The first tale I thought of for Reena’s prompt today comes from a book I read so many years ago, “Dune,” by Frank Herbert. Youtube is a marvelous treasure-trove on any topic, so I went looking to see if I could find where someone recited the passage that has stuck in my mind and become a part of my being since then. I was able to find this excellent short video that talks about, “The Litany Against Fear.”
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
– Frank Herbert, Dune, Paul Atreides’ Litany Against Fear
Reena is the host of Reena’s Exploration Challenge. Reena says:
Can you think of a story or anecdote or historical tale on [antidotes to fear of death.] It should basically be a story of survival strategies.
A very profound poem.
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Frank Herbert was a heck of a writer.
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Absolutely.
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Another book I should re-read from the perspective of years. (K)
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I emmber that passage from Dune. For me it wa the most important part of the book and it had a profound impact on my life. I still hold it to be true.
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Suzanne so cool it had that impact on you as well. For myself, I grew up fear-drenched. Maybe the passage was the first time I read of any remedy.
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Yes it had a major impact on me when I read it in my early 20s. I got braver afterwards!
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Sorry – i meant remember.
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Excellent!
Fear is a closed mindset that refuses to see the positive, and makes protection a reason for their existence. You remove the fear, and they will not know what to do.
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Nicely explained, Reena 🙂
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Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Fear is the mind-killer…. By Jade Li/Lisa
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Oh! I remember this! Excellent choice, Li.
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Punam, thank you so much, it has helped me out of a jam more than once.
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Some writings have such an impact on us that they guide us throughout our life… this is one of them. You are welcome. 🙂
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Great video Lisa…and poem. It makes a lot of sense. Fear and spur you on and it can cripple you.
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Glad you connected with them, Max.
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It made me think…he explained it well.
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I have read and loved all the books. Such imagination. I recently rewatched the 1984 film version of Dune on NetFlix. Still enjoyed it though the CGI is very dated. Thanks for the reminder JadeLi.
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Thank you for letting me know Dune is on netflix. Been a long time since seeing it; it’s time!
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Wow, this is really a powerful message. I’ve had to learn to work through fear, and move through shyness to start new projects again. Fear can hold us back from trying new things, but now I’m glad I started a new project again. Thanks for making this post and putting this message here!
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So glad to hear it, Autumn. I hear you on the fear factor, and I’m happy you’ve let it wash through you and carried on to the new project 🙂
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Oh, thanks so much. I’m happy to start again. 🙂
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Wow, this is a superb poem. Fear lets you go nowhere. Thank you Jade Li for quoting this poem. 🙂
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You are very welcome, Kitty. It has helped me over the years. Reena’s prompt gave me a chance to share it 🙂
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I’m happy you shared it, Li. 🙂
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Impactful poem. Nice take. Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome, Indira.
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