fear, bharthruhari

bhoge rogabhayaü kule cyutibhayaü vitte nçpàlàdbhayaü | 
màne dainyabhayaü bale ripubhayaü råpe jaràyà bhayam || 
÷àstre vàdibhayaü guõe khalabhayaü kàye kçtàntàdbhayaü | 
sarvaü vastu bhayànvitaü bhuvi nçõàü vairàgyamevàbhayam ||

In enjoyment, there is fear of disease;

in social position, there is fear of falling off;

in wealth, there is the fear of (hostile) kings;

in honour, there is the fear of humiliation;

in power, there is the fear of foes;

in beauty, there is the fear of old age;

in scriptural erudition, there is the fear of opponents;

in virtue, there is the fear of traducers;

in body, there is the fear of death;

everything in this world pertaining to men is attended with fear;

renunciation alone leads to fearlessness.

(Vairagya-Shatakam, bharthruhari )

Tags : Fear