Overcoming Aerophobia (Fear of Flying) – Hinduism Solutions and Practical Approaches
Aerophobia, or the fear of flying, can be an overwhelming experience for many. In Hinduism, there are spiritual and practical tools available to address this anxiety, offering a blend of psychological, meditative, and devotional practices. Let’s explore these in detail.
1. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions
Breathing Exercises (Pranayama): Regular practice of Pranayama, specifically Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), can help calm the mind and body, reduce stress, and overcome fear. Before and during a flight, focus on slow, deep breathing to ease anxiety.
Visualization Techniques: Hindu sages often suggest visualizing the deity as a protector. Before boarding a flight, visualize Lord Hanuman, Garuda, or Vishnu, powerful deities associated with air and the sky, safeguarding you as you travel.
Grounding Techniques: Whenever you feel fear arising, engage in grounding techniques. Focus on what you can physically touch—such as your seat, a soft scarf, or a soothing object—to remind yourself of stability and safety.
Chanting Mantras: Repeating certain mantras can not only calm the mind but also instill a sense of protection and strength. Chant these daily to build inner resilience and during times of stress like flying.
2. Mantras for Protection and Courage
Hanuman Mantras:
Hanuman, the embodiment of strength and courage, is often worshipped to overcome fear and gain confidence. Chanting Hanuman mantras can help calm aerophobia and promote fearlessness.
Mantra: “Om Namo Hanumate Rudraya” (Meaning: Salutations to Hanuman, the embodiment of Rudra. May He grant us courage and remove fear.)
Reciting this mantra invokes Hanuman's energy and helps develop inner strength. His leap across the ocean in the Ramayana is symbolic of overcoming fear of the skies and air travel.
Garuda Mantras:
Garuda, the divine eagle and vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is a powerful symbol of sovereignty over the skies. He is invoked to protect travelers, especially those navigating through the air.
Mantra: "Om Garudaya Vidmahe Suvarna Pakshaya Dhimahi, Tanno Garudah Prachodayat" (Meaning: We meditate on Garuda, the golden-winged bird. May he guide and protect us.)
Garuda is seen as the ultimate protector of travelers, safeguarding them from dangers above.
Vishnu Mantras:
Lord Vishnu, as the preserver of the universe, is often invoked for protection during journeys. His calm and balanced nature can help ease anxiety during flights.
Mantra: "Om Namo Narayanaya" (Meaning: Salutations to Lord Narayana, the all-pervading protector.)
Chanting this mantra invokes Vishnu’s protective energy, ensuring a safe journey.
Ganesha Mantras:
Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, can be invoked to overcome the internal obstacles of fear and anxiety before a flight.
Mantra: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" (Meaning: Salutations to Lord Ganesha. May He remove all obstacles from our path.)
Ganesha’s blessings are believed to eliminate fear and bring calm.
Durga Mantras:
Durga, the mother goddess, is a fierce protector who destroys fear and grants courage.
Mantra: "Om Dum Durgayei Namaha" (Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Durga, the remover of suffering and fear.)
Calling upon Durga before or during a flight can invoke her divine protection and strength.
3. Stories and Symbolism in Hindu Mythology
The Story of Hanuman’s Leap Across the Ocean: In the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman once leaped across the vast ocean to reach Lanka in search of Sita. This act of immense courage and faith symbolizes the overcoming of fear and limitation. For those afraid of flying, meditating on Hanuman’s leap can provide immense inspiration, helping to cultivate bravery and inner confidence.
Garuda’s Journey Through the Skies: Garuda, as Vishnu's mount, represents dominion over the skies. His fearless flight through the cosmos represents the power of overcoming obstacles and fears associated with air travel. Imagining Garuda flying alongside your airplane can instill a deep sense of safety and protection.
Vishnu and His Protection of the Universe: Vishnu, the sustainer and protector of the universe, is often depicted reclining peacefully on the cosmic serpent, indicating his control and balance over all creation. This image can remind you that the universe is in balance, even while you are in flight, and that Vishnu's protection extends to you.
4. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures on Fearlessness and Faith
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 40): “In this path, there is no loss or diminution, and even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous fear.”
- This verse from the Gita encourages individuals to place faith in the divine path, assuring that even small acts of devotion and surrender will protect them from fear, including aerophobia.
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 66): “Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.”
- Krishna’s assurance to Arjuna that surrendering to the divine will alleviate all fear is a potent reminder that faith can conquer even the most intense anxieties.
5. Worship and Devotion: Ideal Deity to Invoke
While multiple deities can be invoked for overcoming aerophobia, Garuda is particularly ideal because of his association with the sky and air travel. Offering prayers to Garuda, wearing a Garuda pendant, or meditating on his powerful image before flying can create a protective shield for the traveler.
Similarly, invoking Lord Hanuman, known for his fearless journeys and strength, or Vishnu, the preserver, can provide a strong psychological and spiritual anchor.
6. Meditation and Affirmations for Overcoming Fear
Meditation on Air (Vayu): Practice focusing on Vayu (the wind) during meditation. Meditate on air as a divine element that is all around and within you. This can help you develop a harmonious relationship with the element of air, which is often the source of fear in aerophobia.
Affirmation Practice: Use daily affirmations to change your mindset. A powerful affirmation inspired by Hindu philosophy could be: "I am protected by divine forces. Fear has no power over me. I trust the universe and surrender to the divine will."
7. Additional Lesser-Known Practices
Rudraksha Beads: Wearing a Rudraksha mala (prayer beads) can offer spiritual protection. The five-faced Rudraksha is especially effective for calming the mind and overcoming anxiety.
Yantras: A Yantra is a geometric diagram that represents divine energy. Keeping a Hanuman or Durga Yantra with you during flights can offer spiritual protection and reduce fear.
Vedic Astrology: According to Vedic astrology, the alignment of certain planets can affect one's fears. Consulting an astrologer for guidance on favorable times for travel can also help minimize aerophobia by choosing auspicious dates.