As we have explored the opening intricacies of Yoga philosophy and begun our examination of its profound understanding of the nature of the mind, it has become clear that its depths surpasses conventional comprehension.
Practising yoga involves aligning the mind's ebbs and flows to achieve inner peace and lucidity - it is a pathway to directly encountering the state of yoga.
Yoga originates from within the mind, leading to the discovery of the Self.
It’s way more than a simple downward facing dog.
Arriving at the final Vritti in this week's blog post, we have gathered the knowledge needed to assist us with the journey through the labyrinthine corridors of the minds, allowing us to grasp our perceptions, engagements, and relationship with the core of existence.
Smriti:
Smriti translates from Sanskrit to "memory" or "that which is remembered." In the context of Indian philosophy, particularly within the yogic tradition, Smriti refers to not only one of the Vrittis, but also to a category of sacred texts and scriptures.
Smriti occupies a significant place among the vrittis; it represents a fundamental aspect of the human mind, influencing our perception and understanding of reality in profound ways.
At its core, Smriti is the faculty of remembrance; the ability to recall past experiences, knowledge, and information. It is the repository of our personal history, storing the impressions and memories that shape our identity and inform our decisions.
Within the framework of the vrittis, Smriti serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing us to draw upon not only our accumulated wisdom and experiences to navigate the complexities of life, but also upon the wisdom and experiences of others.
It is through the lens of Smriti that we make sense of the world around us, interpreting present events in light of past experiences.
However, Smriti is not merely a passive repository of memories; it is also a dynamic and fluid aspect of consciousness. Like a river flowing through time, our memories are constantly evolving and reshaping themselves in response to new experiences and insights.
In this sense, Smriti is not just about remembering the past; it is also about actively engaging with it, reflecting on our experiences, and learning from them. It is through this process of reflection and introspection that we gain insight, enriching our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Yet, despite its essential role in shaping our perception and understanding of reality, Smriti is not infallible. Like all vrittis, it is subject to distortion and bias, influenced by our emotions, beliefs, and perceptions. Memories can be coloured by our subjective interpretation of events, leading to distortions and inaccuracies in our understanding of the past.
Moreover, Smriti is inherently selective, prioritising certain memories over others based on their emotional significance or relevance to our current circumstances. This selective nature of memory can sometimes lead to biases and distortions in our perception of reality, as we filter our experiences through the lens of our preconceived notions and beliefs.
However, despite its limitations, Smriti remains an invaluable tool for navigating the complexities of human existence. It is through the process of remembering and reflecting on our past experiences, and by acknowledging and embracing our memories, both the joyful and the painful, we can learn from them and grow as individuals.
Through the practices of meditation and self-reflection, we can learn to discern the difference between objective reality and the subjective interpretations imposed by our Smriti. By developing a clear and unbiased awareness of our thoughts and experiences, we can liberate ourselves and awaken to a more expansive and, indeed, authentic understanding of reality.
Ultimately, the recognition and understanding of Smriti as a vritti within yogic philosophy offers us insight into the complex interplay between memory, perception, and consciousness. It reminds us that our perception of reality is shaped not only by our present experiences but also by the memories and impressions that reside within us.
In embracing Smriti as an integral aspect of our human experience, we can learn to navigate its currents with perspective and discernment, using our memories as a source of insight and inspiration on the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Matt ~ The Bearded Naked Yogi
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