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How To Overcome Ghabrahat? – Hinduism Solutions And Practical Approaches

Overcoming Ghabrahat in Hinduism: Solutions and Practical Approaches

1. Understanding Ghabrahat (Anxiety) in a Spiritual Context:

In Hindu philosophy, ghabrahat (anxiety) is understood as a manifestation of disturbances in the mind. The mind, according to the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga philosophy, is prone to fluctuations (chitta vrittis) caused by attachment, fear, and desires. Karma (actions) and Samskaras (mental impressions) also play a role in creating these mental agitations. Hinduism offers a variety of spiritual practices, mantras, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce and overcome anxiety.

2. Ideal Deities for Overcoming Anxiety:

In Hinduism, several deities are associated with providing protection, strength, courage, and mental peace, making them ideal for those suffering from anxiety or ghabrahat.

a) Lord Hanuman:

Known for his immense strength, courage, and devotion, Hanuman is considered the remover of obstacles and the epitome of focus and inner peace. Worshipping Hanuman helps dispel fear, anxiety, and negative energies.

  • Hanuman Mantras for Anxiety:

    • "Om Hanumate Namah": This is a simple, powerful mantra to invoke Hanuman's protection and strength.
    • "Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahavir Jab Naam Sunave": From the Hanuman Chalisa, this verse suggests that negative energies and fears disappear when Hanuman's name is remembered.
  • Daily Practice:

    • Chant the Hanuman Chalisa daily, especially in the morning.
    • Light a diya (lamp) in front of Hanuman's image and offer red flowers or Sindoor (vermilion) to strengthen your connection.
    • Keep a small picture or idol of Hanuman near your workspace to invoke his protection and focus.

b) Lord Narasimha:

Narasimha, the half-lion, half-man avatar of Vishnu, is known for removing fear and protecting devotees in times of danger. He is the divine force that destroys evil and protects from the inner demons of anxiety and fear.

  • Narasimha Mantra for Anxiety:
    • "Om Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham"
      This mantra invokes Narasimha to dispel fears and provide courage and strength.
  • Daily Practice:
    • Chant the Narasimha Kavacham for protection.
    • Visualize Lord Narasimha in a protective posture as a force that dispels negative emotions like fear and anxiety.

c) Goddess Kali:

Goddess Kali, the fierce aspect of Shakti, is often worshiped to conquer fear and anxiety. She represents the destruction of ego, illusions, and mental disturbances.

  • Kali Mantras for Anxiety:
    • "Om Krim Kalikaye Namah": Chanting this mantra helps destroy negative thoughts and brings inner transformation.
    • "Om Hreem Shreem Klim Adya Kalika Param Eshwari Swaha": This mantra calls upon the primal energy of Goddess Kali to overcome obstacles, fear, and mental turmoil.
  • Daily Practice:
    • Meditate upon Kali's fierce image as she slays demons of fear and anxiety.
    • Offer jaggery, red flowers, and light a deepam (lamp) for Kali on Tuesdays or Saturdays, days associated with the goddess.

d) Kalabhairava and Kalaratri:

Kalabhairava and Goddess Kalaratri represent the fierce, protective aspects of the divine. They help in eliminating fear, controlling the mind, and overcoming mental turbulence. Kalabhairava represents time, and invoking him helps dispel the anxiety caused by the pressures of time and deadlines.

  • Kalabhairava Mantra:

    • "Om Kalabhairavaya Namah": Chanting this mantra will help stabilize your mind, reduce fear, and enhance focus.
    • Worship of Kalabhairava on Mondays and performing deep breathing or meditative practices can calm the mind.
  • Kalaratri Mantra:

    • "Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah": Kalaratri represents the fierce aspect of Durga that destroys ignorance and dispels darkness from the mind.

3. Practical Approaches for Day-to-Day Management:

a) Pranayama (Breathing Techniques):

  • Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Calms the nervous system and balances both hemispheres of the brain. Practice 10-15 minutes daily to reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
  • Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breathing): A calming breath technique that helps release mental agitation. Close your ears with your thumbs, place fingers over your eyes, and hum like a bee as you breathe.

b) Visualization and Meditation:

  • Visualize your Ishta Devata (Chosen Deity): Whether it's Hanuman, Narasimha, or Kali, visualize their powerful image and imagine yourself surrounded by their protective aura.
  • Trataka (Candle Meditation): Staring at a flame helps improve focus, clears mental clutter, and promotes a state of calm.

c) Bhakti (Devotion):

Engage in devotional practices such as singing bhajans, kirtans, or listening to spiritual songs dedicated to Hanuman, Kali, Narasimha, or Bhairava. The emotional expression of devotion is a therapeutic outlet for inner anxiety.

4. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures for Overcoming Anxiety:

  • Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47):
    • "Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma Phaleshu Kadachana"
      ("You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.")
      This verse teaches the practice of detachment and reducing anxiety by letting go of the results of your efforts. Focus on the action, and leave the rest to the divine.
  • Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 66):
    • "Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja, Aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma shucah"
      ("Abandon all varieties of dharmas and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.")
      This verse instills faith that by surrendering to God, anxiety and suffering will diminish.

5. Incorporating Sattvic Lifestyle:

A sattvic lifestyle, as described in the Ayurveda and Hindu texts, helps maintain mental balance and clarity. To manage anxiety:

  • Diet: Consume sattvic foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk products. Avoid tamasic (meat, alcohol) and rajasic (spicy, fried) foods that can increase restlessness and mental agitation.
  • Routine: Establish a regular daily routine (Dinacharya) that includes waking up early (Brahma Muhurta), practicing yoga or meditation, and engaging in self-reflection (Svadhyaya).

6. Lesser-Known Practices:

  • Navagraha Worship: Anxiety can sometimes be caused by malefic planetary influences. Worshipping the Navagrahas (nine planets) or performing specific Shanti Pujas can alleviate these influences.

  • Tulsi Puja: Tulsi is known as a calming, sacred plant in Hinduism. Lighting a lamp near a tulsi plant and offering water daily can bring mental clarity and peace.

By integrating spiritual practices such as mantra chanting, worship of deities, and pranayama, along with a sattvic lifestyle, one can effectively manage and overcome ghabrahat (anxiety). Regular practice of devotion, visualization, and surrender to divine forces helps ground the mind, providing the strength to face inner and outer challenges with resilience and calmness.