Indian Philosophical Perspectives on Anxiety and Fear

Anxiety and fear are those human emotions that are deeply embedded in the fabric of human nature. We constantly feel them in our everyday lives. Before we dive into the ancient Indian perspective on anxiety and fear, let us first understand what anxiety and fear are and how they are different.

Anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat while fear is an emotional reaction of a person to a current threat or danger. Anxiety focuses on the future and fear focuses on the present. It can be said that anxiety is the fear of the future. 

Indian history and philosophy have always offered insights into the causes, nature, and management of anxiety and fear. For example, during Mahabharata, the mighty Arjuna was anxious about fighting his family on the battlefield and had a panic attack. Lord Krishna then gave him ways to manage his anxiety, overcome his fear, and perform his duties. In yet another ancient scripture, King Kansha developed symptoms of anxiety due to Lord Krishna threatening to kill him. He showed symptoms like disrupted sleep patterns, excessive worry, and lack of focus. Different philosophies have described the causes, symptoms, and management of anxiety in various ways. 

Upanishads and Vedanta

According to Upanishads, fear and anxiety stem from ignorance of the nature of our ‘self’. When people feel like they are not attached to this world and are not a part of this universe, they do not give importance to their existence. This is called duality. Non-duality, that is, not considering oneself separate from others and the world, but rather a part of it, removes fear as the ‘self’ is understood. Moreover, fear arises when people get attached to impermanent things like their materials or their egos. 

Vedanta, a philosophical system based on the Upanishads, elaborates further on this topic. It says that completely overcoming anxiety and fear is possible through knowledge of the ‘self’, which is impossible if one gets attached to materialistic things. This materialism was called ‘Maya’, which means illusion. ‘Maya’ is the root cause of anxiety and fear. When a person reaches the stage of self-realization, they no longer fear failure, challenges, uncertainties, or even death. 

These philosophies can be applied to one’s life to overcome fear and anxiety with practices like mindfulness, meditation, ethical living, and a deep understanding of ourselves as well as the world.

Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita offers yet another unique perspective on fear and anxiety. It is a scripture of dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna. When Arjuna faces extreme anxiety about being at war with his own family, Krishna suggests he perform his duties faithfully and not think about its outcome as it is not in one’s control. Being attached to the results is the root cause of fear and anxiety. 

He said that you surrender yourself to the divine and perform your ‘dharma’ (duty). When an individual is attached to the fruits of their action, they create pathways to anticipation, which leads to worry, fear, and anxiety. This is known as karma yoga where you focus only on ‘karma’ or the good and selfless action and not to worry about the outcome of it.

Bhagavad Gita states that ‘The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Fearlessness’, which means that fearlessness is a characteristic of God’s consciousness. 

Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes bhakti yoga or the yoga of devotion. When people place their trust in a higher power or the divine (Ishwar), they can be free of fear and find a sense of security and inner peace. Recognition of this divine within oneself and the world will dissolve one’s anxiety.

Read More: 5 Psychological Lessons Hidden in Bhagavad Gita

Jainism

The true aim according to Jainism, is liberation or ‘moksha’. Liberation is hindered when one is attached to something, someone, or even their own body. This attachment creates fear and anxiety at the thought of losing it. When a person is attached to materialistic things, according to Jainism, it strengthens the bond of one’s soul or ‘jiva’ to the cycle of birth and death or ‘samsara’. This attachment means that the soul will be reborn, defeating the point of the ultimate goal, that is, liberation. 

Jainism also preaches practices like ‘ahinsa’, ‘aparigraha’, and ‘Satya’, which translates to ‘non-violence’, ‘non-attachment’, and ‘truthfulness’. Practices like this purify the soul and do not attract negative emotions or actions. Only then can one transcend fear and anxiety and experience eternal peace. 

Buddhism

Buddhism considers suffering as an inherent part of human existence and suffering includes both fear and anxiety. The basic views of Buddhism are similar to those of Jainism. Both philosophies believe that fear arises from attachment to materialistic things, other human beings, or attachment to self. Buddhism emphasizes the 4 noble truths-

1. Life is suffering.
2. It is due to ignorance of the nature of reality and the resultant craving, attachment, and grasping.
3. Suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance.
4. The way to relief from suffering is the eightfold path-

i) Right views

ii) Right intentions

iii) Right speech

iv) Right action

v) Right livelihood

vi) Right efforts

vii) Right-mindedness

viii) Right contemplation

It also states that fear and anxiety can be overcome through practices like mindfulness and wisdom. Mindfulness can be described as a state of awareness. This awareness about the environment, thoughts, actions, and oneself helps one to manage the situation effectively minimizing fear and anxiety. Wisdom, on the other hand, is understanding the nature of fear and anxiety, knowing that nothing is permanent and devoid of a fixed self, one can transcend fear and anxiety. Furthermore, cultivating love and compassion for oneself also helps in overcoming negative emotions and experiencing peace and calmness.

Conclusion

Indian philosophical perspectives provide valuable insight into fear, anxiety, and all other negative emotions. Upanishads and Vedanta say that overcoming fear and anxiety is possible through the true knowledge of ‘self’. According to the Bhagavad Gita, do not worry about the fruits of your actions, but rather about good deeds only. This detachment from the outcome will reduce negative emotions. In Jainism, as long as one is attached to things or people, they will be reborn and will not find liberation. This attachment leads to fear and anxiety. As per Buddhism, suffering is the ultimate truth of life. However, feelings of fear and anxiety can be better handled with the help of practices like mindfulness and wisdom.