Fear.

One time on retreat in India a woman came to me to tell me of her dream the night before.

In her dream, she arrived in my room with her hand clenched into a fist. Inside this fist was something frightening. She didn’t know what it was, but she was afraid to open her hand to see. I encouraged her to open her hand and when she finally did, it was empty, there was nothing there.

This was her dream and she asked my to explain its meaning.

For me it was very clear.

This is the nature of fear, we create something in the mind and hold onto it, but when we look, it’s actually empty.

Our common human goal is happiness and our common human condition is fear. Fear is the obstacle in every moment to our happiness and our complete illumination. It is fear that holds us in a job or a relationship or a situation that we don’t like or enjoy, and it is this fear that society continually caresses.

Have insurance, don’t get wrinkles, don’t get old, don’t take a chance !

The media report fear, always because when people are afraid, they can be controlled, and of course, fear sells products. Fear is a powerful tool that can be used in the manipulation of others.

From the Dhammic perspective however, fear has no value, and our ultimate goal of enlightenment is outside its influence and consequently outside its power to control. When you have no fear, you are free from the possibility of all manipulation and this is the true liberation.

Our loving practice therefore is to let go of the fear and be free, little by little, and experience our life opening like a flower. Living peacefully and harmoniously with the things that we don’t like and then responding wisely to each moment.

So here is the secret of fear, it’s empty.

No matter how much you can explain it or justify it, it’s empty and, as with everything else that begins with mind, it only has the power that you give it. What is it that you are afraid of?

Reflect honestly, it’s a big question, and it’s through the unawareness of the power of this fear that keeps you and holds you in many situations that are uncomfortable.

In our culture we say quite confidently that we are afraid of the unknown, but I ask you, if it’s unknown how can we be afraid of it ? It’s a way to speak, but it’s not the truth.

We are afraid of losing the known, that which is familiar and comfortable – even if, paradoxically, we don’t like it.

We keep our suffering because we hold onto our fear. Fear is the key that locks the cell door, and the intellect is the part that justifies it. Talk to your parents and your friends and they will explain quite clearly why it’s important to have fear. Speak to the Dhamma Masters, what will they say? Let go, let go, let go.

Enlightenment is called waking up. When we are asleep our dream is real. When we are awake, we can see it for what it truly is.

Now is the time to open your hand and see the reality. Now is the time to be free.

May all beings be happy.