Overcoming sensitivity, according to Hinduism, involves cultivating emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a spiritual connection. In Hindu philosophy, being overly sensitive can stem from an unbalanced mind and a heightened emotional state. The goal is to develop a steady, calm, and resilient state of mind known as "sthitaprajna" (steady wisdom) as described in the Bhagavad Gita. Below are practical solutions, mantras, stories, and spiritual guidance for overcoming sensitivity using Hindu teachings.
1. Understanding Sensitivity in Hinduism
Sensitivity is often related to the mind's dominance over emotions, leading to heightened reactions. Hinduism teaches that these fluctuations of the mind, or "chitta vritti" (mental disturbances), must be controlled to achieve peace. Practices like meditation, prayer, and self-reflection can help balance emotions.
Key aspects to focus on:
- Self-awareness: Becoming aware of your emotional triggers through mindfulness and meditation.
- Emotional Detachment: Practice non-attachment to outcomes (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47).
- Inner Strength: Building mental fortitude by aligning with divine energies.
2. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions
Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation helps calm the mind and reduces over-reactivity. Practicing Japa meditation (repeating mantras) is powerful in controlling emotions.
- How to Practice:
- Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on deep breathing.
- Repeat a chosen mantra (discussed below) 108 times using a mala (prayer beads).
- Focus on the sound vibrations of the mantra and allow the mind to settle.
Breathing Exercises (Pranayama)
Breathing techniques like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and Bhramari pranayama (humming bee breath) help calm the nervous system and release emotional tension.
- How to Practice:
- Sit in a relaxed position. Close one nostril and inhale deeply, then close the other nostril and exhale.
- Repeat this 5–10 times, focusing on the breath, which balances energy channels and clears emotional blocks.
Developing Detachment (Vairagya)
The Bhagavad Gita repeatedly advises the practice of detachment. Sensitivity often arises when we are too attached to external outcomes or opinions of others.
- Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47:
"You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions. Do not let the fruits be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction."
Focus on fulfilling duties and not getting affected by external responses or events.
Connecting with Nature
Spending time in nature (Prakriti) helps in grounding emotions. Walking barefoot on the earth, gardening, or sitting under a tree can calm the mind and alleviate sensitivity.
3. Mantras for Emotional Strength and Stability
Different deities in Hinduism embody different energies. By invoking specific deities, you can strengthen emotional resilience and overcome sensitivity.
Lord Ganesha – The Remover of Obstacles
Lord Ganesha is worshipped to remove obstacles, including emotional and mental challenges. His energy is associated with wisdom and calmness.
- Mantra:
"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha"
This mantra helps to remove inner emotional obstacles and promotes mental clarity and strength.
Lord Vishnu – The Preserver
Vishnu’s energy helps in maintaining stability, balance, and emotional equanimity. Worshipping him promotes steadiness in both mind and emotions.
- Mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
This mantra invokes Lord Vishnu's energy, providing mental peace and inner balance.
Lord Krishna – The Guide to Emotional Detachment
Krishna, as the embodiment of divine love and the teacher of the Bhagavad Gita, helps in developing emotional resilience and detachment. His teachings on non-attachment to the fruits of actions can help overcome hypersensitivity.
- Mantra:
"Om Kleem Krishnaya Namaha"
Chanting this mantra helps to stabilize emotions and brings a sense of inner joy and contentment.
Goddess Durga – The Protector
Durga is the fierce form of the Divine Mother who protects her devotees from negative influences, both external and internal. Her energy gives courage and emotional strength.
- Mantra:
"Om Dum Durgaye Namaha"
This mantra invokes Durga's power to protect and stabilize the mind, helping you overcome fear and emotional weakness.
Lord Narasimha – The Fierce Protector
Narasimha, the lion-man form of Vishnu, is invoked for overcoming inner fear and emotional turbulence. His energy is fierce but protective, helping to stabilize a sensitive mind.
- Mantra:
"Om Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham"
This mantra is used to invoke courage and inner strength to face challenges and develop emotional resilience.
Lord Rudra (Shiva) – The Transformer
Shiva as Rudra represents the energy of transformation. He can help dissolve emotional disturbances and transform sensitivity into strength.
- Mantra:
"Om Namah Shivaya"
This powerful mantra purifies the mind and emotions, leading to a more balanced and resilient state.
Lord Hanuman – The Embodiment of Strength and Devotion
Hanuman is known for his immense physical and emotional strength. Worshipping Hanuman helps in developing resilience and courage to overcome emotional vulnerability.
- Mantra:
"Om Hanumate Namaha"
This mantra invokes Hanuman’s strength, removing fear and promoting emotional steadiness.
Goddess Kalaratri – The Fierce Aspect of Durga
Kalaratri is the fiercest form of Goddess Durga, representing the ultimate destruction of fear and negativity. Her energy helps to conquer inner demons and gain emotional mastery.
- Mantra:
"Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche"
This mantra invokes Kalaratri’s power to destroy emotional instability and cultivate inner strength.
4. Stories and Teachings from Hindu Scriptures
Story of Arjuna and Krishna (Bhagavad Gita)
The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita is a classic example of overcoming emotional sensitivity and confusion. Arjuna is emotionally overwhelmed at the battlefield of Kurukshetra, but through Krishna's teachings, he learns to detach from his emotions and perform his duties with focus and wisdom.
- Key Lesson: Embrace your duties without attachment to success or failure. This helps in overcoming emotional sensitivity.
Story of Prahlada and Lord Narasimha
Prahlada, despite being tormented by his father Hiranyakashipu, remained emotionally strong and devoted to Lord Vishnu. His unshakable faith and emotional resilience invoked the fierce protection of Lord Narasimha.
- Key Lesson: Faith in divine protection can help overcome emotional disturbances and lead to immense inner strength.
5. Additional Inspiration and Quotes from Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verse 5:
"Uplift yourself by yourself, do not degrade yourself. The mind alone is your friend and also your enemy."This verse highlights the importance of mental control and self-discipline in overcoming sensitivity. By training the mind, we can turn it into our greatest ally.
Upanishads Quote:
"As is the mind, so is the individual."This emphasizes the importance of managing the mind. A calm and controlled mind leads to emotional stability.
Conclusion: The Ideal Approach
Overcoming sensitivity in Hinduism involves a balanced combination of spiritual practices, self-discipline, and emotional awareness. By regularly chanting mantras of Ganesha, Vishnu, Krishna, Durga, and other deities, practicing meditation, and applying the teachings of non-attachment from the Bhagavad Gita, one can cultivate emotional resilience. The stories of great devotees like Arjuna and Prahlada serve as inspiration, reminding us that with divine guidance, we can master our emotions and lead a more balanced life.