Table of Contents
Memory as the Foundation of Life
Sadhguru explains that everything known as life is based on memory. If a person’s memory were to disappear, even those who have passed away would cease to exist in that individual’s consciousness. He emphasizes that the dead only exist within our memory.
Memory is not confined to the mind alone; it is also embedded in the body and other things. For instance, a dog can trace a person’s movements days after they have walked through a space because the person leaves behind traces of memory. Even a few seconds of contact with the ground can leave lasting imprints.
The Clothes We Wear and Memory Imprints
Sadhguru continues by highlighting that the clothes we wear, which are in constant contact with our bodies, also carry memory. If walking for a few seconds leaves behind traces of memory, the clothes worn throughout the day gather significant memory as well. The places we sit or sleep become infused with this memory.
The goal of spiritual practice is to become free from these memory imprints. Becoming free from memory is different from losing it. Losing memory might cause it to act unconsciously within us, whereas becoming free from it allows for conscious distancing.
Dealing with Memory and Karma
One important aspect of karma is the need to free oneself from the memory left by loved ones who have passed away. Too much attachment to this memory can disturb both the living and the dead. In Indian tradition, it is encouraged to distance oneself from family before death, as attachment can hinder liberation.
Memory, especially that of loved ones, can bind both the living and the dead. It is essential to release these attachments so that the departed can achieve liberation without being held back by memories.
Cultural Practices Regarding Death
In Indian culture, when a person dies, it is crucial for all blood relatives to gather to release the deceased. This is done by ensuring everyone sees the body and participates in rituals such as cremation. This practice helps release the deceased from the memories of the living. The deceased’s belongings are also distributed in various places to avoid pooling memory in one location. Ashes are often scattered across different rivers to prevent the concentration of memory.
Karma Vastra and Its Significance
Sadhguru discusses the karma vastra, a cloth tied to a tamarind tree at Dhyanalinga, explaining that it is used to collect and store the memory of the deceased. He clarifies that tying personal clothing to the temple could lead to an unsightly accumulation of items. Instead, a uniform cloth is provided to symbolically store the memories, which are then tied to a place known for its disentanglement qualities, like a Shiva temple.
This practice is an attempt to clean up the “puddles” of memory left by the deceased, allowing their souls to move forward without being trapped by lingering memories.
Memory and Technology
Sadhguru notes that modern technology, like computers and data storage, is a way of manipulating memory. He draws parallels between the way computers store data and how human memory operates. While modern society exploits memory for technological advancement, ancient cultures focused on wiping out memory to prevent the past from influencing the future.
Conclusion
Memory is a critical part of human existence, but it can also be a source of bondage. Practices like karma vastra aim to release both the living and the dead from the grip of memory, allowing for spiritual liberation and growth.
