Have you ever wondered why fear controls so much of your life? Jiddu Krishnamurti, one of the most profound spiritual thinkers of the 20th century, taught that fear is created by thought—not by actual danger, but by the mind’s projection of the future based on past experiences.
In this article, we will explore Krishnamurti’s insights on the nature of fear, how thought sustains it, and practical ways to break free from its grip.
Quick Access:
- How Thought Creates Fear
- Observing Fear Without Resistance
- Breaking Free from Psychological Fear
- Watch Krishnamurti’s Teachings in Action
How Thought Creates Fear
Krishnamurti teaches that fear is a product of time—it arises when thought projects an imagined future based on past pain or conditioning.
For example:
- You fear losing your job because you imagine future suffering.
- You fear rejection because past experiences shape your expectations.
- You fear death because thought creates an image of the unknown.
Fear is not in the present moment—it is created by thought’s movement through time.
How to Apply This in Your Life:
- Catch Fear in Action: The next time fear arises, pause and ask yourself: Is this fear real right now, or is my mind projecting something?
- Recognize Thought as the Source: Observe how fear stems from mental images and not the actual present.
- Stay in the Now: Focus on what is actually happening instead of what could happen.
Observing Fear Without Resistance
Krishnamurti emphasizes that resisting fear only strengthens it. Instead of fighting or suppressing fear, he suggests a radical approach: observe it without judgment.
How to Apply This in Your Life:
- Become the Observer: When fear arises, don’t label it as good or bad—simply watch it.
- Do Not Escape: Avoid distractions like social media or entertainment when fear comes up. Face it directly.
- See Fear as Energy: When you don’t resist fear, it loses its grip on you.
Breaking Free from Psychological Fear
Physical fear (e.g., avoiding real danger) is necessary for survival. However, psychological fear—worry about the future, insecurity, and self-doubt—is an illusion created by the mind.
To break free, Krishnamurti advises:
- Self-Inquiry: Ask yourself, Who is afraid? Is it the real me, or just a conditioned response?
- Dissolve the Observer: Understand that the ‘self’ feeling fear is itself a creation of thought.
- Live Without Psychological Time: By fully immersing yourself in the present, fear cannot take root.
Watch Krishnamurti’s Teachings in Action
For deeper insights, watch these selected videos featuring Krishnamurti’s wisdom:
- The Ending of Fear
- How does one break free of habits?
- On the difference between observing and thinking about oneself
A Life Beyond Fear
Krishnamurti’s teachings reveal that fear exists only when thought moves away from the present moment. By observing thought without attachment and living fully in the now, you can dissolve psychological fear and experience true freedom.
Start applying these insights today and break free from the cycle of fear and thought. :)
