How To Overcome Ommetophobia – Hinduism Solutions And Practical Approaches

Ommetophobia, or the fear of eyes, is an uncommon but powerful phobia that can create discomfort in situations involving eye contact or looking at eyes, both human and animal. Hinduism offers a wide range of spiritual and practical tools for those seeking to overcome personal fears, including specific deities, mantras, and mental practices. Below are some Hindu-inspired solutions and practical approaches, including suitable mantras, scriptures, and relevant gods and goddesses associated with healing and strength.

1. Worship and Mantras for Healing

Hinduism reveres many deities known for their specific powers of healing, strength, and courage. Each deity provides a different kind of assistance:

• Lord Ganesha: Known as the remover of obstacles, Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of new ventures and is ideal for those seeking to overcome mental barriers and anxieties.

  • Mantra for Ganesha:
    • Om Gam Ganapataye Namah – This mantra is said to help remove mental and emotional obstacles.
    • Chant it with devotion daily, ideally in the early morning, to build inner confidence and reduce irrational fears.

• Dhanvantari: The god of Ayurveda, associated with health and healing, Dhanvantari's worship can be beneficial for those seeking to overcome fears and attain mental balance.

  • Mantra for Dhanvantari:
    • Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha Hasthaaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaaya Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Namah.
    • This mantra is intended to alleviate physical and mental ailments and should be recited 108 times daily for effective healing.

• Ashwini Kumaras: Twin gods and divine healers known for their medicinal prowess.

  • Ashwini Mantra:
    • Om Ashwini Kumaraaya Namah – Chanted 108 times, it invokes healing and strengthens resilience.
    • Visualize their healing energy while chanting, which can assist in dispelling the phobia over time.

• Goddess Durga: Embodying courage and protection, Durga helps individuals face fears with strength and resilience.

  • Durga Mantra:
    • Om Dum Durgaye Namah – This mantra invokes strength and can be particularly useful to empower oneself against overwhelming fear.
    • Meditate on this mantra daily to instill strength and a protective aura.

• Hanuman: Known for his courage, loyalty, and strength, Hanuman is revered for his ability to eliminate fear.

  • Hanuman Mantra:
    • Om Hanumate Namah – Chanting this mantra aids in building inner strength and dispelling fear.
    • Recite daily, especially during times of anxiety, to invoke Hanuman’s fearless nature.

2. Practical, Day-to-Day Solutions for Ommetophobia

• Grounding and Mindfulness Practices: Practicing grounding techniques helps in creating a connection to the present moment, minimizing panic and anxiety. Techniques include:

  • Pranayama (Breath Control): Techniques like Anulom-Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) calm the nervous system.
  • Visualization of a Deity’s Eye: Focusing on the compassionate eyes of a chosen deity, such as Durga or Hanuman, can provide a safe mental image to counter the fear of direct human eyes.

• Gradual Exposure Therapy: This involves gradually exposing oneself to images of eyes in safe, controlled ways, ideally with a supportive person or environment. Over time, this helps build a tolerance to the source of the fear.

  • Start with images of deity statues or idols, allowing the peaceful expressions to ease tension, before progressing to other forms of exposure.

• Journal and Affirmations: Write down any fears associated with eyes and then counter these thoughts with positive affirmations. For example, "I feel safe and at peace when I make eye contact."

  • Practice this daily, and pair it with a relevant mantra (such as Om Gam Ganapataye Namah).

3. Stories and Inspirational Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

• The Story of Prahlada: In the Bhagavata Purana, Prahlada, a young devotee of Vishnu, faced many fears and torments inflicted by his father Hiranyakashipu but remained calm through his devotion to Lord Vishnu. His faith and courage helped him overcome every attempt to frighten him, illustrating how devotion can empower us over our fears.

• Inspiring Verse from the Bhagavad Gita:

  • “The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice.” – (Bhagavad Gita 6.35)
  • This quote emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and self-discipline in overcoming the mind’s fears.

4. Ideal Deities to Worship for Overcoming Fear

• Lord Shiva: Known as the god of transformation and destruction of fear. Meditating upon Shiva’s form can bring a sense of calm and dissolution of irrational fears.
• Goddess Amba (Ambika): As a fierce form of Shakti, she is invoked for protection and fearlessness, symbolizing inner strength.
• Goddess Sarala and Lord Jagannath: In certain regions of India, Sarala is considered an aspect of the goddess of wisdom, aiding in overcoming phobias and irrational fears. Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, is also considered a deity that protects devotees from fear and misfortune.

5. Daily Practice of Self-Affirmation and Empowerment

• Morning and Evening Ritual: Start and end your day with a mantra like Om Dum Durgaye Namah or Om Gam Ganapataye Namah. This practice is a form of self-reinforcement that prepares the mind to confront challenges calmly.
• Sankalpa (Resolution): At the beginning of each mantra session, take a sankalpa, or a solemn vow, stating your intention to overcome ommetophobia. This dedication builds determination over time.

6. Inspiration and Important Teachings

• “Abhayam” (Fearlessness): Hindu philosophy considers abhayam or fearlessness as one of the highest virtues. It teaches that true spiritual growth is marked by a reduction in fears.
• The Third Eye of Shiva: Symbolically, Shiva’s third eye represents spiritual awakening and the ability to see beyond surface fears. Reflecting on this can encourage deeper introspection, helping reduce irrational fears.

7. Additional Practical Tips for Overcoming Ommetophobia

• Seek Guidance in Temples or Spiritual Groups: Visiting temples, particularly of deities associated with fearlessness (like Hanuman and Durga), can reinforce feelings of strength and protection.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Rather than being self-critical, accept that overcoming phobias is a gradual process.
• Ayurvedic Approaches: Certain Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi can help reduce anxiety and improve mental resilience, making them a helpful addition to the spiritual practices.

In Hinduism, the combination of devotion, consistent practice, and introspective understanding can be a powerful approach to overcoming fears such as ommetophobia. Through regular chanting, connecting with the compassionate eyes of deities, and fostering inner courage, individuals can gradually diminish the intensity of their phobia and find peace.