Fearlessness by MK Gandhi Questions Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
What is the first divine attribute listed in the 16th chapter of the Gita?
Fearlessness.
What does fearlessness enable according to the essay?
It enables the growth of other noble qualities.
What is required to seek Truth or cherish Love?
Fearlessness.
What do those who are possessed by fear take up?
Swords, rifles, and the like.
What does fearlessness connotate freedom from?
All external fears, including disease, injury, death, and dispossession.
What does the essay say about people who do not fear death but flee from minor ills?
They do not possess true fearlessness.
What must a seeker after Truth be ready to sacrifice?
His all, even his life.
Who does the essay mention as an example of a seeker after Truth?
Harishchandra.
What does perfect fearlessness imply freedom from?
Delusions.
How can one progress towards achieving fearlessness?
By determined and constant endeavor and cultivating self-confidence.
What internal foes must we always fear?
Animal passion, anger, and the like.
What revolves around the body as the center, according to the essay?
All external fears.
What happens to external fears once we conquer internal traitors?
They cease of their own accord.
What noble precept does the essay mention regarding enjoyment and renunciation?
“Enjoy the things of the earth by renouncing them.”
What is the essay’s perspective on wealth, family, and body?
They are not ours but God’s.
How should we view ourselves in relation to wealth, family, and body?
As trustees, not proprietors.
What will give us the strength and weapons to defend against usurpers?
He, on whose behalf we hold these things.
What should we reduce ourselves to in order to achieve fearlessness?
To the rank of servants, humbler than the dust under our feet.
What will roll away like mists when we achieve fearlessness?
All fears.
What will we see face to face when we attain ineffable peace through fearlessness?
Satyanarayan (the God of Truth).
Short Answer Questions
Why is fearlessness considered the foremost quality in the Gita’s 16th chapter?
Fearlessness is considered the foremost quality in the Gita’s 16th chapter because it is the foundation for developing other noble qualities like truth and love. Without fearlessness, one cannot fully pursue truth or express genuine love. It is essential for spiritual and personal growth, enabling individuals to face challenges and sacrifices required in the quest for truth. This virtue underpins the strength needed to overcome various external and internal fears.
How does Gandhi define true bravery in the context of fearlessness?
Gandhi defines true bravery as being rooted in fearlessness rather than physical strength or the use of weapons. True bravery involves facing life’s challenges without fear of disease, injury, death, or loss of possessions and loved ones. It is about maintaining integrity and principles even when faced with adversity. For Gandhi, true bravery is exemplified by a person’s commitment to truth and non-violence, regardless of the consequences.
What is the difference between internal and external fears according to the essay?
Internal fears are related to one’s emotions and desires, such as passion, anger, and attachment, which must be feared and conquered. External fears include fears of disease, injury, death, and losing possessions or loved ones. External fears are tied to physical existence and material attachments, while internal fears arise from within and affect one’s moral and spiritual well-being. Conquering internal fears leads to the dissolution of external fears.
Why is overcoming the fear of death alone insufficient according to the essay?
Overcoming the fear of death alone is insufficient because one must also face and conquer the smaller, more immediate fears in life. These include fears of losing loved ones, possessions, reputation, and facing everyday challenges. True fearlessness involves a comprehensive approach to all fears, not just the ultimate fear of death. It’s about living a life free from any form of fear that can hinder personal and spiritual growth.
How does Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha relate to fearlessness?
Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance, is deeply rooted in fearlessness. It requires individuals to stand up against injustice without resorting to violence, facing oppression with courage and integrity. Satyagraha embodies the idea of fearlessness by encouraging people to hold fast to the truth and endure suffering without fear of consequences. This principle reflects a profound inner strength and moral clarity.
What role does attachment play in the concept of fearlessness?
Attachment plays a significant role in the concept of fearlessness, as many fears are rooted in attachment to the body, possessions, and relationships. By overcoming attachment, one can transcend these fears. Gandhi suggests viewing wealth, family, and body as God’s property and oneself as a trustee rather than an owner. This perspective helps in relinquishing control and reduces fear, leading to a state of inner peace and true fearlessness.
How do the Upanishads contribute to the essay’s message on fearlessness?
A: The Upanishads contribute to the essay’s message on fearlessness by teaching the principle of enjoying worldly things without attachment. They emphasize that everything belongs to God, and individuals are merely trustees. This viewpoint encourages detachment from material possessions and reduces fear. By adopting this spiritual perspective, one can achieve a sense of peace and fearlessness, understanding that nothing truly belongs to them.
What is the significance of the story of Harishchandra in the essay?
The story of Harishchandra is significant in the essay as it exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice and unwavering commitment to truth. Harishchandra, a legendary king, faced immense hardships and sacrificed everything, including his kingdom and family, to uphold truth. This story, whether historical or metaphorical, illustrates the ideal of fearlessness and integrity. It serves as a powerful example for seekers of truth, highlighting the importance of maintaining one’s principles despite severe trials.
How does Gandhi’s principle of Ahimsa connect with fearlessness?
Gandhi’s principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence, is intrinsically connected with fearlessness. Practicing Ahimsa requires immense courage and the ability to face injustice and suffering without resorting to violence. It demands a fearless heart that can endure pain and opposition while remaining steadfast in the commitment to non-violence. Ahimsa reflects a deep inner strength and the absence of fear, aligning with Gandhi’s broader teachings on fearlessness.
In what ways does Gandhi suggest one can cultivate fearlessness?
Gandhi suggests that cultivating fearlessness involves constant effort, self-confidence, and a shift in perspective. One must overcome internal fears like passion and anger and detach from material possessions and bodily attachment. Viewing everything as belonging to God and oneself as a trustee rather than an owner helps reduce fear. By embracing humility, relinquishing control, and committing to truth and non-violence, one can progress towards true fearlessness.
Why is Krishna considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead?
Krishna possesses six opulences: strength, fame, wealth, knowledge, beauty, and renunciation.
He is beyond mental speculation and exists independently.
Knowing Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme liberates us from sinful reactions.
