Difference between revisions of "Smruti (memory)"

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== Smruti (Memory) ==
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{{#seo:
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|title=Smruti (memory)
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|keywords=Smruti in ayurveda, Smruti meaning, Smruti (memory),Definition of Smruti, Origin of Smruti,Utility of Smruti in treatment, Smruti improve, Smruti Medicines, memory, disorders of memory, memory enhancers in Ayurveda, restraint, psychology, deole y.s., basisht gopal, charak samhita, ayurveda, ancient medicine, indian systems of medicine.
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|description=Smruti (memory) is one of the three important mental faculties with Dhi(intellect) and Dhriti (restraint)
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|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
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|image_alt=charak samhita
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|type=article
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}}
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<p style="text-align:justify;">Smruti (memory) is one of the three important mental faculties with [[Buddhi|dhi]](intellect) and dhriti (restraint). It is referred in various contexts as given in this article. </p>
  
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=='''What is smruti?'''==
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{{Infobox
  
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*One of the eight superpowers of knowledge:
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|title =  Contributors
  
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अथाग्निवेशप्रमुखान् विविशुर्ज्ञानदेवताः|  
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|label1 = Chapter/topic
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बुद्धिः सिद्धिः स्मृतिर्मेधा धृतिः कीर्तिः क्षमा दया||३९||  
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|data1 = [[Smruti]]
  
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Smruti is enlisted among one of the eight superpowers of knowledge that are required for learning Ayurveda. (Cha.Su.1/39)
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|label2 = Author
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|data2 = [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]
  
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*One among the treatment measure of mental disorders:
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|label3 = Reviewed by
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|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]
  
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प्रशाम्यत्यौषधैः पूर्वो दैवयुक्तिव्यपाश्रयैः|  
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|label4 = Affiliations
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मानसो ज्ञानविज्ञानधैर्यस्मृतिसमाधिभिः||५८||  
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|data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar
  
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आयुर्वेददीपिका व्याख्या (चक्रपाणिदत्त कृत): स्मृतिः अनुभूतार्थस्मरणं
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|label5 = Correspondence email:
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|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com
  
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It is one of the treatment measures of mental disorders. It is defined as remembering the objective experiential knowledge.(Cha.Su.1/58)
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|label6 = Publisher
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|data6 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
  
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*One of the special attribute of Vaidya:
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|label7 = Date of first publication:
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|data7 = January 01, 2020
  
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स्मृतिमान् हेतुयुक्तिज्ञो जितात्मा प्रतिपत्तिमान्|  
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|label8 = DOI
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भिषगौषधसंयोगैश्चिकित्सां कर्तुमर्हति||३६||  
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|data8 = [https://doi.org/10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.001 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.001]
 +
}}
  
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The Vaidya shall possess good smruti i.e. memory in order to perform good clinical practices. (Cha.Su.2/36)
 
  
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*A preventive measure of exogenous diseases:
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==What is Smruti?==
  
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त्यागः प्रज्ञापराधानामिन्द्रियोपशमः स्मृतिः|
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===Definition of Smruti===
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देशकालात्मविज्ञानं सद्वृत्तस्यानुवर्तनम्||५३||
 
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आगन्तूनामनुत्पत्तावेष मार्गो निदर्शितः|
 
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प्राज्ञः प्रागेव तत् कुर्याद्धितं विद्याद्यदात्मनः||५४||
 
  
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आयुर्वेददीपिका व्याख्या (चक्रपाणिदत्त कृत): स्मृतिः पुत्रादीनां विनश्वरत्वस्वभावाद्यनुस्मरणं;यदुक्तम्- “स्मृत्वा स्वभावं भावानां स्मरन् दुःखाद्विमुच्यते” (शा.अ.१); एतच्च द्वयं मानसरोगप्रतिघातकम्|
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Smruti is defined as capacity of remembering the objective experiential knowledge. [Chakrapani commentary on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/58]. It is the the real knowledge of subjects/experiences happened in past. [Chakrapani commentary on Cha.Sa[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/3] 
  
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The person shall always remember the ultimate truth about death of dear ones like son, daughter etc., so as to prevent exogenous diseases arising due to grief or bereavement as it occurs. (Cha.Su.7/53/54)
+
Smruti is the super sensorial capacity to remember the truth or essence of everything in the Universe. [Chakrapani commentary on Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/140]
  
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*One of the observable measure for mental health:
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===Important quality===
  
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पापवृत्तवचःसत्त्वाः सूचकाः कलहप्रियाः|
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====Brahma and Yamya [[Sattva]] (psychological traits) persons====
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मर्मोपहासिनो लुब्धाः परवृद्धिद्विषः शठाः||५६||
 
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परापवादरतयश्चपला [१] रिपुसेविनः|
 
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निर्घृणास्त्यक्तधर्माणः परिवर्ज्या नराधमाः||५७||
 
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बुद्धिविद्यावयःशीलधैर्यस्मृतिसमाधिभिः|
 
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वृद्धोपसेविनो वृद्धाः स्वभावज्ञा गतव्यथाः||५८||
 
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सुमुखाः सर्वभूतानां प्रशान्ताः शंसितव्रताः|
 
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सेव्याः सन्मार्गवक्तारः पुण्यश्रवणदर्शनाः||५९||
 
  
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One shall always follow and remember good experiential knowledge for preserving mental health. (Cha.Su.7/58)
+
Good memory is characteristic feature of an individual having Bramha type  or Yamya type of psychological trait. Both types are categorized under the personalities due to dominance of Sattva (purity of mind). Therefore it is essential to have purity of mind to possess good memory. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 4/37]
  
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*One of the measure for health in this life and after life:
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====Vaidya====
  
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तत्रेन्द्रियाणां समनस्कानामनुपतप्तानामनुपतापाय प्रकृतिभावे प्रयतितव्यमेभिर्हेतुभिः; तद्यथा- सात्म्येन्द्रियार्थसंयोगेन बुद्ध्या सम्यगवेक्ष्यावेक्ष्य कर्मणां सम्यक् प्रतिपादनेन, देशकालात्मगुणविपरीतोपासनेन चेति| तस्मादात्महितं चिकीर्षता सर्वेण सर्वं सर्वदा स्मृतिमास्थाय सद्वृत्तमनुष्ठेयम्||१७||
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The Vaidya shall possess good smruti i.e. memory in order to perform good clinical practices. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 2/36]
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आयुर्वेददीपिका व्याख्या (चक्रपाणिदत्त कृत): तस्मात् कारणादात्महितं कर्तुमिच्छता, स्मृतिमास्थायावधानेन सद्वृत्तोपदेशं स्मृत्वेत्यर्थः, सतां वृत्तमनुष्ठानं देहवाङ्मनःप्रवृत्तिरूपं सद्वृत्तमनुष्ठेयम्| इह जन्मनि जन्मान्तरे च शान्तिशौचाचारादियोगजनितधर्मप्रभावात्त्रिवर्गमव्याकुलमुपयुञ्जानास्तिष्ठन्तीति ‘सन्त’ इत्युच्यन्ते, अधार्मिकास्तु विद्यमाना अप्यप्रशस्तावस्थानत्वेन| ‘असन्त’ इत्युच्यन्ते||१७||
 
  
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The persons shall always remember the suitable and unsuitable things for himself based upon his habitat, season and basic constitution. He shall follow the opposite measures of these three parameters for sustaining equilibrium. One shall always remember and observe Sadvritta for better health in this life and after life. (Cha.Su.8/17)
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Good memory is one of the six attributes of a successful practitioner along with skill, inference, scientific knowledge, promptness in action and perseverance in practice. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]9/21]
  
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*One of the attribute of good patient:
+
Good memory with scientific knowledge is quality of a life saving physician[Cha.Sa[[Sutra Sthana]]29/7]
  
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स्मृतिर्निर्देशकारित्वमभीरुत्वमथापि च|
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====Patient====
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ज्ञापकत्वं च रोगाणामातुरस्य गुणाः स्मृताः||९||
 
  
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आयुर्वेददीपिका व्याख्या (चक्रपाणिदत्त कृत): अस्मृतिस्तु ज्वरवेगागमनकालास्मरणेऽभिप्रेता, यदुक्तं- “ज्वरवेगं च कालं च चिन्तयञ्ज्वर्यते तु यः| तस्येष्टैश्च विचित्रैश्च प्रयोगैर्नाशयेत् स्मृतिम्” (चि.अ.३) इति||९||
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Patient having good memory can recover faster as the he can tell correctly about the aggravating time. factors to physician. If incorrect information is provided, then the physician may mis-diagnose it and treatment may be wrong. In the same way, if the patient doesn't remember the proper medicine, dose and time, then it is difficult to attain the desired results.
 +
In some cases of mental disorders, like insanity, anxiety, hypochondriasis, memorizing episodes of disease lead to aggravation. Hence memory of the person shall be treated correctly by psycho-therapy. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 9/9] 
 +
 
 +
====Examiner/evaluator====
 +
 
 +
The examiner shall possess good memory of scientific knowledge in order to examine, validate and authenticate observations. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]28/37]
 +
 
 +
====Apta (authorities)====
 +
 
 +
The experiential knowledge of science and statistics in memory is considered as authentic proof given by Apta(authority).[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]4/4]
 +
 
 +
====Shishya (disciple)====
 +
 
 +
Good memory is important quality of a disciple. This quality is assessed by a teacher while examining the student.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/8 and 13]
 +
 
 +
==== Sign of Sattva Sara (purity of mind)====
 +
 
 +
A person with good memory (smrutimanta) is first and foremost sign of a person with utmost purity of  mind. This is also one of the sign of great mental strength and objective to attain while treating mental disorders. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]8/110]
 +
 
 +
==== Essential feature for good quality of life====
 +
 
 +
Good memory is essential for good quality of life. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]30/24]
 +
 
 +
===Origin of Smruti===
 +
 
 +
====Aatmaja bhava (factor related with one's soul)====
 +
 
 +
During the process of embryogenesis, Smruti is categorized under the factors having origin from soul. It shows memory is unique in every individual and can differ from person to person. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]3/10]
 +
 
 +
====Smruti is related with soul====
 +
 
 +
Smruti (memory) is a sign of consciousness or living being as it is a power of soul. The memory with soul is in dormant state and needs to be revealed after practice of meditation. The other type of memory includes experiential knowledge which comes after life experiences. It is possible that with extreme practice of meditation, the memory of soul gets connected with experiential memory and the person can remember knowledge of previous life(after rebirth).[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]1/72]
 +
 
 +
====Smruti of previous life (after rebirth) is due to soul====
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 +
In living beings, the soul is responsible for ego, enjoyment of the result of deeds, engagement in deeds, transmigration from one body to another body, and keeping the memory of previous life (after rebirth). [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]1/52]
 +
 
 +
====Jatismara (one who remembers previous past life)====
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 +
There is possibility of remembering past life. One who remembers past life is called 'Jatismara'. Purity of psyche is responsible for remembrance of past life as it is united with the soul. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]3/13]
 +
 
 +
====Sattvaja bhava(factor related with one's psyche)====
 +
 
 +
Smruti is categorized under the factors having origin from the psyche. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]3/13]
 +
 
 +
====Smruti as a tool to know one's origin====
 +
 
 +
The origin of manifestation of life and mind is not told and for sure there is no such beginning. Their absence can be brought out only by excellent restraint, memory and knowledge. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]2/42]
 +
 
 +
===Smruti as a super-power===
 +
 
 +
====Superpower of knowledge====
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Smruti is enlisted among one of the eight superpowers of knowledge that are required for learning [[Ayurveda]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]1/39]
 +
 
 +
====Attainment of Yogi (Yoga saint)====
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 +
Yogi can attain the extra-sensorial power of memorizing everything in reality through practice. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]1/140]
 +
 
 +
==What are the factors affecting it?==
 +
 
 +
===Day time sleep and sleep patterns===
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 +
Day time sleep or sleeping at improper time can affect memory and intellectual functions by creating obstruction. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 21/48]
 +
 
 +
===Alcohol can destroy memory and other intellectual functions===
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 +
The episode of acute alcoholism can affect the intellectual functions of grasping, restraining and memory. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]25/40]
 +
 
 +
In the first stage of alcoholic intoxication, the memory of the person is intact. Episodes of transient loss of memory are observed in second stage of alcoholic intoxication. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/43-44]
 +
 
 +
Smruti vibhramsha (perversion of memory) is observed as harmful consequence of alcohol. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]24/57]
 +
 
 +
===Gramya ahara(domestic diet and lifestyle)===
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Improper diet and lifestyle can lead to loss of memory. The diet and lifestyle factors include:
 +
Eating sour, saline, pungent, alkaline, dried vegetables, meat, sesame, sesame paste and preparation of (rice) flour, germinated or fresh, awned or leguminous cereals, incompatible, unsuitable, rough, alkaline and channel blocking substances, decomposed, heavy, putrefied, and staled food items, indulging in irregular diet or eating while the previous food is undigested, day sleep, women and wine, performing irregular and excessive physical exercise causing agitation in the body, affected with fear, anger, grief, greed, confusion and exhaustion.
 +
[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/2/3]
 +
 
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===Smruti vibhramsha-cause of all miseries===
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Smruti vibhramsha is one of the cause of all miseries. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]1/98]
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The smruti is impaired due to covering of Rajas and Tamas over Atma, leading to impairment of knowledge of truth. This leads to mis-deeds. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]1/101]
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The impairment of memory leads to various intellectual errors called pradnyaparadha resulting in vitiation of all dosha. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]1/102]
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===Disorder of Smruti is important cardinal sign of psychiatric disorders===
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====Smruti vibhrama in Unmada(insanity)====
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The perversion of memory is cardinal sign of Unmada. It is reflected as complete or partial loss of memory. [Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]] 7/5]
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 +
====Smruti samplav (abnormality) in [[Apasmara]](epilepsy):====
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Smruti samplav means abnormal memory function is cardinal sign of [[Apasmara]] (epilepsy). [Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]]8/5]
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==== Sign of Unmada(insanity)====
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Loss of good experiential knowledge i.e. memory is seen in patients of Unmada. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/7]
 +
 
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====Specific sign of Kapha dominant Unmada====
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 +
The pathogenesis of Kapha dominant Unmada includes the impairment of intellect and memory due to excessively aggravated Kapha dosha associated with ushma(heat of Pitta dosha) at Hridaya marma (heart as vital organ). This leads to various mental dysfunctions in Unmada[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/13]
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====Sign of Pishacha unmada====
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Destruction of memory is a sign of patient of Unmada due to affliction of Pishacha((a class of demons).[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/20]
 +
 
 +
===Secondary impairment of Smruti due to somatic diseases===
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====Sign of Kardama visarpa====
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Loss of memory is observed secondary to Kardama visarpa. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]21/38]
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 +
====Sign of Pranavrita Vyana====
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 +
Decrease in memory is sign of obstruction of functioning of vyana vata by Prana vata. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]28/202-203]
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 +
===Assessment parameter for longevity/signs of dying person===
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 +
Good memory is enlisted among the parameters to be examined while assessing the longevity and impending hazards to health. [Cha.Sa.[[Indriya Sthana]]1/3]
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 +
Loss of memory without any specific cause may indicate impending death in six months. [Cha.Sa.[[Indriya Sthana]]11/7]
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 +
Loss of memory is enlisted among the signs of impending death in near future. [Cha.Sa.[[Indriya Sthana]]12/48]
 +
 
 +
==Utility of Smruti in treatment==
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 +
===A treatment measure in mental disorders===
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 +
It is one of the treatment measures of mental disorders. The experiential knowledge of good memory can help to uplift the mental strength of the person in case of psychological trauma. In other way, forgetting bad memories is also implied in treatment of mental disorders. These principles are used in psychotherapy. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]1/58]
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 +
===Important quality of mental health professional and psychiatrist===
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 +
Atreya Punarvasu has been attributed with the highest qualities of intellect, memory and knowledge while he narrated the chapter on Unmada(insanity). This shows that a health care provider dealing with the mental health, psychiatric disease possess highest intellectual strength and memory in order to treat the patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/3]
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 +
===A preventive measure of exogenous diseases===
 +
 
 +
The person shall always remember the ultimate truth about death of dear ones like son, daughter etc., so as to prevent exogenous diseases arising due to grief or bereavement as it occurs. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]7/53/54]
 +
 
 +
===One of the observable measure for mental health===
 +
 
 +
One shall always follow and remember good experiential knowledge for preserving mental health. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]7/58]
 +
 
 +
===Treatment for Atattvabhinivesha===
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 +
The patient suffering from Atattvabhinivsha shall be treated to induce his good memory and live with friends having good scientific and spiritual knowledge. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]10/63]
 +
 
 +
===One of the measure for health in this life and after life===
 +
 
 +
The persons shall always remember the suitable and unsuitable things for himself based upon his habitat, season and basic constitution. He shall follow the opposite measures of these three parameters for sustaining equilibrium. One shall always remember and observe Sadvritta for better health in this life and after life. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]8/17]
 +
 
 +
===Sign of curing [[unmada]]===
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 +
Regaining original memory is sign of cure from Unmada(insanity). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/78]
 +
 
 +
===An important pre-requisite for administration of Kuti praveshik Rasayana===
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 +
The person who intends to follow kutipraveshik rasayana must possess strength with good memory.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/1/22]
 +
 
 +
==Can Smruti be improved?==
 +
 
 +
[[Ayurveda]] elaborates the measures to preserve and protect Smruti (memory) by following certain rejuvenation therapies. The dysfunctions of Smruti (memory) can also be treated and improved by means of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures. These are detailed as under.
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 +
===Treatments used to improve memory and its disorders===
 +
====Principles of treatment of memory disorders associated with Unmada====
 +
 
 +
The principles of treatment of Unmada are applied in treatment of memory disorders:
 +
 
 +
#In case of dominance of Vata dosha:
 +
*Intake of oils and ghritas (sneha) substance
 +
* If there is obstruction in channels, mild unctuous evacuatives in small quantities should be administered.
 +
 
 +
#If the insanity is caused by kapha and pitta
 +
* therapeutic emesis and purgation after unction and sudation.
 +
*Post- evacuation dietetic regimen (gradually from lighter to heavier diet as per prescribed procedure)
 +
*Non-unctuous (niruha) and unctuous (anuvasana) enema
 +
*nasal errhines (shiro-virechana)
 +
 
 +
'''Benefits''':
 +
 
 +
By the administration of these therapeutic measures, heart, sense organs, head and bowels (koshtha) get cleansed as a result of which the mind gets refreshed and the patient regains memory as well as consciousness.
 +
 
 +
Even after the completion of above cleansing procedure, if the abnormal behaviour persists, the application of irritant snuffing, collyrium and beating should be done, which are useful for stimulating his mind, intellect and body.
 +
 
 +
One who is non-submissive and strong in physique, should be bound with firm and soft cotton bandage and should be confined in a dark room free from irons rods, wooden pieces etc.
 +
 
 +
Verbal teasing or threatening/shouting with anger (tarjana), terrorizing (trasanam), gifts /donations(danam), gladdening and exhilaration(harshanam), consolation (santwanam), frightening(bhayam) and astonishing/exhibition of surprising acts (vismaya) restore the mind to normalcy by diverting it and counteracting the causes of loss of memory.
 +
 
 +
The patients suffering from unmada should be administered thick ointment (pradeha), anointing (utsadana), massage (abhyanga), fumigation (dhuma) and intake of ghee to arouse mind, intellect, memory and consciousness. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/24-32]
 +
 
 +
===Medicines===
  
−
Patient having good memory can recover faster as the he can tell correctly about the aggravating time. factors to physician. If incorrect information is provided, then the physician may mis-diagnose it and treatment may be wrong. In the same way, if the patient doesn't remember the proper medicine, dose and time, then it is difficult to attain the desired results.  
+
====Benefits of Rasayana====
−
In some cases of mental disorders, like insanity,anxiety,hypochindirasis,memorizing episodes of disease lead to aggravation. Hence memory of the person shall be treated correctly by psycho-therapy. (Cha.Su.9/9) 
+
 
 +
Good memory can be achieved and preserved by following Rasayana (rejuvenation therapies). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/1/7-8]
 +
 
 +
====Ghee possess memory improving potential====
 +
 
 +
Ghee has the potential to improve memory functions. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]13/43)
 +
 
 +
The cow's ghee possess the properties to increase memory. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]27/231]
 +
 
 +
====Haritaki(terminalia chebula) can improve memory====
 +
 
 +
Haritaki has the potential to quickly correct errors of intellect and memory. It can remove the functional covering over intellectual and memory related functions. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/1/34].
 +
 
 +
====Brahma Rasayana====
 +
 
 +
Brahma rasayana formulation is indicated in improving memory. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/1/56]
 +
 
 +
====Chyavanprasha====
 +
 
 +
The popular formulation Chyavanprasha can prevent loss of memory and help to preserve it. It can be helpful to retrieve it. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/1/73-74]
 +
 
 +
====Aindra Rasayana====
 +
 
 +
Aindra rasayana is useful in improving the memory functions and cure diseases with secondary loss of memory.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/3/27-29]
  
−
*One of the attributes of Successful Vaidya:
+
====Triphala Rasayana====
  
−
विद्या वितर्को विज्ञानं स्मृतिस्तत्परता क्रिया|
+
The Triphala Rasayana can improve and rejuvenate memory functions if taken continuously for one year. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/3/47]
−
यस्यैते षड्गुणास्तस्य न साध्यमतिवर्तते||२१||
 
  
−
Good memory is one of the six attributes of a successful practitioner along with skill, inference, scientific knowledge, promptness in action and perseverance in practice. (Cha.Su.9/21)
+
====Shilajatu Rasayana====
  
−
कुशलाश्च स्मृतिमतिशास्त्रयुक्तिज्ञानस्यात्मनः |
+
The Shilajatu rasayana can improve and generate memory if taken as per the method described in [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/3/53].
  
−
Good memory with scientific knowledge is quality of a life saving physician.(Cha.Su.29/7)
+
====Indrokta Rasayana (list of herbs to improve memory)====
  
−
*One of the essential feature for good life:
+
The celestial drugs grown in Himalaya taken in matured form such as aindri, brahmi, payasya, ksheerapushpi, shravani, mahashravani, shatavari, vidari, jeevanti, punarnava, nagabala, sthira, vacha, chatra, atichchatra, meda, mahameda and other vitalizing drugs if taken with milk for six months can certainly improve intellect, memory, quality strength and other desired effects. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/4/6]
  
−
तत्रायुरुक्तं स्वलक्षणतो यथावदिहैव पूर्वाध्याये च|
+
====Indrokata Rasayana (formulation) ====
−
तत्र [१] शारीरमानसाभ्यां रोगाभ्यामनभिद्रुतस्य विशेषेण यौवनवतः समर्थानुगतबलवीर्ययशःपौरुषपराक्रमस्य ज्ञानविज्ञानेन्द्रियेन्द्रियार्थबलसमुदये वर्तमानस्य परमर्द्धिरुचिरविविधोपभोगस्य समृद्धसर्वारम्भस्य यथेष्टविचारिणः सुखमायुरुच्यते; असुखमतो विपर्ययेण; हितैषिणः पुनर्भूतानां परस्वादुपरतस्य सत्यवादिनः शमपरस्य [२] परीक्ष्यकारिणोऽप्रमत्तस्य त्रिवर्गं परस्परेणानुपहतमुपसेवमानस्य पूजार्हसम्पूजकस्य ज्ञानविज्ञानोपशमशीलस्य वृद्धोपसेविनः सुनियतरागरोषेर्ष्यामदमानवेगस्य सततं विविधप्रदानपरस्य तपोज्ञानप्रशमनित्यस्याध्यात्मविदस्तत्परस्य लोकमिमं चामुं चावेक्षमाणस्य [[स्मृति]]मतिमतो हितमायुरुच्यते; अहितमतो विपर्ययेण||२४||
 
  
−
Good memory is essential for good quality of life. (Cha.Su.30/24)
+
The formulation told by Indra can give strength to memory. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/4/24]
  
−
*One important attribute of examiner:
+
====Mahapaishachika ghrita====
  
−
हितमेवानुरुध्यन्ते [१] प्रपरीक्ष्य परीक्षकाः|
+
Mahapaishachika ghrita is indicated in memory disorders associated with Unmada (insanity). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]9/48]
−
रजोमोहावृतात्मानः प्रियमेव तु लौकिकाः||३६||
 
−
श्रुतं बुद्धिः स्मृतिर्दाक्ष्यं धृतिर्हितनिषेवणम्|
 
−
वाग्विशुद्धिः शमो धैर्यमाश्रयन्ति परीक्षकम्||३७||
 
−
लौकिकं नाश्रयन्त्येते गुणा मोहरजःश्रितम् [२] |
 
−
तन्मूला बहवो [३] यन्ति रोगाः शारीरमानसाः||३८||
 
  
−
The examiner shall possess good memory of scientific knowledge in order to examine, validate and authenticate observations. (Cha.Su.28/37)
+
====Apatarpana (fasting) can improve memory====
−
 
−
==How it works?==
 
−
==what are the factors affecting it?==
 
  
−
*Day time sleep can affect memory:
+
The diet leading to apatarpana (emaciation) can improve memory. Fasting can improve memory. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]23/24]
  
−
स्मृतिबुद्धिप्रमोहश्च संरोधः स्रोतसां ज्वरः|
+
====Effect of flesh of tortoise====
−
इन्द्रियाणामसामर्थ्यं विषवेगप्रवर्त(र्ध)नम्||४८||
 
−
भवेन्नृणां दिवास्वप्नस्याहितस्य निषेवणात्|
 
−
तस्माद्धिताहितं स्वप्नं बुद्ध्वा स्वप्यात् सुखं बुधः||४९||
 
  
−
Day time sleep or sleeping at improper time can affect memory and intellectual functions by creating obstruction. (Cha.Su.21/48)
+
The flesh of tortoise and turtle can generate memory.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]27/84]
  
−
*Alcohol can destroy memory and other intellectual functions:
+
===Non-pharmacological measures to improve smruti:===
  
−
मद्याक्षेपो धीधृतिस्मृतिहराणां |
+
The following serve as means to the attainment of moksha.
  
−
The episode of acute alcoholism can affect the intellectual functions of grasping, restraining and memory. (Cha.Su.25/40)
+
#Due devotion to noble person;
 +
#Shunning of the company of the wicked;
 +
#Observing sacred vows and fast;
 +
#Pursuit of the rules of good conduct;
 +
#Compliance with scriptural prescriptions;
 +
#Scriptural knowledge;
 +
#Liking for lonely living;
 +
#Detachment from the objects of senses;
 +
#Striving for moksha (salvation);
 +
#Absolute mental control;
 +
#Abstinence from performing the acts(leading to any effect);
 +
#Annihilation of the effects of past actions/deeds;
 +
#Desire to get away from the worldly trap;
 +
#Absence of egoistic disposition;
 +
#Being afraid of contacts of the soul, the mind and the body;
 +
#Concentration of the mind and intellect in the soul; and
 +
#Review of spiritual facts.
 +
All this can be attained by virtue of the constant remembering of the fact that the soul is different from the body, mind and senses. The latter has nothing to do with the former. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/143-146]
  
−
==Can it be increased?==
+
===Eight factors to retrieve memory===
  
−
*Ghee possess memory improving potential:
+
The following are the eight factors that bring about a good memory:
  
−
दीप्त्योजःस्मृतिमेधाग्निबुद्धीन्द्रियबलार्थिनः|
+
*Knowledge of cause (of a thing and event etc.);
−
पिबेयुः सर्पिरार्ताश्च दाहशस्त्रविषाग्निभिः||४३||
+
*Knowledge of form (e.g. after seeing gavaya in the forest one remembers a cow having a similar form);
 +
*Knowledge of similarity (e.g. on seeing a son one remembers his father having similar form);
 +
*Knowledge of contrast (e.g. having seen an ugly form one remembers a beautiful form);
 +
*Concentration of mind;
 +
*Practice;
 +
*Attainment of metaphysical knowledge; and
 +
*Subsequent partial communication of an event.
  
−
Ghee has the potential to improve memory functions. (Cha.Su.13/43)
+
The regime prescribed in verses above, beginning with devotion to the noble persons and ending with absolute mental control (items 1-10) serve as an aid to good memory. If one only remembers the real nature of thing he gets rid of miseries. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana 1/147-149]
  
−
स्मृतिबुद्ध्यग्निशुक्रौजःकफमेदोविवर्धनम्|
+
===A mean for salvation===
−
वातपित्तविषोन्मादशोषालक्ष्मीज्वरापहम् [१] ||२३१||
 
  
−
The cow's ghee possess the properties to increase memory. (Cha.Su.27/231)
+
The power of metaphysical memory constitutes the best way of liberation, as shown by the liberated ones. Persons following this way do not get rebirth after death. This is again the best way to the attainment of yoga (communion with God) as well as moksha (salvation). This is what the yogins, the virtuous ones, the followers of the Sankhya system, and the liberated ones say. [150-151]
  
−
*Apatarpana (fasting) can improve memory:
+
===Smruti nasha (deleting memory) as treatment===
  
−
नराणां दीप्यते चाग्निः स्मृतिर्बुद्धिश्च वर्धते||२४||
+
If the episode of fever is triggered even due to the thought of fever (as like in anxiety), then deleting the memory of fever episode is treatment measure. This treatment of deleting memory is utilized in psychological disease to remove the experiences harmful for health of the person. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]3/324]
  
−
The diet leading to apatarpana (emaciation) can improve memory. Fasting can improve memory. (Cha.Su.23/24)
+
==Current Researches==
  
−
*Effect of flesh of tortoise:
+
Ghadage Pallavi, in her study concluded that [[Smruti]] is streams of previous experience which helps to recollect the facts related to present experience or object. It results from collective action of [[atma]], [[mana]], [[buddhi]] and [[medha]]. The faculties like [[dhi]], [[dhriti]], and [[smruti]] are inseparable parts of the [[buddhi]] performance. The factors like [[dosha]], [[prakriti]], [[vaya]], [[sara]] etc. primarily influence memory. Secondarily, it can be affected by diseases. It is also one of the key factor in Psychotherapy. Adravyabhuta (Non-pharmacological) and Dravyabhuta (pharmacological) therapies mentioned in [[Ayurveda]] can help for excellence of memory.<ref>Pallavi Ashok Ghadage, Niranjan Yethadka, Narendra Trivedi. A Review on Smriti (Memory) and its Affiliates in [[Ayurveda]]. J. Res. Tradit. Med 2017; 3(5): 143-150 available from https://www.ejmanager.com/mnstemps/140/140-1517926642.pdf?t=1555569877 downloaded on April 18,2019</ref>
  
−
मेधास्मृतिकरः पथ्यः शोषघ्नः कूर्म उच्यते|
+
== Related chapters ==
  
−
The flesh of tortoise and turtle can generate memory.(Cha.Su.27/84)
+
[[Unmada Nidana Adhyaya]],  [[Apasmara Nidana Adhyaya]],  [[Katidhapurusha Sharira Adhyaya]], [[Unmada Chikitsa Adhyaya]],
 +
[[Apasmara Chikitsa Adhyaya]]
  
 
==External Links==
 
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*http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=search#
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 +
*http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=search# smRuti
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*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory Memory]
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Latest revision as of 19:43, 23 February 2024

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Smruti (memory) is one of the three important mental faculties with dhi(intellect) and dhriti (restraint). It is referred in various contexts as given in this article.

Contributors
Chapter/topic Smruti
Author Deole Y.S.
Reviewed by Basisht G.
Affiliations Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar
Correspondence email: carakasamhita@gmail.com
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
Date of first publication: January 01, 2020
DOI 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.001


What is Smruti?

Definition of Smruti

Smruti is defined as capacity of remembering the objective experiential knowledge. [Chakrapani commentary on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/58]. It is the the real knowledge of subjects/experiences happened in past. [Chakrapani commentary on Cha.SaChikitsa Sthana9/3]

Smruti is the super sensorial capacity to remember the truth or essence of everything in the Universe. [Chakrapani commentary on Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 1/140]

Important quality

Brahma and Yamya Sattva (psychological traits) persons

Good memory is characteristic feature of an individual having Bramha type or Yamya type of psychological trait. Both types are categorized under the personalities due to dominance of Sattva (purity of mind). Therefore it is essential to have purity of mind to possess good memory. [Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/37]

Vaidya

The Vaidya shall possess good smruti i.e. memory in order to perform good clinical practices. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/36]

Good memory is one of the six attributes of a successful practitioner along with skill, inference, scientific knowledge, promptness in action and perseverance in practice. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana9/21]

Good memory with scientific knowledge is quality of a life saving physician[Cha.SaSutra Sthana29/7]

Patient

Patient having good memory can recover faster as the he can tell correctly about the aggravating time. factors to physician. If incorrect information is provided, then the physician may mis-diagnose it and treatment may be wrong. In the same way, if the patient doesn't remember the proper medicine, dose and time, then it is difficult to attain the desired results. In some cases of mental disorders, like insanity, anxiety, hypochondriasis, memorizing episodes of disease lead to aggravation. Hence memory of the person shall be treated correctly by psycho-therapy. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 9/9]

Examiner/evaluator

The examiner shall possess good memory of scientific knowledge in order to examine, validate and authenticate observations. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana28/37]

Apta (authorities)

The experiential knowledge of science and statistics in memory is considered as authentic proof given by Apta(authority).[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana4/4]

Shishya (disciple)

Good memory is important quality of a disciple. This quality is assessed by a teacher while examining the student.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/8 and 13]

Sign of Sattva Sara (purity of mind)

A person with good memory (smrutimanta) is first and foremost sign of a person with utmost purity of mind. This is also one of the sign of great mental strength and objective to attain while treating mental disorders. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana8/110]

Essential feature for good quality of life

Good memory is essential for good quality of life. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana30/24]

Origin of Smruti

Aatmaja bhava (factor related with one's soul)

During the process of embryogenesis, Smruti is categorized under the factors having origin from soul. It shows memory is unique in every individual and can differ from person to person. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana3/10]

Smruti is related with soul

Smruti (memory) is a sign of consciousness or living being as it is a power of soul. The memory with soul is in dormant state and needs to be revealed after practice of meditation. The other type of memory includes experiential knowledge which comes after life experiences. It is possible that with extreme practice of meditation, the memory of soul gets connected with experiential memory and the person can remember knowledge of previous life(after rebirth).[Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana1/72]

Smruti of previous life (after rebirth) is due to soul

In living beings, the soul is responsible for ego, enjoyment of the result of deeds, engagement in deeds, transmigration from one body to another body, and keeping the memory of previous life (after rebirth). [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana1/52]

Jatismara (one who remembers previous past life)

There is possibility of remembering past life. One who remembers past life is called 'Jatismara'. Purity of psyche is responsible for remembrance of past life as it is united with the soul. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana3/13]

Sattvaja bhava(factor related with one's psyche)

Smruti is categorized under the factors having origin from the psyche. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana3/13]

Smruti as a tool to know one's origin

The origin of manifestation of life and mind is not told and for sure there is no such beginning. Their absence can be brought out only by excellent restraint, memory and knowledge. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana2/42]

Smruti as a super-power

Superpower of knowledge

Smruti is enlisted among one of the eight superpowers of knowledge that are required for learning Ayurveda. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana1/39]

Attainment of Yogi (Yoga saint)

Yogi can attain the extra-sensorial power of memorizing everything in reality through practice. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana1/140]

What are the factors affecting it?

Day time sleep and sleep patterns

Day time sleep or sleeping at improper time can affect memory and intellectual functions by creating obstruction. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/48]

Alcohol can destroy memory and other intellectual functions

The episode of acute alcoholism can affect the intellectual functions of grasping, restraining and memory. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana25/40]

In the first stage of alcoholic intoxication, the memory of the person is intact. Episodes of transient loss of memory are observed in second stage of alcoholic intoxication. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/43-44]

Smruti vibhramsha (perversion of memory) is observed as harmful consequence of alcohol. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana24/57]

Gramya ahara(domestic diet and lifestyle)

Improper diet and lifestyle can lead to loss of memory. The diet and lifestyle factors include: Eating sour, saline, pungent, alkaline, dried vegetables, meat, sesame, sesame paste and preparation of (rice) flour, germinated or fresh, awned or leguminous cereals, incompatible, unsuitable, rough, alkaline and channel blocking substances, decomposed, heavy, putrefied, and staled food items, indulging in irregular diet or eating while the previous food is undigested, day sleep, women and wine, performing irregular and excessive physical exercise causing agitation in the body, affected with fear, anger, grief, greed, confusion and exhaustion. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/2/3]

Smruti vibhramsha-cause of all miseries

Smruti vibhramsha is one of the cause of all miseries. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana1/98]

The smruti is impaired due to covering of Rajas and Tamas over Atma, leading to impairment of knowledge of truth. This leads to mis-deeds. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana1/101]

The impairment of memory leads to various intellectual errors called pradnyaparadha resulting in vitiation of all dosha. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana1/102]

Disorder of Smruti is important cardinal sign of psychiatric disorders

Smruti vibhrama in Unmada(insanity)

The perversion of memory is cardinal sign of Unmada. It is reflected as complete or partial loss of memory. [Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 7/5]

Smruti samplav (abnormality) in Apasmara(epilepsy):

Smruti samplav means abnormal memory function is cardinal sign of Apasmara (epilepsy). [Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana8/5]

Sign of Unmada(insanity)

Loss of good experiential knowledge i.e. memory is seen in patients of Unmada. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana9/7]

Specific sign of Kapha dominant Unmada

The pathogenesis of Kapha dominant Unmada includes the impairment of intellect and memory due to excessively aggravated Kapha dosha associated with ushma(heat of Pitta dosha) at Hridaya marma (heart as vital organ). This leads to various mental dysfunctions in Unmada[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana9/13]

Sign of Pishacha unmada

Destruction of memory is a sign of patient of Unmada due to affliction of Pishacha((a class of demons).[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana9/20]

Secondary impairment of Smruti due to somatic diseases

Sign of Kardama visarpa

Loss of memory is observed secondary to Kardama visarpa. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana21/38]

Sign of Pranavrita Vyana

Decrease in memory is sign of obstruction of functioning of vyana vata by Prana vata. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana28/202-203]

Assessment parameter for longevity/signs of dying person

Good memory is enlisted among the parameters to be examined while assessing the longevity and impending hazards to health. [Cha.Sa.Indriya Sthana1/3]

Loss of memory without any specific cause may indicate impending death in six months. [Cha.Sa.Indriya Sthana11/7]

Loss of memory is enlisted among the signs of impending death in near future. [Cha.Sa.Indriya Sthana12/48]

Utility of Smruti in treatment

A treatment measure in mental disorders

It is one of the treatment measures of mental disorders. The experiential knowledge of good memory can help to uplift the mental strength of the person in case of psychological trauma. In other way, forgetting bad memories is also implied in treatment of mental disorders. These principles are used in psychotherapy. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana1/58]

Important quality of mental health professional and psychiatrist

Atreya Punarvasu has been attributed with the highest qualities of intellect, memory and knowledge while he narrated the chapter on Unmada(insanity). This shows that a health care provider dealing with the mental health, psychiatric disease possess highest intellectual strength and memory in order to treat the patient. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana9/3]

A preventive measure of exogenous diseases

The person shall always remember the ultimate truth about death of dear ones like son, daughter etc., so as to prevent exogenous diseases arising due to grief or bereavement as it occurs. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana7/53/54]

One of the observable measure for mental health

One shall always follow and remember good experiential knowledge for preserving mental health. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana7/58]

Treatment for Atattvabhinivesha

The patient suffering from Atattvabhinivsha shall be treated to induce his good memory and live with friends having good scientific and spiritual knowledge. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana10/63]

One of the measure for health in this life and after life

The persons shall always remember the suitable and unsuitable things for himself based upon his habitat, season and basic constitution. He shall follow the opposite measures of these three parameters for sustaining equilibrium. One shall always remember and observe Sadvritta for better health in this life and after life. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana8/17]

Sign of curing unmada

Regaining original memory is sign of cure from Unmada(insanity). [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana9/78]

An important pre-requisite for administration of Kuti praveshik Rasayana

The person who intends to follow kutipraveshik rasayana must possess strength with good memory.[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/1/22]

Can Smruti be improved?

Ayurveda elaborates the measures to preserve and protect Smruti (memory) by following certain rejuvenation therapies. The dysfunctions of Smruti (memory) can also be treated and improved by means of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures. These are detailed as under.

Treatments used to improve memory and its disorders

Principles of treatment of memory disorders associated with Unmada

The principles of treatment of Unmada are applied in treatment of memory disorders:

  1. In case of dominance of Vata dosha:
  • Intake of oils and ghritas (sneha) substance
  • If there is obstruction in channels, mild unctuous evacuatives in small quantities should be administered.
  1. If the insanity is caused by kapha and pitta
  • therapeutic emesis and purgation after unction and sudation.
  • Post- evacuation dietetic regimen (gradually from lighter to heavier diet as per prescribed procedure)
  • Non-unctuous (niruha) and unctuous (anuvasana) enema
  • nasal errhines (shiro-virechana)

Benefits:

By the administration of these therapeutic measures, heart, sense organs, head and bowels (koshtha) get cleansed as a result of which the mind gets refreshed and the patient regains memory as well as consciousness.

Even after the completion of above cleansing procedure, if the abnormal behaviour persists, the application of irritant snuffing, collyrium and beating should be done, which are useful for stimulating his mind, intellect and body.

One who is non-submissive and strong in physique, should be bound with firm and soft cotton bandage and should be confined in a dark room free from irons rods, wooden pieces etc.

Verbal teasing or threatening/shouting with anger (tarjana), terrorizing (trasanam), gifts /donations(danam), gladdening and exhilaration(harshanam), consolation (santwanam), frightening(bhayam) and astonishing/exhibition of surprising acts (vismaya) restore the mind to normalcy by diverting it and counteracting the causes of loss of memory.

The patients suffering from unmada should be administered thick ointment (pradeha), anointing (utsadana), massage (abhyanga), fumigation (dhuma) and intake of ghee to arouse mind, intellect, memory and consciousness. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana9/24-32]

Medicines

Benefits of Rasayana

Good memory can be achieved and preserved by following Rasayana (rejuvenation therapies). [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/1/7-8]

Ghee possess memory improving potential

Ghee has the potential to improve memory functions. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana13/43)

The cow's ghee possess the properties to increase memory. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana27/231]

Haritaki(terminalia chebula) can improve memory

Haritaki has the potential to quickly correct errors of intellect and memory. It can remove the functional covering over intellectual and memory related functions. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/1/34].

Brahma Rasayana

Brahma rasayana formulation is indicated in improving memory. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/1/56]

Chyavanprasha

The popular formulation Chyavanprasha can prevent loss of memory and help to preserve it. It can be helpful to retrieve it. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/1/73-74]

Aindra Rasayana

Aindra rasayana is useful in improving the memory functions and cure diseases with secondary loss of memory.[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/3/27-29]

Triphala Rasayana

The Triphala Rasayana can improve and rejuvenate memory functions if taken continuously for one year. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/3/47]

Shilajatu Rasayana

The Shilajatu rasayana can improve and generate memory if taken as per the method described in [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/3/53].

Indrokta Rasayana (list of herbs to improve memory)

The celestial drugs grown in Himalaya taken in matured form such as aindri, brahmi, payasya, ksheerapushpi, shravani, mahashravani, shatavari, vidari, jeevanti, punarnava, nagabala, sthira, vacha, chatra, atichchatra, meda, mahameda and other vitalizing drugs if taken with milk for six months can certainly improve intellect, memory, quality strength and other desired effects. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/4/6]

Indrokata Rasayana (formulation)

The formulation told by Indra can give strength to memory. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/4/24]

Mahapaishachika ghrita

Mahapaishachika ghrita is indicated in memory disorders associated with Unmada (insanity). [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana9/48]

Apatarpana (fasting) can improve memory

The diet leading to apatarpana (emaciation) can improve memory. Fasting can improve memory. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana23/24]

Effect of flesh of tortoise

The flesh of tortoise and turtle can generate memory.[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana27/84]

Non-pharmacological measures to improve smruti:

The following serve as means to the attainment of moksha.

  1. Due devotion to noble person;
  2. Shunning of the company of the wicked;
  3. Observing sacred vows and fast;
  4. Pursuit of the rules of good conduct;
  5. Compliance with scriptural prescriptions;
  6. Scriptural knowledge;
  7. Liking for lonely living;
  8. Detachment from the objects of senses;
  9. Striving for moksha (salvation);
  10. Absolute mental control;
  11. Abstinence from performing the acts(leading to any effect);
  12. Annihilation of the effects of past actions/deeds;
  13. Desire to get away from the worldly trap;
  14. Absence of egoistic disposition;
  15. Being afraid of contacts of the soul, the mind and the body;
  16. Concentration of the mind and intellect in the soul; and
  17. Review of spiritual facts.

All this can be attained by virtue of the constant remembering of the fact that the soul is different from the body, mind and senses. The latter has nothing to do with the former. [Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 1/143-146]

Eight factors to retrieve memory

The following are the eight factors that bring about a good memory:

  • Knowledge of cause (of a thing and event etc.);
  • Knowledge of form (e.g. after seeing gavaya in the forest one remembers a cow having a similar form);
  • Knowledge of similarity (e.g. on seeing a son one remembers his father having similar form);
  • Knowledge of contrast (e.g. having seen an ugly form one remembers a beautiful form);
  • Concentration of mind;
  • Practice;
  • Attainment of metaphysical knowledge; and
  • Subsequent partial communication of an event.

The regime prescribed in verses above, beginning with devotion to the noble persons and ending with absolute mental control (items 1-10) serve as an aid to good memory. If one only remembers the real nature of thing he gets rid of miseries. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana 1/147-149]

A mean for salvation

The power of metaphysical memory constitutes the best way of liberation, as shown by the liberated ones. Persons following this way do not get rebirth after death. This is again the best way to the attainment of yoga (communion with God) as well as moksha (salvation). This is what the yogins, the virtuous ones, the followers of the Sankhya system, and the liberated ones say. [150-151]

Smruti nasha (deleting memory) as treatment

If the episode of fever is triggered even due to the thought of fever (as like in anxiety), then deleting the memory of fever episode is treatment measure. This treatment of deleting memory is utilized in psychological disease to remove the experiences harmful for health of the person. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana3/324]

Current Researches

Ghadage Pallavi, in her study concluded that Smruti is streams of previous experience which helps to recollect the facts related to present experience or object. It results from collective action of atma, mana, buddhi and medha. The faculties like dhi, dhriti, and smruti are inseparable parts of the buddhi performance. The factors like dosha, prakriti, vaya, sara etc. primarily influence memory. Secondarily, it can be affected by diseases. It is also one of the key factor in Psychotherapy. Adravyabhuta (Non-pharmacological) and Dravyabhuta (pharmacological) therapies mentioned in Ayurveda can help for excellence of memory.[1]

Related chapters

Unmada Nidana Adhyaya, Apasmara Nidana Adhyaya, Katidhapurusha Sharira Adhyaya, Unmada Chikitsa Adhyaya, Apasmara Chikitsa Adhyaya

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References

  1. ↑ Pallavi Ashok Ghadage, Niranjan Yethadka, Narendra Trivedi. A Review on Smriti (Memory) and its Affiliates in Ayurveda. J. Res. Tradit. Med 2017; 3(5): 143-150 available from https://www.ejmanager.com/mnstemps/140/140-1517926642.pdf?t=1555569877 downloaded on April 18,2019
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