Remapping Memories

Each one of us is born with a unique genetic make-up, which provides a basic template for our general behaviour. This behaviour is further modified by our surroundings. These interactions, especially in early life, imprint powerful memories in our brain. Our mind is the total sum of our memories that govern our actions. Our actions then reinforce our memories in a feedback loop-type mechanism. Sanskars, as Patanjali calls memories in his Yoga Darshan, are the genesis of karma. Karma is action embracing the whole meaning of living. We are because of our karma. Our karma, or actions, good and bad, decide our future in this or the next life. All four systems of yoga — jnana, raja, bhakti and karma — teach us to live positively in thought, word and deed. This helps produce positive memories and, hence, good karma. Every individual has the power to change his destiny and memories by his actions in this life. Our actions change the neural pathways in the brain and, hence, the mind. We can change our memories through cultivation of deep thought, and change our karma. Deep thought for a long time is the essence of yoga, the sanyam in Patanjali yoga. Sanyam allows memory removal or sublimation of existing memories into new ones. Thinking deeply about a subject for a long time requires tremendous processing capability of the brain and it can only be achieved if the mind gets rid of some existing memories. To remove unhappy memories, we can think about happy events so that this process dissolves unhappy memories.

Source: Economic Times, 24/10/2018