Krishna’s Teachings on Finding Courage and Inner Strength
Introduction
Fear is one of the most powerful emotions that hold us back in life. It can paralyze us, cloud our judgment, and prevent us from fulfilling our true potential. Whether it’s the fear of failure, fear of loss, or even fear of death, this emotion stems from our attachment to the temporary and unknown.
In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna offers profound wisdom to overcome fear and discover the courage that comes from surrendering to Him. By understanding our eternal nature as the soul, placing our trust in Krishna, and embracing His guidance, we can transform fear into faith and anxiety into peace.
In this blog, we will explore Krishna’s teachings on conquering fear and discuss practical steps to cultivate unshakable courage in our daily lives.
Understanding the Nature of Fear
Fear arises when we identify ourselves with the temporary aspects of life—our body, mind, possessions, or relationships. We fear losing these things because we believe they define our identity or happiness. Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita that such identification is an illusion caused by ignorance of our eternal spiritual nature.
Fear can manifest in different ways:
- Fear of failure: Worrying about not achieving success or meeting expectations.
- Fear of loss: Being attached to relationships, wealth, or status and fearing their disappearance.
- Fear of the unknown: Uncertainty about the future or things beyond our control.
- Fear of death: The ultimate fear that arises from ignorance of the eternal soul.
Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad-gita address these fears at their root, empowering us to live with courage and clarity.
Krishna’s Teachings on Overcoming Fear
1. Understanding the Eternal Nature of the Soul
The root cause of fear is our ignorance of the real self—the soul, which is eternal and indestructible. In Bhagavad-gita 2.20, Krishna explains:
“For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.”
When we realize that we are not the body but the eternal soul, we understand that there is no reason to fear loss or death. The soul cannot be harmed, destroyed, or taken away—it exists eternally and is part of Krishna.
This knowledge frees us from the anxiety of identifying with temporary situations and allows us to face challenges with calmness and courage.
2. Take Shelter of Krishna
In Bhagavad-gita 18.66, Krishna offers a profound message of reassurance:
“sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ”
Translation:
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
This verse is the ultimate antidote to fear. Krishna promises that when we take full shelter of Him, He will protect us and guide us. Fear arises when we rely on our limited abilities, but when we surrender to Krishna and trust in His divine plan, we realize that we are never alone.
Surrender doesn’t mean giving up effort; it means offering our actions and their results to Krishna, knowing that He is in control and always has our best interest at heart.
3. Be Detached from the Results of Your Actions
One of the greatest fears we face is the fear of failure. Krishna teaches us to focus on performing our duties with sincerity, without being attached to the results. In Bhagavad-gita 2.47, He says:
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”
When we let go of the need to control the outcomes and focus on serving Krishna through our work, the fear of failure disappears. We do our best and leave the rest to Him.
4. Krishna is the Ultimate Protector
Krishna reassures Arjuna—and all of us—that He is the ultimate protector of His devotees. In Bhagavad-gita 9.22, He says:
“ananyāś cintayanto māṁ
ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ
yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham”
Translation:
“But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.”
When we take refuge in Krishna and rely on Him as our protector, we gain confidence that He will take care of us in every circumstance. This faith eliminates fear and fills us with inner strength.
Practical Steps to Overcome Fear
Here are practical ways to apply Krishna’s teachings and overcome fear in daily life:
- Chant the Holy Names of Krishna
Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra purifies the mind, removes anxiety, and connects us with Krishna:
“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
Regular chanting strengthens our faith and reminds us that Krishna is always with us. - Trust in Krishna’s Plan
Reflect on Krishna’s assurance in Bhagavad-gita 18.66—”Do not fear.” Remind yourself that Krishna has a plan for your life, and everything that happens is for your ultimate spiritual growth. - Study the Bhagavad-gita Daily
Regularly reading the Bhagavad-gita provides spiritual wisdom to face challenges with courage. Verses like 2.20 and 9.22 remind us of the eternal soul and Krishna’s protection. - Offer Your Fears to Krishna
In moments of fear or anxiety, pray to Krishna and offer your worries to Him. Trust that He will guide and protect you. Simple prayers like “Krishna, please take care of this situation” can bring immense relief. - Associate with Devotees
Surround yourself with devotees who inspire faith and trust in Krishna. Their positive association helps us remember Krishna’s teachings and strengthens our resolve. - Focus on Service
When we engage in devotional service, such as chanting, reading scriptures, or serving in the community, we shift our focus from fear to Krishna. Service purifies our heart and fills us with spiritual joy.
Arjuna’s Transformation: From Fear to Courage
Arjuna’s journey in the Bhagavad-gita is a perfect example of overcoming fear. At the beginning of the Gita, Arjuna was paralyzed by fear, confusion, and grief. He was unable to act because he was attached to his family and the outcome of the battle.
However, by hearing Krishna’s teachings and surrendering to Him, Arjuna regained his clarity, courage, and strength. He realized that Krishna was his protector and guide, and with this faith, he fearlessly performed his duty.
Arjuna’s transformation teaches us that by surrendering to Krishna, we too can overcome fear and face life’s challenges with confidence and peace.
Conclusion: Fearlessness Through Krishna’s Shelter
The teachings of the Bhagavad-gita remind us that fear arises from attachment and ignorance of our eternal spiritual nature. By taking shelter of Krishna, trusting His plan, and letting go of our attachments, we can transform fear into faith and anxiety into inner strength.
Krishna is our eternal protector and well-wisher. When we chant His holy names, study His teachings, and surrender our lives to Him, we become fearless, knowing that He is always with us.
“Do not fear,” Krishna says, and with faith in Him, we never have to.’
Hare Krishna! 🌸
Call to Action
- Chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily to find inner peace and strength.
- Study verses like Bhagavad-gita 2.20 and 18.66 to remind yourself of Krishna’s protection.
- Offer your fears to Krishna and trust that He will take care of you.
Stay tuned for the next blog in the “Spiritual Resilience” series, where we will explore how Krishna’s teachings help us embrace change and uncertainty with grace.
Hare Krishna! 🌿✨
