Smriti: The Art and Science of Memory in Indian Psychology and Ayurveda

The mental ability to retain and recollect previous experiences, events, or information is known as Smriti (memory). In Indian psychology, smriti is regarded as one of the sources of true knowledge (pramana), alongside perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), and oral testimony (shabda). Smriti is also a creative and interpretative process that draws on the memories (samskaras) that have been stored in the mind to produce fresh insights and concepts. Smriti actively reconstructs historical knowledge in the context of the present rather than merely passively reproducing it.

Numerous schools of Indian philosophy, including Vedanta, Yoga, Nyaya, Mimamsa, and Buddhism, have debated and analyzed Smriti. Regarding the nature, breadth, and applicability of Smriti as a source of knowledge, each school has its own viewpoints. The following are some recurring themes that come up in these discussions:

• Smriti depends on perception and inference since it is built on the mental images those two processes produce. Smriti can only support or validate perception and inference, not dispute or replace them.
• Smriti is similarly reliant on the sharpness and potency of mental perceptions. Attention, interest, repetition, association, emotion, motivation, and practice are aspects that influence Smriti's quality. The Smriti will be better the more frequently these elements are present.
• Smriti is influenced by the individual's social and personal surroundings as well. A person's memory might change based on their surroundings, culture, expectations, attitude, and mood. As a result, Smriti is not always accurate or dependable and might contain mistakes, deceptions, or illusions.
• Smriti is a tool for self-improvement and self-knowledge. One may grow and learn from prior events by thinking back on them and reflecting on them. By nurturing a good and pure memory, one can also find calm and contentment.

Classifications of Smriti

Smriti is a Sanskrit term that means "that which is remembered" and denotes a collection of Hindu scriptures that are often assigned to a single author and recorded. Smriti manuscripts are regarded as less reliable than Shruti texts, which are the timeless, authorless, oral transmissions.

Depending on their aim and substance, Smriti texts are reportedly divided into four groups. Which are:

• Vedangas: These are the six auxiliary sciences that help in understanding the Vedas. They are Siksha (phonetics), Chandas (metrics), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Kalpa (rituals), and Jyotisha (astronomy).
• Upavedas: These are the four subsidiary Vedas that deal with various aspects of human life. They are Ayurveda (medicine), Dhanurveda (military science), Gandharvaveda (music and dance), and Sthapatyaveda (architecture and sculpture).
• Upangas: These are the six supplementary disciplines that explore various aspects of reality. They are Nyaya (logic), Vaisheshika (atomism), Samkhya (cosmology), Yoga (psychology), Mimamsa (exegesis), and Vedanta (metaphysics).
• Darsanas: These are the six philosophical systems that offer different perspectives on the nature of truth. They are Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.

These four groups of Smriti writings have shaped Indian psychology because they shed light on the mind, emotions, cognition, perception, memory, and awareness of individuals.

For instance, the eight limbs of yoga that are intended to create mental and bodily harmony are described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The sources and reliability of knowledge are examined by the Nyaya Sutras of Gautama. The atomic theory of matter and its connection to the mind are explained in the Kanada Vaisheshika Sutras.

The transformation of Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (matter) into different components is described in Ishvarakrishna's Samkhya Karika. The Jaimini Mimamsa Sutras place a strong emphasis on the value of rituals and moral behavior in achieving bliss. The substance of the Upanishads and the Brahman (the highest reality) theory are condensed in Badarayana's Brahma Sutras.

Therapies to sharpen Smriti

With a long history of employing herbs and spices to improve the health and well-being of the body and mind, Ayurveda is an Indian holistic medical practice. Additionally, Ayurveda provides a variety of treatments and methods such as Smriti Prada (memory improving) or Medhya Rasayana (intellectual rejuvenation) to enhance memory and cognitive function. Some of these treatments include:

In order to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and improve the flow of prana (life energy) throughout the body, ayurvedic massage and body therapies apply oil, herbs, or other substances to the body and stimulate certain spots or areas. These therapies include, for instance:

• Shirodhara: The third eye chakra and pituitary gland are stimulated by pouring a stream of heated oil or other liquid over the forehead during this therapy. This helps to reduce tension, relax the mind, and enhance memory and focus.

• Abhyanga: This full-body massage employs heated oil that has been infused with herbs that are appropriate for the person's constitution and state of health. In addition to detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system, this aids in nourishing the skin, muscles, nerves, and organs. Additionally, abhyanga enhances memory, focus, and mental clarity.
• Marma Point Massage: This therapy includes applying pressure to certain body spots that stand in for important organs and bodily processes. The intersections of prana in the body are thought to be these places, known as marmas. One can improve the health of the mind and body by activating these places, which will balance the prana flow. Additionally, memory, intelligence, creativity, and mental stability can all be enhanced with a marma point massage.

These exercises govern the intake, expiration, and retention of breath in order to manage the flow of prana in the body and mind. Ayurvedic Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief. These methods are known as pranayama, and they are regarded as one of the most crucial elements of yoga. Pranayama helps ease mental tension, lessen stress, anxiety, and sadness, and enhance memory and cognitive performance. Examples of these methods include:

• Nadi Shodhana, also known as alternating nostril breathing, calls for inhaling through the left and right nostrils alternately while covering the other nostril with a thumb or finger. This aids in balancing the ida (feminine) and pingala (masculine) nadis (energy channels) in the body, as well as the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Additionally, nadi shodhana helps enhance clarity of thought, attention, memory, and concentration.

• The Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) technique entails fast nasal breathing accompanied by strong exhalations and quiet inhalations. In addition to stimulating the brain and nerve system, this aids in clearing the lungs, sinuses, and nasal passages. Additionally, kapalabhati can improve oxygen intake, metabolism, alertness, memory, and creativity.

• This breathing method, known as Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath), includes breathing through pursed lips or a rolled tongue to cool the mouth and throat. This aids in lowering body heat and calming thoughts and emotions. Additionally, sheetali pranayama helps ease tension in the muscles, reduce blood pressure, and enhance memory, focus, and mental acuity.

Panchakarma Therapy for Stress Relief: This extensive detoxification program, which consists of five processes, aims to rid the body of built-up toxins (ama), which are the root of sickness and dosha imbalance. These methods are emesis (Vamana), purgation (Virechana), enema (Basti), nasal administration (Nasya), and bloodletting (Raktamokshana). Restoration of health, vigor, immunity, and mental well-being are all possible with panchakarma treatment. Additionally, it can raise one's IQ, memory, learning capacity, and mental clarity. Examples of these practices include:

• Virechana (Purgation): This is a procedure that involves taking herbal laxatives or purgatives to induce bowel movements and eliminate excess pitta (fire) from the body. This helps to cleanse the liver, gallbladder, intestines, blood, skin, eyes, and mind. Virechana can also improve digestion, metabolism, complexion, vision, memory, and mental acuity.
• Nasya (Nasal Administration): This is a procedure that involves administering medicated oil, powder, or juice through the nose to cleanse the sinuses, nasal passages, throat, and head. This helps to remove excess kapha (water) from the body, as well as stimulate the brain and nervous system. Nasya can also improve breathing, smell, taste, voice, memory, and mental alertness.

These are a few of the Ayurveda treatments that might aid with memory and cognitive improvement. However, these treatments must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed Ayurvedic doctor who can diagnose the patient's health and constitution and recommend the best course of action.

References

https://pediaa.com/what-is-shruti-and-smriti/

https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/vedic-literature

https://www.ayurvedicindia.info/ayurvedic-herbs-for-brain-ayurveda-brain-power/

https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/schizophrenia/