Overcoming Dual Personality – Hinduism Solutions and Practical Approaches
In Hinduism, the concept of dual personality can be understood as the internal conflict between one's higher spiritual self and the lower egoic self. This duality arises from ignorance (Avidya), attachment (Raga), and the tendencies of the mind (Vrittis). Overcoming this split requires aligning with the true self (Atman), which can be achieved through spiritual discipline, wisdom, and practice. Below are some practical approaches from Hinduism for overcoming this dual personality, including mantras, stories, and the ideal deities to worship.
1. Align with Dharma: Balancing Mind and Soul
Hinduism emphasizes aligning one's actions, thoughts, and emotions with Dharma (righteousness). Living in harmony with one’s true self helps overcome the internal conflicts of dual personality. Practicing righteousness and adhering to a moral code helps balance the mind and inner self.
Practical Approach:
- Start each day by reflecting on your intentions. Ask, “Are my thoughts, words, and actions aligned with my higher purpose?”
- Use daily reminders to cultivate awareness and stay centered on your spiritual goals.
2. Meditation on Self (Atman) and Non-Duality (Advaita)
Meditation helps quiet the conflicting thoughts and desires of the mind, leading to greater self-awareness and unity. The philosophy of Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) teaches that there is no separation between the self and the universal consciousness. Realizing this truth helps dissolve the ego, leading to the overcoming of duality.
Practical Meditation Technique:
- Atma Vichara (self-inquiry): Regularly practice asking, “Who am I?” This inquiry is a key teaching from the sage Ramana Maharshi and helps reveal the unity of the self.
- Sit in silence and focus on your breath or the inner sound of “Om” to calm the mind.
3. Mantras for Self-Realization and Unity
Mantras are powerful sound vibrations that help purify the mind, awaken spiritual energy, and harmonize the dual nature within. Specific deities are associated with overcoming psychological and spiritual challenges.
Mantras for Inner Balance:
Mantra of Goddess Saraswati (for wisdom and clarity of mind):
- “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namaha”
Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Chanting her mantra brings clarity of thought and purpose, helping to overcome the confusions of dual personality.
- “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namaha”
Mantra of Lord Shiva (for transcendence and unity):
- “Om Namah Shivaya”
Shiva, as the destroyer of ignorance and ego, helps transcend duality. Chanting his mantra invokes detachment from the ego-driven self and unity with the higher self.
- “Om Namah Shivaya”
Mantra of Lord Dhanvantari (for mental and emotional healing):
- “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakalasha Hastaya Sarvabhaya Nivaranaaya Trailokyanathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namah”
Dhanvantari, the god of healing, can help cure the mental fragmentation of dual personality by balancing the physical and mental health.
- “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakalasha Hastaya Sarvabhaya Nivaranaaya Trailokyanathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namah”
Mantra of Goddess Siddhidatri (for spiritual fulfillment and self-realization):
- “Om Siddhidatryai Namaha”
Siddhidatri is a form of Goddess Durga who grants supernatural powers and spiritual fulfillment. She helps dissolve dualities and brings about self-realization.
- “Om Siddhidatryai Namaha”
4. Stories from Hindu Scriptures on Overcoming Duality
The Story of Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita
Arjuna, the warrior prince in the Mahabharata, experiences a crisis of dual personality on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He is torn between his duty as a warrior and his compassion for his kin. Lord Krishna guides him, teaching him the path of Karma Yoga (selfless action), Jnana Yoga (knowledge), and Bhakti Yoga (devotion). Krishna’s teachings help Arjuna overcome his internal conflict and align with his true purpose.
Lesson: When faced with duality, seek wisdom and align with your higher purpose (Dharma).
Story of Shiva and the Poison (Samudra Manthan)
During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), deadly poison emerged, threatening to destroy all creation. Lord Shiva, in his infinite compassion, swallowed the poison to save the universe, but held it in his throat, becoming Neelkanth (the blue-throated one). This act of self-sacrifice represents the transcendence of duality—absorbing the negative but remaining unaffected.
Lesson: Channel your energy towards a higher goal, rise above duality, and do not let negativity affect your true self.
5. Worship of Ideal Deities
Lord Shiva
Worshiping Lord Shiva, the god of transformation, can help one transcend duality. Shiva represents the ultimate consciousness and the destruction of ego, leading to oneness with the universe.
- Rituals: Offer water or milk to a Shiva Linga every Monday. Perform Abhishekam and chant “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Goddess Saraswati
Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, helps sharpen the mind, eliminate confusion, and promote clarity of thought. A clear mind helps resolve internal conflicts and dualities.
- Rituals: Light a lamp and offer white flowers or rice to Saraswati. Recite her mantra before study or decision-making.
Ashwini Kumaras
The Ashwini Kumaras, divine physicians in Hindu mythology, are invoked for healing physical, emotional, and mental dualities. They are known to bring harmony to body and mind.
- Rituals: Offer water and chant the Dhanvantari mantra or specific Ashwini Kumaras prayers during sunrise.
Goddess Parvati and Kali
Parvati represents nurturing love and balance, while Kali is the fierce destroyer of ego and illusions. Worshiping these goddesses can provide emotional healing and liberation from mental conflict.
- Rituals: Offer hibiscus flowers to Kali and chant “Om Krim Kalikaye Namaha.” Offer roses to Parvati with the mantra “Om Parvatyai Namaha.”
6. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions
Self-Reflection and Journaling: Every day, spend 10 minutes writing about your inner conflicts and the causes of duality. Ask yourself: What part of my personality is not in harmony with my true self? Journaling helps untangle conflicting emotions.
Practice Ahimsa (Non-Violence): In Hinduism, non-violence is not only physical but also mental. Cultivate kindness and understanding towards yourself, as this resolves inner conflicts.
Mindful Living: Pay attention to the present moment. Whenever you catch yourself caught in conflicting emotions, pause, take a deep breath, and focus on your inner self.
Seva (Selfless Service): Engaging in selfless service helps dissolve the ego and align with the true self, reducing dual personality conflicts.
7. Inspirational Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita 2:47: “You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”
- This verse reminds us to focus on duty without attachment, which helps resolve internal conflicts.
Katha Upanishad 1.3.3: “The Self is the rider in the chariot, the body is the chariot, the intellect is the charioteer, and the mind is the reins.”
- This quote emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind (reins) to overcome inner divisions.
In Hinduism, overcoming dual personality is about realizing the unity between the higher self (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman). Through mantras, meditation, worship, and spiritual practice, one can dissolve inner conflicts, align with Dharma, and live a harmonious, integrated life. Daily mindfulness, reflection, and worship of deities like Shiva, Saraswati, and Kali provide both practical and spiritual solutions to transcend duality.