(Continued...)
A question may arise. Why is ‘fearlessness’ sought
separately? Can it not be given as one of the many wishes, by the Goddess? Why
is it separated from the general category of ‘boons’?
Fearlessness (abhaya) is not a commodity that is
given and taken. It is actually another name for advaita. ‘Only when there is
duality there is fear’ says the Brihad-AraNyakopanishad (1.4.2). If there is
only one
thing there is, from what can fear arise? Only when
there is a second entity fear arises in relation to it. ‘If one thinks even of
the tiniest distinction in Brahman, then fear arises. Even wise men, if they
think of Brahman as another distinct object, are ceased of fear’, so says
Taittiriya-upanishad (II - 7).
(Continued...)
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