CONQUEST OF FEAR: The Spiritual Path to Courage and Confidence – Sri Swami Sivananda - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.Conquest of Fear is a profound and transformative guide written by the renowned spiritual teacher Sri Swami Sivananda. This work is a beacon of light for those struggling with fear in its myriad forms, offering practical and spiritual solutions to overcome it. Fear, which often paralyzes the human mind and hinders progress, is analyzed in depth and addressed with spiritual insights and actionable methods. Swami Sivananda, drawing from his mastery of Vedanta and Yoga, provides not only a theoretical understanding of fear but also tools to conquer it, empowering readers to lead a fearless, joyful life.
The book is divided into two main parts:
- All About Fear: This section delves into the nature of fear, its causes, manifestations, and the psychological and spiritual underpinnings that sustain it.
- Methods to Eradicate Fear: The second part offers practical methods, rooted in spirituality, to eliminate fear and establish inner peace and courage.
Below is a detailed overview of the book along with a chapter-by-chapter summary.
ALL ABOUT FEAR
1. Rise Up! O Man! This opening chapter serves as a clarion call for humanity to rise above the shackles of fear. Swami Sivananda emphasizes the divine potential inherent in every individual and encourages readers to awaken their dormant strength. He inspires readers to face life's challenges boldly and reminds them of their spiritual heritage, urging them to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of fear and self-doubt.
2. What Is Fear? This chapter provides a comprehensive definition of fear, describing it as an instinctive emotional response to perceived danger or threat. Swami Sivananda explains the psychological and physiological aspects of fear and highlights how it often arises from ignorance or attachment. By understanding what fear truly is, one can begin to unravel its grip.
3. Cause Of Fear Here, Swami Sivananda identifies the root causes of fear, such as attachment (raga), ignorance (avidya), and the ego (ahamkara). He explains how desires and clinging to material possessions create a fertile ground for fear. The chapter emphasizes that fear is often self-created, stemming from an incorrect perception of reality.
4. Fear And Raga AttachmentThis chapter delves deeper into the connection between fear and raga (attachment). Swami Sivananda illustrates how attachment to worldly things, relationships, and the body leads to a fear of loss, failure, or death. He encourages cultivating detachment (vairagya) as a means to overcome this fear.
5. Imaginary Fears Swami Sivananda sheds light on fears that are purely products of the imagination. He discusses how the mind, when uncontrolled, creates baseless fears and anxieties that have no basis in reality. This chapter provides a strong argument for disciplining the mind through spiritual practices to dispel such unfounded fears.
6. Phobias In this chapter, Swami Sivananda discusses phobias—irrational and extreme fears of specific objects or situations. He explains how phobias can stem from past experiences or subconscious impressions (samskaras). Practical methods to address phobias, including self-analysis and prayer, are introduced.
7. Do Not Generate “Poochandi” Or “Howa” Samskaras This unique chapter warns against instilling fear in children through scare tactics like "Poochandi" or "Howa" (imaginary bogeymen). Swami Sivananda emphasizes the long-lasting psychological damage such actions can cause, urging parents and educators to cultivate courage and confidence in children instead.
8. Fear In Various Forms Fear manifests in my