Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita on Fear
Arjuna’s crisis begins in grief and shrinking from battle. The teaching that follows includes the nature of the self and qualities such as fearlessness.
Fear of death and fear in duty are both in view. Neither is reduced to a modern self-help slogan here.
Bhagavad Gita 2.20
The self is not born and does not die; it is not slain when the body is slain.
This Atman is never born nor does it ever die; nor having once been, does it cease to be. This Atman is unborn, eternal, everlasting and ancient; it is not destroyed when the body is destroyed.
Bhagavad Gita 4.10
Many have taken refuge, become free of passion, fear, and anger, and been purified by knowledge of Krishna.
Many men who have taken refuge in Me, free from attachment, fear and anger, purified by the austerity of knowledge, have attained My nature.
Bhagavad Gita 16.1–3
Lists fearlessness among the qualities said to be divine.
Sri Bhagavan said: Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge-Yoga, charity, self-restraint, sacrifice, self-study, austerity and straightforwardness. Non-violence, truth, absence of anger, renunciation, peace, refraining from slander (not speaking ill of others), compassion toward all beings, absence of greed, gentleness, modesty, steadiness. O Bharata! Splendour, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, absence of malice and absence of arrogance—these are all the marks of one who has attained divine wealth.
Bhagavad Gita 18.66
The closing refuge verse, often read in relation to fear of failing in dharma.
Abandoning all Dharmas, take refuge in Me alone; I shall free you from all sins; do not grieve.
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