it tricks us into believing that our imagined dangers are real and imminent.
The Basis of Fear
Sadhguru points out that the root cause of fear lies in our attachment to the impermanent aspects of life. We fear losing what we have: our possessions, relationships, status, health, or even our identity. This attachment stems from the ego, which identifies with external things and derives its sense of self-worth from them. When we fear losing these attachments, we experience anxiety, insecurity, and emotional turmoil.
At a deeper level, all fears boil down to the fear of losing control and, ultimately, the fear of death. Whether we fear failure, judgment, or uncertainty, these fears are linked to the existential fear of non-existence. The thought of our mortality, though often repressed, influences many of our decisions and emotional responses.
Sadhguru explains, "The fear is simply because you are not living with life, you are living in your mind." The mind, he says, creates illusions of danger and loss, keeping us trapped in a loop of fear. Our mind clings to the idea of security and permanence, even though life is inherently transient and uncertain.
Understanding Fear: Sadhguru's Perspective
According to Sadhguru, fear is the result of identifying too strongly with the physical and mental aspects of existence. When we see ourselves as limited beings—confined to the body, mind, and our personal stories—fear arises naturally. We fear anything that threatens our sense of identity and safety.
Sadhguru emphasizes that fear cannot be conquered by external means. We can try to eliminate threats or seek security through material success, but this only provides temporary relief. True freedom from fear comes from transcending the limitations of the mind and recognizing our deeper nature.
In his teachings, Sadhguru encourages us to shift our awareness from the mind to the present moment. He says, "If you are rooted in reality, there is no fear." Reality, as he defines it, is the present moment—what is happening here and now, beyond the mind's projections and interpretations. When we are fully present, fear dissolves because it has no basis. Fear thrives in anticipation of the future, but when we focus on the present, there is no room for imagined dangers.
How Can We Overcome Fear?
Overcoming fear is not about suppressing or denying it. Rather, it is about understanding its nature and transforming our relationship with it. Sadhguru offers several practical approaches to overcoming fear, rooted in mindfulness, awareness, and inner transformation.
#1. Living in the Present Moment
As Sadhguru emphasizes, fear is always about the future. Therefore, one of the most powerful ways to overcome fear is to anchor ourselves in the present moment. When we are fully aware of what is happening right now, fear loses its power because it is based on imagined future scenarios.
Practices like meditation and mindfulness are effective tools for cultivating present-moment awareness. By observing our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment, we can distance ourselves from the mind's projections and stay grounded in reality.
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the here and now without getting lost in thoughts about the past or future. When we practice mindfulness, we realize that most of our fears are not based on actual threats, but on mental constructs. This realization allows us to break free from the grip of fear.
#2. Embracing Uncertainty
One of the key reasons we experience fear is our discomfort with uncertainty. We want to know what the future holds, and when we don't, fear arises. However, uncertainty is an inherent part of life. We cannot predict or control everything, and the more we try to do so, the more anxious we become.
Sadhguru advises us to embrace uncertainty rather than resist it. He explains that life is a flow, and it is impossible to know what will happen next. When we accept this truth, we stop fearing the unknown and learn to trust the process of life. Instead of clinging to outcomes, we develop a sense of openness and curiosity about the future.
Embracing uncertainty requires a shift in mindset. Instead of seeing the unknown as a threat, we can view it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. When we let go of the need to control every aspect of life, we become more resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges.
#3. Dissolving the Ego
The ego is the aspect of the self that identifies with the body, mind, and external circumstances. It thrives on attachment to possessions, relationships, and social status, and it fears anything that threatens these attachments. To overcome fear, we must dissolve the ego's hold over us.
Sadhguru teaches that the ego is a construct of the mind—it is not our true self. By recognizing that we are more than our physical and mental identity, we can free ourselves from the fears that arise from egoic attachment. This requires a process of self-inquiry and introspection, where we question the beliefs and assumptions that form the foundation of our fears.
Meditative practices, such as self-inquiry and yoga, help us transcend the ego and connect with our deeper, more expansive nature. When we realize that our true self is beyond the body and mind, we no longer fear the loss of physical or material things. We begin to experience a sense of inner peace and security that is not dependent on external circumstances.
#4. Cultivating Inner Balance
Sadhguru emphasizes the importance of inner balance in overcoming fear. When we are emotionally and mentally balanced, fear cannot easily take hold of us. Inner balance comes from a stable and harmonious mind, which can be cultivated through regular practices of meditation, yoga, and self-care.
Inner balance involves developing a calm and centred state of being, where we are not easily swayed by external events or emotional turmoil. When we are balanced, we can respond to challenges with clarity and composure, rather than reacting out of fear or anxiety.
To cultivate inner balance, it is important to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. This includes getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Practices like deep breathing, journaling, and spending time in nature can also help restore a sense of balance and calm.
#5. Facing Fear with Awareness
Instead of avoiding or suppressing fear, Sadhguru advises us to face it with awareness. When fear arises, we should observe it without judgment or resistance. By bringing conscious attention to our fears, we can begin to understand their underlying causes and patterns.
Facing fear with awareness allows us to see that fear is not an enemy—it is a natural response to the unknown. When we confront fear with openness and curiosity, we disarm it. Rather than being overwhelmed by fear, we can use it as an opportunity for growth and self-awareness.
In this process, it is helpful to ask ourselves: What is the source of my fear? Is this fear based on reality, or is it a projection of my mind? By examining our fears with awareness, we can often see that they are not as threatening as they initially appear. This insight helps us break free from the cycle of fear.
#6. Trusting the Intelligence of Life
Sadhguru encourages us to trust the intelligence of life. Life is an intricate and interconnected process, and it is beyond our limited understanding and control. When we trust that life is unfolding in the way it needs to, we can let go of our fears and anxieties.
Trusting life does not mean being passive or indifferent. It means acknowledging that while we cannot control everything, we can choose how we respond to the circumstances of life. When we trust the process of life, we become more resilient in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
Trusting life also involves cultivating a sense of faith in our own inner wisdom. When we tune into our intuition and inner guidance, we are better equipped to navigate fear and uncertainty. This inner wisdom comes from a deep connection with our true self, which is beyond the limitations of the mind.
The Path to Freedom from Fear
Fear is a natural part of the human experience, but it does not have to control our lives. By understanding the root cause of fear and cultivating awareness, we can break free from its grip. Sadhguru's teachings offer a profound perspective on overcoming fear—one that emphasizes present-moment awareness, inner balance, and trust in the intelligence of life.
Ultimately, the path to freedom from fear is a journey of self-awareness and inner transformation. It requires us to shift our focus from the mind's projections to the reality of the present moment. It invites us to dissolve the ego, embrace uncertainty, and trust in the unfolding of life.
When we cultivate these qualities, fear loses its power over us. We become more resilient, adaptable, and at peace with the uncertainties of life. In this state of inner freedom, we can live fully and authentically, unburdened by the limitations of fear.
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