The Sanskrit word Vaishardaya means an unwavering confidence in the dignity and infinite potential of one’s own life. One is held back because one lacks faith in oneself. In Buddhist philosophy, courage is synonymous with Vaisharadayas. Nichiren Buddhism teaches that courage is the starting point of all change in an individual.
There are four kinds of fearlessnesses – Vaisharadayas.
- Complete knowledge of all the dharmas.
- Destruction of all the impurities and their traces.
- A report of Dharma that creates obstacles to the path.
- A report of the path of the cessation of suffering.
The Buddha does not fear that anyone can truthfully say that he does not fully know these four things. The first two fearlessnesses are personal qualities or perfections for the Buddha; the last two are qualities useful to beings. In the first, third and fourth fearlessnesses, it is a matter of knowledge; in the second it is a matter of destruction. The matter is governed by the perfection of wisdom and cessation.
Source: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
Courage is a very powerful word, and it has many meanings; Audacity, daring, bravery, fearlessness, endurance are a few. Swami Satyananda Saraswati said that courage is deeply connected to overcoming inner fears and the willingness to face oneself and one’s shortcomings. He emphasized that true spiritual progress requires self-sacrifice and self-denial and that if one conquers one’s fears one can confront life. He describes nobility as linked to courage.
Courage to act, to look at mistakes, to take the first step towards others without waiting to be asked and to make one’s life a continuous spiritual practice. Courage is not the absence of fear but determination to advance despite fear.
In Hinduism, courage or shauriya is listed as one of the first two qualities of Dharma in the Manu Smriti along with patience. Overcoming fear is an aspect of courage. Spiritual practice can reduce fear, leading to courage and a commitment to truth.
Divine inspiration
The concept of courage is embodied by deities like Durga representing a powerful, warrior like energy that can be invoked through practice and sadhana. Stories provide numerous examples of courage, such as the devotion and strength of Hanuman.
Courage is not just physical bravery but a sincerity of heart and perseverance through hardship. Lastly, courage is not just a material attribute but it also involves moral strength to stand up for righteousness and truth even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Dear ones, be sincere in your hearts and persevere with your sadhana. You will be blessed with the shakti of courage which will overcome your fears.
Aim Hrim Klim
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