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How To Overcome Compulsions – Hinduism Solutions And Practical Approaches

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Overcoming Compulsions – Hinduism Solutions and Practical Approaches

In Hinduism, compulsions are often seen as a product of unregulated desires, attachments, and the influence of past karma. Overcoming them involves harmonizing one's mind, body, and soul through spiritual practices, devotion, and self-discipline. Below are some key approaches, day-to-day solutions, mantras, and relevant Hindu scriptures that offer guidance.

Practical Day-to-Day Solutions

  1. Practice of Mindfulness (Dhyana - ध्यान): Regular meditation helps bring awareness to thoughts and actions, helping to control compulsive behaviors. The simple practice of observing the breath, called "Pranayama," especially techniques like "Nadi Shodhana" (alternate nostril breathing), calms the nervous system and enhances self-control.

    • Tip: Spend 10–15 minutes daily meditating on a deity of your choice or chanting a chosen mantra (detailed below).

  2. Vairagya (Detachment): Hindu philosophy emphasizes the importance of "Vairagya" or detachment from worldly desires and compulsions. Practicing detachment doesn't mean renouncing life but understanding the transient nature of material desires and training the mind not to be controlled by them.

    • Tip: Reflect on the impermanence of material things and outcomes by reading spiritual texts like the "Bhagavad Gita" daily.

  3. Performing Acts of Charity (Dana - दान): Engaging in charitable activities helps shift the focus away from personal desires, leading to a reduction in compulsions. It fosters a sense of contentment and gratitude.

    • Tip: Offer food or resources to those in need regularly. This act helps purify the heart and reduces attachment to compulsive behaviors.

  4. Bhakti (Devotion): Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, can be a powerful tool to overcome compulsions. By surrendering to a personal deity, devotees can develop discipline, as devotion leads to the removal of mental and emotional disturbances.

    • Tip: Dedicate daily worship time to your chosen deity. Offering flowers, incense, and sincere prayers can connect you to the divine presence and help overcome compulsions.

Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship

  1. Goddess Saraswati (Knowledge and Wisdom): Saraswati represents clarity of mind, wisdom, and discernment, which are essential in breaking free from compulsive thought patterns.

    • Mantra:
      "Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah"
      (ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः)
      Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of wisdom.

  2. Lord Hanuman (Strength and Discipline): Hanuman symbolizes self-discipline, strength, and unwavering devotion. His character in the Ramayana demonstrates control over desires, physical strength, and a sharp intellect.

    • Mantra:
      "Om Hanumate Namah"
      (ॐ हनुमते नमः)
      Meaning: Salutations to Hanuman, the source of immense strength and discipline.

  3. Lord Narasimha (Destroyer of Negative Influences): Narasimha is the fierce avatar of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the destruction of inner demons like fear, anger, and compulsions.

    • Mantra:
      "Om Namo Bhagavate Narasimhaya"
      (ॐ नमो भगवते नरसिंहाय)
      Meaning: Salutations to Narasimha, the protector from negative forces.

  4. Goddess Kali (Transformation and Liberation): Kali represents fierce compassion, transformation, and liberation from attachments. Worshipping her helps destroy deep-rooted fears and compulsions, allowing spiritual growth.

    • Mantra:
      "Om Krim Kalikayai Namah"
      (ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः)
      Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Kali, the embodiment of transformation and liberation.

  5. Lord Ganesha (Remover of Obstacles): Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom. He can assist in clearing mental and physical blockages that contribute to compulsive behaviors.

    • Mantra:
      "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah"
      (ॐ गं गणपतये नमः)
      Meaning: Salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

  6. Goddess Annapurna (Contentment and Fulfillment): Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment, symbolizes contentment. Worshiping her instills a sense of inner fulfillment, reducing compulsive cravings for materialistic things.

    • Mantra:
      "Om Annapurnayai Namah"
      (ॐ अन्नपूर्णायै नमः)
      Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Annapurna, the provider of nourishment.

  7. Lord Krishna (Surrender and Detachment): Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, teaches detachment from results and compulsive actions. He emphasizes "Karma Yoga" – performing one’s duties without attachment to outcomes, which can help overcome compulsions.

    • Mantra:
      "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
      (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय)
      Meaning: Salutations to Lord Krishna, the protector and guide.

Stories from Hindu Scriptures

  1. Story of Hanuman's Unwavering Focus: When Lord Hanuman was tasked with finding Sita in Lanka, he faced numerous temptations and distractions along the way. However, his singular focus on his mission kept him from succumbing to any compulsions. This teaches the importance of self-discipline and a focused mind.

  2. Krishna’s Teachings on Detachment in the Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47), Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna:
    "Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshu kadachana"
    (कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन)
    Meaning: You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.

    This verse advises practicing detachment, which can directly address the root cause of compulsions—attachment to results and desires.

  3. Story of Prahlad and Narasimha: Prahlad, a young devotee of Lord Vishnu, was subjected to his father's cruel punishments. Despite the compulsive hatred and negative energy around him, Prahlad maintained his faith and discipline. His devotion led to the appearance of Lord Narasimha, who destroyed the source of negativity. This story illustrates that unwavering faith in the divine can help overcome external and internal compulsions.

Mantras for Daily Practice

  • Saraswati Mantra for clarity of thought:
    "Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah"
    (Chant this 108 times daily to clear the mind and enhance focus.)

  • Hanuman Mantra for discipline:
    "Om Hanumate Namah"
    (Chant this 11 times or 108 times for mental strength.)

  • Narasimha Mantra for protection against compulsive tendencies:
    "Om Namo Bhagavate Narasimhaya"
    (Chant this 108 times when feeling overwhelmed.)

  • Kali Mantra for breaking attachments:
    "Om Krim Kalikayai Namah"
    (Chant this in the evening for emotional release and transformation.)

Inspirational Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

  • Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 63:
    "Krodhad bhavati sammohah, sammohat smriti-vibhramah"
    (Anger leads to delusion, and from delusion, loss of memory. When memory is lost, intelligence is destroyed, and when intelligence is destroyed, one falls down.)
    This verse emphasizes how emotional states lead to compulsive actions and the importance of controlling emotions.

  • Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.8):
    "Dhyayati iva lelayati iva"
    (Like the mind that contemplates, so it moves.)
    The mind’s repetitive contemplation on desires leads to movement toward them. Control over thoughts is crucial for breaking compulsions.


Overcoming compulsions in Hinduism involves a combination of mindfulness, detachment, devotion, and regular spiritual practice. Worshiping deities like Saraswati for clarity, Hanuman for strength, and Kali for transformation, along with mantra chanting and daily meditation, can bring about a powerful shift in managing compulsions. By following these practices consistently, one can cultivate a life of balance, discipline, and spiritual growth.