Fear and Worry - The cause of worries

Of all adverse mental states, one of the most unhealthy and dangerous is prolonged worry. Why do people worry? In the ultimate analysis, there is only one answer. People worry because of the concept 'me' and 'mine', or what is known in Buddhism as the 'delusion of self'.

When human first began to ponder the nature of existence, because of their lack of development, they thought that a person is made up of two parts, a body and a soul, both of which are permanent and real. This gives rise to the false idea of a permanent and real self or an 'I'. The idea of an 'I' gives rise to an idea of 'me' and 'mine' which in turn gives rise to grasping, craving, selfish desire, conceit, pride and other unwholesome thoughts. This concepts of 'self' is the main source of all problems, ranging from personal conflicts to war among nations.

Hence, worry is nothing more than a negative state of mind arising out of attachment to worldly pleasures. The stronger the attachment to a thing is, the greater is he fear of losing it.

In a similar way, one becomes afraid of getting or coming into contact with something considered undesirable. This attachment to pleasant feeling and dislikes for the unpleasant ones gives rise to worry.

The worries and suffering which a person experience are nothing more than the interaction of his or her selfish desire with changing worldly conditions. The failure to understand this fact is the cause of much suffering. But for a person who trained the mind to recognize the real nature of life and its characteristics, suffering can be overcome. The wise person realize that the separation from pleasant experiences or from those who are loved is unavoidable. This can happen at any time, whether at the start of life, at the middle or at the end. The only certainty in this uncertain world is that things must come to an end. The only reality is change. So people who think they are indispensable or that they must be around to see what is to be done, should consider what will happen when they are no longer around. Such people will be missed and their absence will be felt perhaps for a short period of time. However, since no one is indispensable in this world, the world will still go on as usual. If that be so, then why should one worry so much, harboring imaginary fear that only harm one's health and eventually shorten the period before the end of life's journey!

The separation from those we are attached to also bring suffering. A person feel lost, dejected, hopeless and frustrated when someone or something beloved is taken away for whatever reason. This is a natural process, the operation of the law of Impermanence. People experience suffering whenever they are rejected by those whom they love. But sometimes instead of learning to cope with the situation by allowing time to heal the wounds, they become paralyzed with dejection, pondering about it over and over in their minds, looking for ways and means to mend their broken hearts. Some even express their anger and frustration through violent methods.


by K.Sri Dhammananda


Namu Myo Ho Renge Kyo
Namo Buddhaya
Namo Dharmaya
Namo Sanghaya