Courage means having the strength to bravely face life’s experiences. I develop this virtue when I cope fearlessly with dangerous, difficult or painful situations. Its opposite is cowardice.§
Comparing the behavior of one who is courageous to one who is cowardly§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Courage§ |
Cowardice§ |
When a friend is being bullied on the playing field, you…§ |
stand up to the bullies and make them back down.§ |
walk away, too afraid to say anything.§ |
On a forest hike when you and friends become lost, you…§ |
take the lead, using the GPS on your phone to guide the group to safety.§ |
panic and wait for others to find the way back to safety.§ |
When a stranger falls in a swift river, you…§ |
immediately dive in, knowing your strength as a swimmer.§ |
stand by helplessly, even though you can swim well.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “Courageous and fearless people who are just and honest prevail over all karmas—benevolent, terrible and confused. This virtue is much like the monk’s vow of humility, part of which is enduring hardship with equanimity, ease of mind, which means not panicking.”§
“To all Hindus, who today are found in every country on the Earth, I say: ‘Courage! Courage! Courage!’ Have the courage to know beyond a doubt that Hinduism is the greatest religion in the world.”§
“The study of yoga is reserved for the few who have the courage to seek the depths of their being, for the few who can overcome their experiences and their desires in deep meditation.”§
ASSIGNMENT: During these two weeks, identify something that makes you fearful and consciously use your innate courage to overcome it.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF COURAGE: 
§
