yogasutra 1.11 - ashtangamarga.com

Samadhi Pada • sutra 11

अनुभूतविषयासंप्रमोषः स्मृतिः ॥१.११॥ anubhūta-viṣaya-asaṁpramoṣaḥ smṛtiḥ ॥1.11॥
Memory is the non-forgetting of perceived objects.

Word by Word Translation

अनुभूत (anubhūta): perceived, experienced, learned
विषय (viṣaya): object, sensory domain, object of perception, object of the senses, mental impressions
असंप्रमोषः (asaṁpramoṣaḥ): non-forgetting, non-loss, not letting go
स्मृतिः (smṛtiḥ): memory, recollection, awareness

Commentary
Memory (smṛti) is the last of the five vṛttis mentioned in sutra 1.6. Like all vṛttis, it can either be an obstacle or a help on the path of yoga. When memory is limited to recalling past experiences without discernment, it risks trapping the mind in repetitive patterns and preconceptions that can distort the perception of the present and influence future actions. For example, a person who was betrayed in the past may remember that experience every time they enter a new relationship. This can generate unnecessary mistrust towards the current partner, even in the absence of concrete signs, distorting the perception of the present relationship. Similarly, a person who was harshly criticized by their boss in the past may continuously relive that experience, developing insecurity or fear of expressing new ideas, even in a different and more open work environment.

In un contesto yogico la memoria non si limita al ricordo di eventi, ma la capacità di mantenere vivi gli insegnamenti, le esperienze di presenza e le intuizioni che emergono dalla pratica. Per questo motivo, smṛti assume un ruolo cruciale nel percorso verso la cessazione delle fluttuazioni della mente (citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ), poiché aiuta a consolidare la consapevolezza e a rafforzare il discernimento (viveka) e a evitare che la mente venga sopraffatta dalle distrazioni.

In a yogic context, memory is not limited to the recollection of events but is the ability to keep alive the teachings, the experiences of presence, and the insights that emerge from practice. For this reason, smṛti plays a crucial role in the path towards the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind (citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ), as it helps consolidate awareness, strengthen discernment (viveka), and prevent the mind from being overwhelmed by distractions.

Daily Mindfulness Bites
Today, choose a meaningful moment from your day in which you experienced something intense or important, whether emotional, sensory, or mental. It could be a conversation, a moment of deep connection, an experience in nature, or even a small gesture that had an impact on you.

Take a few minutes to recall this moment with full attention. Do an exercise in detailed memory: try to remember the colors, sounds, physical sensations, and any emotions you felt in that exact moment. Feel how your body reacts as you bring this experience to mind. Return to that moment, attempting to “relive” it without trying to alter or judge it.

Reflection: Which details have stayed with you? How do these memories make you feel? Do you notice how, as you immerse yourself in this memory, your attention is fully focused on the present, grounding you in the reality you’re experiencing? This exercise helps you appreciate what truly matters in your life.

Repeat this exercise at least once a day, choosing a different moment each time. At first, it might seem difficult, but over time it will become easier. This will help strengthen your memory and improve your ability to live fully in the present.
Every experience you have holds the potential to be a resource for growth and awareness. Memory is not just a recording of past events, but a resource that can support you in living more fully in the here and now.

Insights Behind the Words – Did You Know…?

A “Non-Distracted” Memory: The word asaṁpramoṣaḥ (non-loss) suggests a vivid and conscious memory, one that does not let the essence of experiences slip away. It is not merely a static recollection, but an active ability to maintain awareness of perceived objects over time.

Un ponte tra Yoga e Buddhismo: Il concetto di smṛti è sorprendentemente vicino a sati nella tradizione buddista, che spesso viene tradotto come “presenza mentale”. Entrambe le tradizioni concordano sull’importanza della memoria per sostenere la pratica spirituale, sia come strumento di presenza mentale che per la ritenzione degli insegnamenti, utilizzati come guida per il discernimento (viveka).

A Bridge Between Yoga and Buddhism: The concept of smṛti is surprisingly close to sati in the Buddhist tradition, often translated as “awareness.” Both traditions agree on the importance of memory in supporting spiritual practice, both as a tool for mental presence and for the retention of teachings, used as a guide for discernment (viveka).

In the oral traditions of ancient India, the transmission of teachings primarily occurred through memorization. Even today, this approach remains central in many traditions, such as in Tibetan Buddhist schools, where memorization of texts precedes their logical analysis through debate. No one debates the meaning of a text with someone who has not memorized it. This process demonstrates how memory is not just a storage of information, but an essential foundation for deep and transformative learning.

Modern Memory: In contemporary society, we are often inclined to discuss or form opinions about books or topics we have not explored in depth. A quick scroll through social media or video platforms exposes us to content that condenses complex subjects into “10 things to know” or videos like “I tried this for a week.” While these pieces of content may be intriguing, they often provide a superficial view that fails to capture the deeper essence of what is being discussed.

We live in an era where we are always in a rush, eager to get everything fast and right away: learning quickly, forming immediate opinions, and swiftly moving on to the next thing. This tendency leads us to sacrifice depth and internalization, both essential for true and profound understanding.

This comparison invites us to reflect: what do we lose in our pursuit of speed? The traditional approach reminds us that respect for the content, combined with consistent effort and the ability to pause, are essential for authentic understanding. Returning to a slower, more mindful pace could help us not only to know more, but, more importantly, to be more.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Samadhi Pada • sutra 11

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