Pema Chödrön on defeating fear

From Heart Advice comes this story from Pema Chödrön about defeating fear.

Once there was a young warrior. Her teacher told her that she had to do battle with fear. She didn't want to do that. It seemed too aggressive; it was scary; it seemed unfriendly. But the teacher said she had to do it and gave instructions for the battle.

The day arrived. The student warrior stood on one side, and fear stood on the other. The warrior was feeling very small, and fear was looking big and wrathful. The young warrior roused herself and went toward fear, prostrated three times, and asked, "May I have permission to go into battle with you?"

Fear said, "Thank you for showing me so much respect that you ask permission."

Then the young warrior said, "How can I defeat you?"

Fear replied, "My weapons are that I talk fast, and I get very close to your face. Then you get completely unnerved, and you do whatever I say. If you don't do what I tell you, I have no power. You can listen to me, and you can have respect for me. You can even be convinced by me. But if you don't do what I say, I have no power."

In that way, the student warrior learned how to defeat fear.

Our November 2012 Shambhala Sun magazine features an excerpt from Pema's new book, Living Beautifully, in which she discusses the warrior (or bodhisattva) vow—look for it in the fall. And for more from Pema, see "Signs of Spiritual Progress" from our current issue, and check out our Pema Chödrön spotlight page.

Pema will be turning 77 on Saturday, and to celebrate, she's hosting a "virtual retreat" you can attend from your home. Registration is free, and participants have access to an exclusive video teaching filmed just for the occasion. Click here for more information about the retreat.

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