In the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 16, Verse 1, fearlessness is listed first among a long list of all the qualities of a divinely inclined person. In God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita, Royal Science of God Realization, Paramahansa Yogananda says that fearlessness is listed first because it is the impregnable rock on which the house of spiritual life must be erected. Fearlessness means faith in God; faith in His protection; His Justice; His wisdom; His mercy; His love: His omnipresence. (p 956)
Yogananda explains that fear ties the mind and heart (feelings) to the external man, causing the consciousness to be identified with mental or physical nervousness, thus keeping the soul concentrated on the ego, the body, and the objects of fear. (p 956) For many, fear is like a soul-sucking disease, as both a cause and a result of imbalances in the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies.
Yogananda goes on to discuss that death is the ultimate challenge of spiritual faith, whereas illness is a great opportunity to bolster faith and courage: All…are meant to realize that soul consciousness can triumph over every external disaster. (p 957) However, when the fears in the subconscious have grown like a cancer in the mind, this is an indication of an entrenched karmic pattern that will require tremendous spiritual and mental effort to remedy.
In life and death, in disease, famine, pestilence, or poverty, may I ever cling to Thee. Help me to realize I am immortal Spirit, untouched by the changes of childhood, youth, age, and world upheavals. (Paramahansa Yogananda)
Beautiful and needed reminder. Thank you Juliana
Thank you for sharing this Julianalove! Just what I needed to hear and be reminded of
🙋♀️❤️🙏😘