Gita for Life · Feelings
What does the Gita say about fear?
2 passages of the Gita on this question. Each shows what the verse says, why it belongs here, and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s explanation.
In short
Fear is natural in a world where everything can be lost. The Gītā does not ask you to pretend you are not afraid: it shows where fear comes from, which fears to listen to, and how taking shelter of Kṛṣṇa makes the heart fearless.
Fear looks at tomorrow alone. Faith looks at tomorrow with Kṛṣṇa.
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Fear can dress itself up as good reasons
pāpam evāśrayed asmān Bhagavad-gītā 1.36
What the verse says
Seeing his relatives ready to fight, Arjuna argues that sin will overcome them if they kill such aggressors, and asks how they could ever be happy by killing their own kinsmen. Kṛṣṇa answers firmly: “Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise” 2.3.
Read 1.36 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
Sin will overcome us if we slay such aggressors. Therefore it is not proper for us to kill the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and our friends. What should we gain, O Kṛṣṇa, husband of the goddess of fortune, and how could we be happy by killing our own kinsmen?
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Śrīla Prabhupāda accepts that Arjuna was saintly by nature and wanted to forgive. Yet a person with responsibility, he adds, must not be cowardly, and he gives the example of Lord Rāma, who was perfectly saintly and never showed cowardice.
“Although a responsible man in the administration of a state is required to be saintly, he should not be cowardly.”
Lesson
When you want to avoid something difficult, look honestly at your reasons. Some are wise; some are only fear speaking in a polite voice.
Example
A student says, “I won’t apply for that course; it isn’t right for me.” Sometimes that is true. Sometimes it really means, “I am afraid I will fail.”
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Where fear comes from
bhayaṁ cābhayam eva ca Bhagavad-gītā 10.4–5
What the verse says
Among the many states of living beings that Kṛṣṇa says are “created by Me alone” are pleasure and pain, birth and death, and also fear and fearlessness.
Read 10.4–5 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
Intelligence, knowledge, freedom from doubt and delusion, forgiveness, truthfulness, self-control and calmness, pleasure and pain, birth, death, fear, fearlessness, nonviolence, equanimity, satisfaction, austerity, charity, fame and infamy are created by Me alone.
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that fear comes from worrying about the future. A person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness has no fear, because his future, going back to Godhead, is bright; others do not know what the next life holds, and so they live in constant anxiety.
“Fear is due to worrying about the future.”
Lesson
Most fears live in tomorrow: the result, the interview, the medical report. You cannot control tomorrow, but you can secure your real future, your relationship with Kṛṣṇa, today.
Example
The night before the board-exam results, a boy cannot sleep. The result is already decided; only his worry is new. Chanting a few rounds and going to bed would serve him better than refreshing the website.
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The deepest fear: the soul is never killed
na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre Bhagavad-gītā 2.20
What the verse says
Kṛṣṇa says the soul is never born and never dies; having once existed, he never ceases to be. He is unborn, eternal and ancient, and “He is not slain when the body is slain.”
Read 2.20 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the body is born, grows, dwindles and vanishes, but the soul goes through none of these changes: it is the body that takes birth, not the soul.
“The soul does not take birth there, and the soul does not die.”
Lesson
Behind many fears (of illness, accidents, old age) stands the fear of death. Knowing that you are the soul, not the body, removes the root of that fear, even if the body still trembles.
Example
Before a serious operation, a grandmother tells her family, “My body is in the doctor’s hands; I am in Kṛṣṇa’s.” She is still nervous, but she is not lost.
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Learn what to fear and what not to fear
kāryākārye bhayābhaye Bhagavad-gītā 18.30
What the verse says
Understanding in the mode of goodness knows what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, “what is to be feared and what is not to be feared,” and what binds and what sets one free.
Read 18.30 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
O son of Pṛthā, that understanding by which one knows what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what is binding and what is liberating, that understanding is established in the mode of goodness.
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this right understanding comes from the directions of scripture. One who does not know them becomes entangled in action and reaction; understanding that can tell the difference is in goodness.
“Understanding which discriminates by intelligence is situated in the mode of goodness.”
Lesson
Not every fear is bad. Fear of doing wrong, of hurting others or of wasting this human life protects you. Fear of what people will say, of looking foolish or of honest effort usually only holds you back. Sort your fears.
Example
A young employee is afraid to tell his manager about a mistake, but not afraid to hide it. Real intelligence turns this the other way round: hiding the mistake is what he should fear.
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Even a little devotion protects you
trāyate mahato bhayāt Bhagavad-gītā 2.40
What the verse says
On the path of devotion there is no loss or diminution, and “a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.”
Read 2.40 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that material work brings no profit unless it is completed, but work done for Kṛṣṇa is never lost, even if it is unfinished: it continues into the next life.
“One percent done in Kṛṣṇa consciousness bears permanent results”
Lesson
You don’t have to become a great saint before fear begins to loosen its grip. Begin small: a few rounds of chanting, one verse a day. Nothing you do for Kṛṣṇa is ever wasted.
Example
Savings in a bank can be lost when the market crashes. A prayer offered to Kṛṣṇa, even by a child, is kept safe for ever.
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Fearlessness: knowing you are never alone
abhayaṁ sattva-saṁśuddhir Bhagavad-gītā 16.1–3
What the verse says
The first of the divine qualities Kṛṣṇa lists is fearlessness, followed by purity of one’s existence, cultivation of spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control and many more that belong to godly people.
Read 16.1–3 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
The Blessed Lord said: Fearlessness, purification of one's existence, cultivation of spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control, performance of sacrifice, study of the Vedas, austerity and simplicity; nonviolence, truthfulness, freedom from anger; renunciation, tranquility, aversion to faultfinding, compassion and freedom from covetousness; gentleness, modesty and steady determination; vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, freedom from envy and the passion for honor—these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature.
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Speaking of the renunciant who lives without any material support, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that fearlessness is the firm conviction that Kṛṣṇa, as the Supersoul, is always within, sees everything, and will take care of a soul surrendered to Him. One should think, “I shall never be alone.”
“Even if I live in the darkest regions of a forest I shall be accompanied by Kṛṣṇa, and He will give me all protection.”
Lesson
Fear grows when you feel alone. Real fearlessness is not toughness; it is the quiet confidence that Kṛṣṇa is with you in every place and every situation.
Example
A girl who has moved to a new city for her first job feels lost on the first night, far from her family. She keeps a small picture of Kṛṣṇa by her bed and reminds herself: I did not come here alone.
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Kṛṣṇa Himself comforts the frightened
āśvāsayām āsa ca bhītam enaṁ Bhagavad-gītā 11.50
What the verse says
Frightened by the universal form, Arjuna begged Kṛṣṇa to show again His form as the Personality of Godhead 11.45. Kṛṣṇa showed His four-armed form and then His two-armed form, “thus encouraging the fearful Arjuna.”
Read 11.50 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
Sañjaya said to Dhṛtarāṣṭra: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, while speaking thus to Arjuna, displayed His real four-armed form, and at last He showed him His two-armed form, thus encouraging the fearful Arjuna.
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that this form is called saumya-vapu, the most beautiful form, and that Kṛṣṇa, the director of the universe, removed His devotee’s fear by showing it to him again.
“He just banished the fear of Arjuna, His devotee, and showed him again His beautiful form of Kṛṣṇa.”
Lesson
When you are afraid, don’t keep staring at the danger. Turn your mind to Kṛṣṇa’s beautiful form: look at His picture, hear about Him, say His names.
Example
A small child frightened by thunder runs to her mother, and in her arms the storm feels smaller. Remembering Kṛṣṇa’s gentle form does the same for the heart.
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Take shelter of Kṛṣṇa, and do not fear
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ Bhagavad-gītā 18.66
What the verse says
Kṛṣṇa’s final instruction: give up all other paths and simply surrender to Him, and He will deliver you from all sinful reactions. “Do not fear.” Earlier He had asked Arjuna to declare boldly that “My devotee never perishes” 9.31.
Read 18.66 in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that we should be confident Kṛṣṇa will protect us in every situation. We need not worry about how to keep body and soul together; Kṛṣṇa will see to that. We should think ourselves helpless and depend on Him for our progress.
“One should be confident that in all circumstances Kṛṣṇa will protect him from all difficulties.”
Lesson
Surrender is not giving up. It is placing your life in the hands of the One who can truly protect it. Do your duty sincerely, then rest in His promise.
Example
A passenger on a train does not hold the coach up with his hands. He does what is his to do and trusts the driver. Surrender is travelling through life like that, with Kṛṣṇa at the controls.
Fear speaks, the Gītā answers
| Fear says | The Gītā answers | Verse |
|---|---|---|
| “I have good reasons to run away.” | “Is it wisdom, or weakness of heart?” | 1.36 |
| “What if tomorrow goes wrong?” | “Fear lives in the future; my future is with Kṛṣṇa.” | 10.4–5 |
| “What if I die?” | “The body will end one day; I, the soul, never will.” | 2.20 |
| “Everything frightens me.” | “Some fears protect me; many only hold me back.” | 18.30 |
| “My small effort is useless.” | “Even a little devotion is never lost.” | 2.40 |
| “I am all alone.” | “Kṛṣṇa is always with me.” | 16.1–3 |
| “No one can protect me.” | “Kṛṣṇa has promised to protect me.” | 18.66 |
Our reflections, each based on the verse named beside it.
Ask yourself
- Which of my fears are really about tomorrow, not about today?
- Is there something I avoid while giving myself a noble-sounding reason?
- Which of my fears protect me, and which only hold me back?
- When I am afraid, where does my mind go first: to the danger, or to Kṛṣṇa?
- What small daily practice could remind me that I am never alone?
The essence
Fear comes from forgetting who we are and who is with us. Remember that you are an eternal soul in Kṛṣṇa’s care, do your duty, and hear His words to Arjuna as words to you: “Do not fear.”
If fear or worry becomes too heavy, talk to someone you trust. In India you can call the free Tele-MANAS helpline, 14416.
The headings, explanations, lessons, examples, table and questions are ours, written to help you apply the verses. The Sanskrit lines, the verse translations and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s quoted words are from Bhagavad-gītā As It Is as published on vedabase.cc, unaltered.
All the verses for this topic
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Bhagavad-gītā 18.66
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.
Why this verse is here
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear. (18.66 sarva-dharmān parityajya...)
From the thematic compilation Bhakti, the Topmost Yoga
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
From the purport to 18.66
One should be attracted by the beautiful vision of Kṛṣṇa. His name is Kṛṣṇa because He is all-attractive. One who becomes attracted by the beautiful, all-powerful, omnipotent vision of Kṛṣṇa is fortunate. There are different kinds of transcendentalists—some of them are attached to the impersonal Brahman vision, some of them are attracted by the Supersoul feature, etc., but one who is attracted to the personal feature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and, above all, one who is attracted by the Supreme Personality of Godhead as Kṛṣṇa Himself, is the most perfect transcendentalist. In other words, devotional service to Kṛṣṇa, in full consciousness, is the most confidential part of knowledge, and this is the essence of the whole Bhagavad-gītā. Karma-yogīs, empiric philosophers, mystics, and devotees are all called transcendentalists, but one who is a pure devotee is the best of all. …
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Bhagavad-gītā 1.36–38
Sin will overcome us if we slay such aggressors. Therefore it is not proper for us to kill the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and our friends. What should we gain, O Kṛṣṇa, husband of the goddess of fortune, and how could we be happy by killing our own kinsmen?
Show the other 1 verses of 1.36–38
O Janārdana, although these men, overtaken by greed, see no fault in killing one's family or quarreling with friends, why should we, with knowledge of the sin, engage in these acts?
Bhagavad-gītā 1.37–38 Why this verse is here
Third reason – Fear of sinful reactions
From the study outline of the chapter
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains
From the purport to 1.36
According to Vedic injunctions there are six kinds of aggressors: 1) a poison giver, 2) one who sets fire to the house, 3) one who attacks with deadly weapons, 4) one who plunders riches, 5) one who occupies another's land, and 6) one who kidnaps a wife. Such aggressors are at once to be killed, and no sin is incurred by killing such aggressors. Such killing of aggressors is quite befitting for any ordinary man, but Arjuna was not an ordinary person. He was saintly by character, and therefore he wanted to deal with them in saintliness. This kind of saintliness, however, is not for a kṣatriya. Although a responsible man in the administration of a state is required to be saintly, he should not be cowardly. For example, Lord Rāma was so saintly that people were anxious to live in His kingdom, (Rāma-rājya), but Lord Rāma never showed any cowardice. …
Everyday questions answered by these verses
Related topics
Each verse is linked to this topic by a statement in our primary study source, shown under “Why this verse is here”. The verses and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s words are quoted from Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, unaltered.