A bhaya or fearlessness is extolled as the most important divine strength. In the sixteenth chapter of the Holy Geeta Lord Krishna lists fearlessness as the first and foremost divine attribute. According to the Yogic philosophy, fearlessness is born from the inner steadiness of the mind. Yoga treats fear not only as an emotion, but the contraction of consciousness, shrinking of Prana, and disturbance of mental rhythm. According to neuroscience, fear arises from the over activation of the amygdala and rapid firing of survival circuits of the brain. Yogic practices lead to softening of the defensive system and awakening of the prefrontal cortex, responsible for clear thinking, courage,and deliberate action. Neuroscience demonstrates that fear dissolves, when awareness expands.

 

Research has found that Asanas, Pranayamas, and meditation create a sense of inner space. The sustained practices of the Yogic discipline enhance the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the region which regulates emotional intensity and cognitive safety. When this region of the brain becomes stronger, the brain works with greater accuracy instead of spiralling into imagined danger. Abhaya Mudra is an important gesture, communicating a profound psychophysical message of fearlessness. Raising the right hand with an open palm outward activates the mirror neuron system associated with trust and safety. It has been found that this simple gesture calms down the sympathetic nervous system and supports the vagal tone, signaling the body to step out of the state of hypervigilance. Thus, Yoga opens the path of the cessation of fear and rising of resilience. Neuroscience calls it the rewiring of threat circuits through embodied cognition. The constant practice of Asanas provides us with grounding skills.

 

The postural integrity stimulates the insular cortex of the brain, generating body awareness and emotional balance. Under this state, the brain generates the message of stability. The rhythmic breathing during Pranayama shifts the nervous system to coherence . As the breath becomes stabilized and deep, fear circuits in the brain shrink, stress hormones like cortisol get reduced, and the autonomic nervous system is harmonised. The sustained practice of Pranayama reduces reactivity of the limbic system, and increases hemispheric balance. The brain becomes more capable of rational thinking and assessment. This neural equilibrium is the foundation of mental resilience. The mind is empowered to remain steady amidst crisis and uncertainty. Meditation soothes neural pathways and leads to more focus and awareness. Yogic practices of visualisation create new neural connections in the brain, facilitating better mental stability and strength. Neuroscience proves that fear thrives in disconnection.

 

The Yogic practices lead to self integration. This psychophysical integration dissolves fear. The practice of solitude activates the brain to believe that the individual consciousness is connected to the cosmic consciousness. Asaresult, the practitioner becomes fearless and mentally stable. Thus, emotional endurance leads to mental stability and expanded self awareness. In this way, the Yogic wisdom transforms fear into courage , stress into stability, and weakness into strength. The brain turns into an inner sanctuary of bliss , untouched by the external turmoil of fear and uncertainty.