In Hinduism, the concept of overcoming attraction (often referred to as moha or maya) is deeply rooted in the practice of self-realization and detachment (vairagya). Attraction is not merely physical or emotional; it includes attachment to desires, possessions, and worldly pleasures. The goal is to transcend these attachments to realize one’s true self and connection to the divine.
Below are solutions based on Hindu scriptures, mantras, stories, and practical approaches to help overcome attachment and attraction.
1. Understanding the Nature of Attraction
According to Hinduism, moha (delusion) arises from ignorance (avidya) about the true nature of reality. The Bhagavad Gita explains that desires and attractions bind us to the material world. To overcome them, we must seek self-realization and detach from temporary pleasures.
Key Verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 62-63): "Dhyayato vishayan pumsah, sangas tesupajayate; Sangat sanjayate kamah, kamat krodho 'bhijayate." "While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises."
This verse teaches that attachment begins with contemplating worldly objects. It leads to desires, which in turn give rise to frustration and anger. By controlling the mind, one can prevent this cycle.
2. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions
a. Mindfulness and Meditation
Meditation on detachment (vairagya) is key. Regular meditation helps calm the mind, reducing desires and attachments. Practicing mindfulness (dhyana) helps observe how attractions arise in the mind without engaging with them.
- Technique: When a thought of desire or attraction arises, acknowledge it without judgment. Focus on your breath or chant a mantra to bring your awareness back to the present moment.
b. Cultivate Vairagya (Detachment)
Detachment does not mean renunciation of life, but rather the ability to remain unaffected by material allurements. Develop an understanding that material pleasures are temporary. Regular reflection on the impermanence of desires helps reduce their power over the mind.
c. Serve Others and Perform Karma Yoga
One way to transcend personal desires is by serving others selflessly (seva). By focusing on the well-being of others, we shift the focus from our own cravings and desires.
- Practical Step: Volunteer for causes, help those in need, or engage in karma yoga by performing your duties without attachment to the results.
d. Diet and Lifestyle
A sattvic (pure) diet promotes mental clarity and spiritual growth. Avoiding foods that stimulate the senses excessively (like overly spicy, rich, or tamasic foods) helps to control attraction and desire. Additionally, engaging in regular physical exercise and yoga asanas balances the body and mind, reducing impulsive cravings.
3. Mantras to Overcome Attraction
Mantras help purify the mind, aligning it with higher spiritual frequencies. Here are specific mantras associated with deities that assist in overcoming attachments and desires:
a. Shiva Mantra - For Detachment
Lord Shiva is known as the great ascetic and represents supreme detachment. Chanting his mantra brings inner calm, detachment, and clarity.
- Mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya”
- Meaning: "I bow to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one."
- Purpose: This mantra helps one detach from worldly temptations and desires, leading to inner peace and contentment.
b. Ganesha Mantra - For Overcoming Obstacles
Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, including internal barriers like attachment and desire. His mantra helps purify the mind and remove blocks to spiritual growth.
- Mantra: “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha”
- Meaning: "Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles."
- Purpose: This mantra clears mental obstacles such as desires and distractions.
c. Kamdev Mantra - For Control of Desires
Kamdev, the god of love and desire, can also be invoked to transform and control passions rather than suppress them.
- Mantra: “Om Kamadevaya Vidmahe, Pushpabanaya Dheemahi, Tanno Anangah Prachodayat”
- Meaning: "May we know Kamadeva, the god of love. May we meditate upon him who holds a flower arrow. May that Anang (desireless state) inspire us."
- Purpose: This mantra channels and transforms passionate energy into a more refined, spiritual form.
d. Lakshmi Narayana Mantra - For Balance in Desire and Wealth
Lakshmi and Narayana together represent balance in material and spiritual wealth. Worshipping them can help reduce material obsession while maintaining a balanced life.
- Mantra: “Om Lakshmi Narayanaya Namaha”
- Meaning: "Salutations to Lakshmi and Narayana."
- Purpose: This mantra ensures that while you pursue material success, you remain spiritually grounded and avoid over-attachment.
4. Stories and Lessons from Hindu Scriptures
a. Story of King Janaka
King Janaka was an ideal example of a karma yogi, a person who lived amidst wealth and luxury yet remained completely detached. He performed his duties as a king but always remembered that the material world was transient. His detachment and wisdom were so profound that he attained enlightenment while living in the world.
Lesson: Like King Janaka, one can live in the world and fulfill one’s responsibilities without becoming attached to wealth or status.
b. The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan)
In this story from the Puranas, both gods and demons sought the nectar of immortality. However, the ocean also produced temptations like poison, which Lord Shiva drank to protect the world. This symbolizes how the spiritual path is full of both challenges and temptations, which must be overcome with great effort.
Lesson: The nectar of immortality (self-realization) can only be obtained by withstanding temptations and distractions, just as Lord Shiva drank the poison without attachment.
5. Ideal Deities to Worship for Overcoming Attraction
a. Lord Shiva
As the embodiment of asceticism and detachment, Lord Shiva helps devotees transcend worldly desires and reach spiritual heights.
b. Goddess Parvati
As the consort of Shiva, Parvati represents balance in relationships and self-control. She helps those who seek to transform worldly love into spiritual devotion.
c. Lord Krishna
Krishna, especially in his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes control over desires and the practice of bhakti (devotion) to overcome attraction. His life also exemplifies balancing worldly life with spiritual duties.
6. Importance of Overcoming Attraction
In Hindu philosophy, overcoming attraction is essential for achieving liberation (moksha). Desires and attachments are seen as the primary obstacles that bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death. By transcending these attachments, one moves closer to realizing the self's unity with the divine (Brahman).
7. Inspiration from Quotes and Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 5, Verse 12): “The yogi who has renounced attachment to the fruits of work, attains everlasting peace. The non-yogi, impelled by desire, is attached to the result of his actions and therefore becomes entangled.”
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47): “You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”
These teachings emphasize detachment from the outcomes of actions, helping to overcome attraction to worldly rewards.
Overcoming attraction in Hinduism involves understanding the temporary nature of worldly desires and practicing detachment through mindfulness, devotion, and selfless service. Regular meditation, chanting mantras, and worshipping deities like Shiva, Ganesha, and Krishna can help purify the mind and guide the soul toward spiritual liberation. Stories from the scriptures and lessons from saints inspire a balanced life, grounded in spirituality rather than materialism.