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Memory

Yoga Sutras
Sutra 1.11

anubhūta-viṣayāsampramoṣaḥ smr̥tiḥ

"Memory is the retention of experienced objects."

Translated - Swami Satchidananda

This sutra relates to the nature of memory and how it is connected to experienced objects. Let's break down the meaning of each part: anubhūta: This term means "experienced" or "perceived." It refers to something that has been directly encountered or undergone by an individual. viṣaya: This term translates to "object" or "subject matter." It refers to something that is the focus or content of perception or experience. asampramoṣaḥ: This term can be understood as "not fading away" or "non-disappearance." It implies the persistence or retention of something over time. smr̥tiḥ: This term translates to "memory" or "recollection." It refers to the mental faculty that allows us to recall past experiences, information, or events. This sutra emphasises the idea that memory is the ability to retain and recall objects or experiences that have been directly perceived or undergone by an individual. It highlights the link between our experiences and the way our mind retains and later brings back those experiences through the faculty of memory. In philosophical discussions, the nature of memory and its relationship with perception, consciousness, and the passage of time is often explored.
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