Fear Quote by Pema Chödrön
““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 her the 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. They both had their weapons. 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. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Places That Scare You, Pema Chödrön, 2001
Fear loses power when we acknowledge it, ask permission, and confront it with respect rather than resistance.
In simple terms: Respecting fear reduces its control over us.
Key Takeaway
Ask fear for permission before confronting it.
Themes
courage
self‑awareness
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- personal anxiety
- conflict resolution
- decision making
Key Concepts
psychology
inner conflict
empowerment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you respectfully acknowledge your fears?
- What permission do you need to face a current anxiety?
A Different Perspective
Fear can reappear if we avoid ongoing self‑reflection.
