Fearlessness
fearlessness
(無畏) (Skt vaisharadya; Jpn mui )
A quality of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Buddhist scriptures often refer to the virtue of fearlessness, characterizing the Buddha as undaunted by any hardship, obstacle, or suffering, and as fearless in preaching. Buddhist scriptures set forth four kinds of fearlessness, or four fearlessnesses, that come into play while preaching the Law. Buddhist practitioners are required not only to be dauntless in their practice but also to give fearlessness, or security, to those who are in difficult conditions; in other words, to release them from affliction. Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, for example, is called Bestower of Fearlessness.
See also four fearlessnesses.
fearlessness: "Acknowledging fear is not a cause for depression or discouragement. Because we possess such fear, we also are potentially entitled to experience fearlessness. True fearlessness is not the reduction of fear, it is going beyond fear" "...is being able to respond accurately to the phenomenal world altogether. In order to experience fearlessness, it is necessary to experience fear. (Fearlessness is) "going beyond fear, beginning when we examine our fear our anxiety, nervousness, concern and restlessness." (pg 49) "fear evolves into fearlessness naturally, very simply, and quite straightforwardly."
