Overcoming Fear in Children: Hinduism Solutions and Practical Approaches
Fear is a natural emotion in children, but through Hinduism’s teachings, rituals, and daily practices, it is possible to help children overcome their fears in a holistic and spiritual way. Hindu traditions offer wisdom through sacred texts, stories, mantras, and the worship of deities who can inspire courage, strength, and emotional resilience. Below is a comprehensive approach to helping children overcome fear through Hindu practices:
1. Ideal Deities for Overcoming Fear
In Hinduism, several deities are associated with protection, courage, and the removal of obstacles. Worshiping these deities can help children build inner strength and calm their fears.
Ganesha – Remover of Obstacles
- Ganesha is the beloved elephant-headed god who is invoked at the beginning of any endeavor to remove obstacles and bring success. He is particularly effective for children who fear new experiences or challenges.
- Mantra: “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”
- Practical Tip: Encourage children to chant this mantra when they feel afraid or before starting a new task like school or a test. It creates a sense of protection and calm.
Hanuman – The Embodiment of Courage
- Hanuman, the monkey god, is known for his unwavering devotion and incredible bravery. His worship is believed to bestow courage and eliminate fears, particularly those related to physical harm or danger.
- Mantra: “Om Namo Hanumate Namah”
- Story of Hanuman: Narrating stories from the Ramayana, like how Hanuman leaped across the ocean to find Sita, instills in children a sense of bravery. His undying loyalty and strength provide inspiration to face their own fears.
- Practical Tip: Teach children the “Hanuman Chalisa,” even in short verses. It’s a powerful recitation to ward off fear and build self-confidence.
Goddess Shashti Devi – Protector of Children
- Shashti Devi is revered as the protector of children and is often invoked for the health and safety of infants and young ones.
- Mantra: “Om Shashti Devyai Namah”
- Practical Tip: Perform simple prayers to Shashti Devi on the sixth day of every lunar month or during important milestones in the child’s life. Lighting a small diya and offering flowers to her image or idol in your home can provide children a sense of divine protection.
Goddess Sheetala Mata – Healer and Protectress
- Sheetala Mata is the goddess associated with health and protection from diseases. Worshiping her helps calm fears related to sickness or physical harm.
- Mantra: “Om Sheetalayae Namah”
- Practical Tip: Especially during illness or periods of anxiety related to health, invoking Goddess Sheetala Mata provides reassurance to children.
Santana Gopala Krishna – Bestower of Childlike Joy and Protection
- Santana Gopala is a form of Lord Krishna known for blessing children and ensuring their protection and happiness. Worshiping him can calm children's minds and create an atmosphere of joy.
- Mantra: “Om Devaki Suta Govinda Vasudeva Jagatpate Dehi Me Tanayam Krishna Tvam Aham Sharanam Gatah”
- Practical Tip: Keep a small image of Krishna in the child’s room. Tell stories from Krishna’s childhood, like his playfulness and his victory over demons like Kaliya, to encourage children to face challenges with a joyful and fearless spirit.
2. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions
Daily Affirmations and Mantra Practice
Encourage children to chant specific mantras that calm the mind and dispel fear. Simple mantras like:
- “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” – This mantra invokes peace and removes anxiety.
- “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” – A mantra that brings protection and courage.
Daily chanting helps children focus their minds and breathe in a rhythmic, calming manner. It also empowers them with the belief that divine forces are protecting them.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation are effective tools in helping children control their anxiety and fears. Specific yoga poses like the Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) and Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) enhance focus, balance, and self-confidence.
- Practical Tip: Practice a short 5-minute meditation every morning, focusing on deep breaths. Encourage visualization of their favorite deity watching over them, filling them with light and protection.
Rituals of Light
Light is symbolic of the dispelling of darkness, which represents fear. Simple rituals like lighting a lamp in front of a deity or lighting incense can create a sacred and protective space for children.
- Practical Tip: At dusk, involve the child in lighting a diya (lamp) in front of a picture of their favorite god or goddess. This practice can symbolically and psychologically remove their fear of the dark.
3. Stories from Hindu Scriptures
Narrating stories from Hindu scriptures that highlight courage, resilience, and divine protection can inspire children. Some key stories include:
- Krishna’s Victory Over Kaliya: This story shows how young Krishna fearlessly subdued the venomous serpent Kaliya, symbolizing overcoming fear and negativity. It teaches children to confront their fears with confidence.
- Prahlada’s Faith in Lord Vishnu: Despite being subjected to extreme torture by his father Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada’s unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu saved him. This story can be used to teach children that faith and inner strength can overcome all dangers.
These stories, told in a bedtime format, can deeply influence a child’s perception of fear and courage.
4. Practical Remedies (Upayas) for Fear
Havan (Fire Rituals)
Havan is an ancient Vedic practice where offerings are made to the fire along with the chanting of mantras. Conducting a simple Ganesh Havan or Hanuman Havan can cleanse the environment and create a peaceful space, reducing fear and anxiety in children.
Use of Protective Amulets and Charms
In some traditions, protective amulets or threads are tied on a child's wrist to keep away fear and negative energies. These can be blessed by a priest or by family members during a simple prayer ritual.
Rudraksha Mala
Giving a child a small Rudraksha mala (holy beads) to wear or keep with them can have calming effects. These beads, particularly a Ganesha Rudraksha, are believed to offer protection and peace of mind.
5. Inspiration and Helpful Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 40): “In this endeavor, there is no loss or diminution, and even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.”
- This quote encourages children and parents alike that any effort in spiritual practice, no matter how small, helps reduce fear.
Taittiriya Upanishad (3.10.5): “May I never fear or reject anyone; may no one fear or reject me.”
- This prayer can be a part of a child’s daily routine to cultivate inner peace and help them feel safe in the world.
6. Additional Lesser-Known Tips
Tulsi Plant Worship: Keeping a Tulsi (holy basil) plant in the home, especially near the child’s room, is believed to purify the environment and ward off negative energies. Encourage the child to water the plant and offer prayers for protection.
Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar): The moon’s calm energy is associated with soothing emotions. Practicing the moon salutation (similar to the sun salutation) can help children release fear and anxiety, especially during the evening hours.
In Hinduism, the combination of daily rituals, chanting, meditation, and the worship of protective deities offers a well-rounded approach to overcoming fear in children. By instilling in them the belief that they are divinely protected and empowered, parents can help children not only manage their fears but also grow into confident, resilient individuals.