In short: the Buddha taught that fear comes from clinging and craving, "fear springs from craving" (Dhammapada 216), and that recollecting the Buddha, Dhamma and Saṅgha takes fear away (SN 11.3). Here are five genuine quotes, each with its source.
1. SN 11.3
"If you've gone to a wilderness, or to the root of a tree, or to an empty hut and you get scared or terrified, just recollect me."
SN 11.3 · More
2. Dhammapada 216
"Sorrow springs from craving, fear springs from craving; one free from craving has no sorrow, let alone fear."
Dhammapada 216
3. Dhammapada 212
"Sorrow springs from what we hold dear, fear springs from what we hold dear; one free from holding anything dear has no sorrow, let alone fear."
Dhammapada 212
4. Dhammapada 213
"Sorrow springs from attachment, fear springs from attachment; one free from attachment has no sorrow, let alone fear."
Dhammapada 213
5. MN 4
"Why don't I get rid of that fear and dread just as it comes, while remaining just as I am?"
MN 4 · More
All quotes are from the early Buddhist texts in Bhikkhu Sujato's translation on SuttaCentral, copied exactly. Last checked: 18 October 2026.
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Questions people ask
What did the Buddha say about fear?
'Sorrow springs from craving, fear springs from craving; one free from craving has no sorrow, let alone fear' (Dhammapada 216).