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Is being startled the same thing as fear?

BodhgayaBodhgaya
edited January 2011 in Buddhism Basics
Say you're walking in the dark and something suddenly appears in front of you, and you jump.
I did that awhile ago, and I just thought of this.
I wasn't scared, per say, but it wasn't expected, and I jumped.

:D

Comments

  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    You were momentarily scared; that was fear you felt, however fleeting, IMO.
  • BodhgayaBodhgaya
    I could see that.
    But if one exposes of fear, one does not get startled?
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    edited January 2011
    "If one exposes of fear"? Could you rephrase that, please?
  • BodhgayaBodhgaya
    Ha, my apologies.

    If one disposes of their fear, may be better.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    Maybe if one learns to conquer fear, one wouldn't experience being startled. But I think the key element with being startled is the element of surprise, the sudden nature of an event. whereas with other types of fear, it's due to a situation that already exists that one has to decide whether one wants to face it or not, or it's a situation that develops more gradually, giving the mind time to consider the circumstances. Do you follow me?
  • BodhgayaBodhgaya
    I do indeed.
    Something you linger on, anticipate, can cause fear. Your girlfriend wants to 'have a talk with you,' or a big test is tomorrow and you forgot- fear inducing things to some.

    Surprise is different from fear, this is true.

    I appreciate the help. Namaste.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    That's funny--your example, your girlfried wants to "have a talk". I know what you mean, but communication is part of any strong relationship. sometimes things need to be discussed or clarified, and it's for the better; it makes the relationship stronger. But for some reason a lot of men fear "having a talk" with their girlfriends. Maybe it depends on the relationship, and depends on how the girlfriend presents her request. ^_^
  • BodhgayaBodhgaya
    I agree with you there.
    Some sort of ominous tone with the words, or having someone tell you instead...

    But everyone's different, :D
  • Mr_SerenityMr_Serenity Veteran
    Being startled is not the same as fear. I consider myself a pretty tough guy. I've dealt with all sorts of scary things before in a calm state of mind. But I know for a fact that I can be startled or easily startle someone else. If you're sitting down using a computer, then suddenly you turn to your side and see a black widow or hairy spider scurrying right next to you chances are you will get startled. If you wake up and see several aliens in your room, I don't care how tough you are you will get startled, and possibly scream in fear lol.
  • [DeletedUser][DeletedUser]
    Is an attachment of your soul to the body, and added with another state of attachment on words to define this attachment :whatever:
  • sndymornsndymorn Veteran
    I believe being startled is more a reflex. Therefore, it is very difficult to condition yourself NOT to react. Moreover, I think the response, like fight or flight , might be useful and in fact necessary for survival.
  • Ada_BAda_B
    So you were afraid. So what? It isn't important.
  • aHappyNihilistaHappyNihilist Veteran
    being startled is not the same as fear.
    being startled is 1. something we can't avoid and 2. not a major cause of suffering, unless your constantly being startled all the time, then you should take some medication.

    The "bad" fear in buddhism is just aversion. it is straining against pain or potential pain in a manner that creates more pain.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    being startled is [...] not a major cause of suffering, unless your constantly being startled all the time, then you should take some medication.
    Thanks, Dr. Nihilist! LOL! ^_^

  • aHappyNihilistaHappyNihilist Veteran
    no problem
  • BodhgayaBodhgaya
    being startled is [...] not a major cause of suffering, unless your constantly being startled all the time, then you should take some medication.
    Thanks, Dr. Nihilist! LOL! ^_^

    I lol'd too.

    But I'm not usually, just when something blends in and suddenly appears like a phantom. Or a cockroach in your bed.
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