SlideShare a Scribd company logo
The Significance of Memory
What is memory? In psychology, memory is defined as an organism's ability to
store, retain, and recall information and experiences. But where is it stored?
Actually, the elements of memory are stored within the elements of consciousness
and it can be categorised into two terms i.e. prevailing memory and subtle memory.
The prevailing memory is also known as the ‘working’ memory. It is a short-term
store and would exist alongside with the prevailing mind consciousness and the
physical body or more specifically, the brain. Whereas, the subtle memory is a
long-term or indefinite store and it would exist concurrently with the subtle mind
consciousness, and sustain with or without the physical body.
Right now, let us analyse into part of the cycle of dependent origination shown as
below: -
Balance leads to stability. Stability leads to aggregation. Aggregation leads to
agitation. Agitation leads to information. Information leads to knowledge.
Knowledge leads to representation. Representation leads to memory. Memory
leads to compulsion. Compulsion leads to ignorance. Ignorance leads to blindness.
Blindness leads to disorientation. Disorientation leads to confusion. Confusion
leads to irrationality. Irrationality leads to impulse. Impulse leads to sparkling.
Sparkling leads to inkling. Inkling leads to volition. Volition leads to awareness.
Awareness leads to consciousness. Consciousness leads to manas. Manas leads
to mind and body. Mind and body lead to sensation. Sensation leads to six sense
bases. Six sense bases lead to conductivity, etc.
For general understanding, every existence would comprise with the three basic
elements - energy, matter and space. These basic elements would subject to the
cyclic influence of balanced and imbalanced phenomena. Under a balanced
phenomenon, these elements would start to integrate with each other to create
aggregation. Under an imbalanced phenomenon, these elements would start to
disintegrate from each other to create segregation. During the process of
aggregation, some sort of information would be produced, stored and recalled in
the integrated elements. This recorded information would act as a reference for
the present and the future consciousnesses. Without any references deriving from
the recorded past consciousness, the present and the future consciousnesses
could not begin at all i.e. the past consciousness is linked to the present
consciousness and the present consciousness is linked to the future
consciousness. In other words, memory is a necessary pre-requisite for any
consciousnesses to exist; without it, the consciousness would be impossible.
Basically, the elements of memory would involve with two key functions i.e.
deposits and withdrawals of information – the act of retaining and recalling facts.
If the elements of memory are absent, the becoming or rebirth process for all
things would be deemed impossible. For example, ice, water and steam are
different appearances deriving from the orientation of H2O properties under the
influence of the external conditions. In fact, it is the orientation of H2O properties
that has taken place to conjure up the appearance i.e. the momentary outcome of
the process of aggregation that varies according to the subjected conditions. And
without the elements of subtle memory within the H2O properties, it would be
impossible for the ice, the water and the steam to resurface into their respective
appearances repeatedly under the varying external conditions.
Also, it is interesting to note that the process of mutation taking place in the
beings or objects can be referred to as the ‘memory loss’ arising in the nucleus of
the cells or atoms of the beings or objects. For instance, cancer is a class of
diseases that refers to out-of-control cell growth. Normal cells in the body would
go along a regulated path of growth, division, and death. When this process goes
wrong or breaks down due to the memory loss in the regular cells, a mass of
abnormal cells would grow and divide uncontrollably to form masses of tissue
called tumors. And for general understanding, mutation is a natural process just
like the biological aspects of ageing. In other words, it is an inevitable development
among all the natural things; without it, the process of evolution or the condition of
multiplicity is impossible in the dependent nature. Therefore, it is just plain
impossible to obliterate the disease of cancer from human beings, just like the
kamma-vipāka (the law of kamma).
Besides, the elements of memory would bear with both the seeds and the fruits of
kamma. The seeds of kamma are comparable to deposits of information and the
fruits of kamma are comparable to withdrawals of the deposited information upon
maturity. Therefore, it is not correct to mention that a newborn being has no
memory of a previous life. Every single newborn being would surely bear with the
seeds of kamma deriving from the previous lives. The seeds of kamma are
comparable to deposits of information and the fruits of kamma are comparable to
withdrawals of the deposited information upon maturity. In other words, it is not
that the newborn being has no memory of a previous life but rather the fruits of
kamma have not ripened yet. Only upon maturity could the newborn being start to
recall events related to his or her previous lives. Therefore, without the elements
of subtle memory, the law of kamma would be impossible in the realms of
existence.
In addition, according to Buddhism, suffering arises out of ignorance. But
ignorance could not arise out of thin air. Definitely, it needs to arise out of
something that has happened beforehand. In this case, we would conclude that
ignorance arises out of the elements of memory. When one is proclaimed as an
ignorant being, it means the person is uneducated, unaware, uninformed of some
kind of things or happenings that arise beforehand and this would mean the past
events that have been retained and recalled as references for the present and the
future events. Without any references deriving from the recorded past events, the
present and the future events could not begin at all i.e. the past event is linked to
the present event and the present event is linked to the future event.
Let us illustrate, for Ignorance 1 to link to Ignorance 1-1 and Ignorance 1-1 to link
to Ignorance 1-1-1, the memory involvement is inevitable. Without it, the linking
processes of the past, present and future could not take place at all. In a layman
term, this process is called the becoming and re-becoming within beings or things.
If the memory aspect is absent, the cycle of rising and falling activities in the
dependent nature would be deemed impossible because all the things or
happenings are inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with one another.
Without the elements of memory, whatever information generated from the past
events would be instantly forgotten or erased and the progression of becoming or
rebirth process would be impossible across the time stream (past, present and
future). Therefore, the elements of ignorance and memory are closely inter-
dependent of each other – just like shadow follows the body.
As a conclusion, during the process of aggregation, some sort of information would
be produced, stored and recalled in the integrated elements. In a layman term, this
process is called the creation or pro-creation within beings or things. If the
elements of memory are absent, the process of replication could not arise in the
beings or things at all. Let us illustrate the learning of speeches among young
children. If a child has no ability of memorising, then whatever lessons that were
taught on would be forgotten or erased instantly and the progression into the next
advanced level would be deemed impossible. However, in Buddhism, there is a
recommendation for one to always see and live in the present; neither in the past
nor in the future. When one lives well in the present, one would lead to a
cessation of memories of the past and this would subsequently lead to a cessation
of ignorance in the future.

More Related Content

Similar to Memory

THE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKER
THE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKERTHE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKER
THE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKER
Alix Harrow
 
Articles en therotical_reflections_6
Articles en therotical_reflections_6Articles en therotical_reflections_6
Samsāra
SamsāraSamsāra
Samsāra
Stephen Sia
 
Nature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdf
Nature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdfNature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdf
Nature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdf
Stephen Sia
 
Psychology Capstone Project Examples
Psychology Capstone Project ExamplesPsychology Capstone Project Examples
Psychology Capstone Project Examples
Capstone Writing Service
 
journal 2
journal 2journal 2
journal 2
Camille Taylor
 
The Basics of Zen Meditation
The Basics of Zen MeditationThe Basics of Zen Meditation
The Basics of Zen Meditation
Jonathan Dunnemann
 
Who am I?
Who am I?Who am I?
Who am I?
Stephen Sia
 
Everything is One and One is All
Everything is One and One is AllEverything is One and One is All
Everything is One and One is All
Stephen Sia
 
The polo effect ...... the nature of breakdown
The polo effect ...... the nature of breakdownThe polo effect ...... the nature of breakdown
The polo effect ...... the nature of breakdown
Alix Harrow
 
Mother nature
Mother natureMother nature
Mother nature
Stephen Sia
 
Gilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docx
Gilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docxGilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docx
Gilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docx
hanneloremccaffery
 
2-26
2-262-26
2-26
jimpict
 
10-17
10-1710-17
10-17
jimpict
 
What is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docx
What is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docxWhat is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docx
What is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docx
helzerpatrina
 
C7 s di intro beck integral naked
C7 s di intro beck integral nakedC7 s di intro beck integral naked
C7 s di intro beck integral naked
Edwin Holwerda
 
Not-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhD
Not-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhDNot-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhD
Not-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhD
Rick Hanson
 
A.R.T. - The Interdependence Constant
A.R.T. - The Interdependence ConstantA.R.T. - The Interdependence Constant
A.R.T. - The Interdependence Constant
Eve Michal Willinger
 
Here.pdf
Here.pdfHere.pdf
Here.pdf
Mohamed Aswad
 
Does Nothing Exist?
Does Nothing Exist?Does Nothing Exist?
Does Nothing Exist?
Stephen Sia
 

Similar to Memory (20)

THE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKER
THE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKERTHE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKER
THE MICRO FORUM TECHNIQUE AS NEURAL NETWORKER
 
Articles en therotical_reflections_6
Articles en therotical_reflections_6Articles en therotical_reflections_6
Articles en therotical_reflections_6
 
Samsāra
SamsāraSamsāra
Samsāra
 
Nature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdf
Nature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdfNature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdf
Nature, Reality, & Buddhism 2022.pdf
 
Psychology Capstone Project Examples
Psychology Capstone Project ExamplesPsychology Capstone Project Examples
Psychology Capstone Project Examples
 
journal 2
journal 2journal 2
journal 2
 
The Basics of Zen Meditation
The Basics of Zen MeditationThe Basics of Zen Meditation
The Basics of Zen Meditation
 
Who am I?
Who am I?Who am I?
Who am I?
 
Everything is One and One is All
Everything is One and One is AllEverything is One and One is All
Everything is One and One is All
 
The polo effect ...... the nature of breakdown
The polo effect ...... the nature of breakdownThe polo effect ...... the nature of breakdown
The polo effect ...... the nature of breakdown
 
Mother nature
Mother natureMother nature
Mother nature
 
Gilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docx
Gilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docxGilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docx
Gilbert Ryle. 1949. Descartes’ Myth”, Chapter 1 of The Concep.docx
 
2-26
2-262-26
2-26
 
10-17
10-1710-17
10-17
 
What is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docx
What is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docxWhat is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docx
What is it like to be a bat httpmembers.aol.comNeoNoetics.docx
 
C7 s di intro beck integral naked
C7 s di intro beck integral nakedC7 s di intro beck integral naked
C7 s di intro beck integral naked
 
Not-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhD
Not-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhDNot-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhD
Not-Self in the Brain - Rick Hanson, PhD
 
A.R.T. - The Interdependence Constant
A.R.T. - The Interdependence ConstantA.R.T. - The Interdependence Constant
A.R.T. - The Interdependence Constant
 
Here.pdf
Here.pdfHere.pdf
Here.pdf
 
Does Nothing Exist?
Does Nothing Exist?Does Nothing Exist?
Does Nothing Exist?
 

More from Stephen Sia

Our Existence.docx
Our Existence.docxOur Existence.docx
Our Existence.docx
Stephen Sia
 
Gravity
GravityGravity
Gravity
Stephen Sia
 
Gravity - An Emergent Force
Gravity - An Emergent ForceGravity - An Emergent Force
Gravity - An Emergent Force
Stephen Sia
 
Gravity - how does it work?
Gravity - how does it work?Gravity - how does it work?
Gravity - how does it work?
Stephen Sia
 
What is existence?
What is existence?What is existence?
What is existence?
Stephen Sia
 
Nature & Reality
Nature & RealityNature & Reality
Nature & Reality
Stephen Sia
 
Buddhadhamma
BuddhadhammaBuddhadhamma
Buddhadhamma
Stephen Sia
 
Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)
Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)
Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)
Stephen Sia
 
Kamma-vipaka
Kamma-vipakaKamma-vipaka
Kamma-vipaka
Stephen Sia
 
Kamma and Wishes
Kamma and WishesKamma and Wishes
Kamma and Wishes
Stephen Sia
 
Mind, Brain & Buddhism
Mind, Brain & BuddhismMind, Brain & Buddhism
Mind, Brain & Buddhism
Stephen Sia
 
Two Facets of Nature
Two Facets of NatureTwo Facets of Nature
Two Facets of Nature
Stephen Sia
 
Pro-creation in Samsara
Pro-creation in SamsaraPro-creation in Samsara
Pro-creation in Samsara
Stephen Sia
 
New Creation in Samsara
New Creation in SamsaraNew Creation in Samsara
New Creation in Samsara
Stephen Sia
 
Buddhism
BuddhismBuddhism
Buddhism
Stephen Sia
 
Like attracts Like
Like attracts LikeLike attracts Like
Like attracts Like
Stephen Sia
 
Cause and Condition
Cause and ConditionCause and Condition
Cause and Condition
Stephen Sia
 
Nibbāna
NibbānaNibbāna
Nibbāna
Stephen Sia
 
Mind Conditions
Mind ConditionsMind Conditions
Mind Conditions
Stephen Sia
 
Suffering
SufferingSuffering
Suffering
Stephen Sia
 

More from Stephen Sia (20)

Our Existence.docx
Our Existence.docxOur Existence.docx
Our Existence.docx
 
Gravity
GravityGravity
Gravity
 
Gravity - An Emergent Force
Gravity - An Emergent ForceGravity - An Emergent Force
Gravity - An Emergent Force
 
Gravity - how does it work?
Gravity - how does it work?Gravity - how does it work?
Gravity - how does it work?
 
What is existence?
What is existence?What is existence?
What is existence?
 
Nature & Reality
Nature & RealityNature & Reality
Nature & Reality
 
Buddhadhamma
BuddhadhammaBuddhadhamma
Buddhadhamma
 
Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)
Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)
Nature & Reality (The Route to Enlightenment)
 
Kamma-vipaka
Kamma-vipakaKamma-vipaka
Kamma-vipaka
 
Kamma and Wishes
Kamma and WishesKamma and Wishes
Kamma and Wishes
 
Mind, Brain & Buddhism
Mind, Brain & BuddhismMind, Brain & Buddhism
Mind, Brain & Buddhism
 
Two Facets of Nature
Two Facets of NatureTwo Facets of Nature
Two Facets of Nature
 
Pro-creation in Samsara
Pro-creation in SamsaraPro-creation in Samsara
Pro-creation in Samsara
 
New Creation in Samsara
New Creation in SamsaraNew Creation in Samsara
New Creation in Samsara
 
Buddhism
BuddhismBuddhism
Buddhism
 
Like attracts Like
Like attracts LikeLike attracts Like
Like attracts Like
 
Cause and Condition
Cause and ConditionCause and Condition
Cause and Condition
 
Nibbāna
NibbānaNibbāna
Nibbāna
 
Mind Conditions
Mind ConditionsMind Conditions
Mind Conditions
 
Suffering
SufferingSuffering
Suffering
 

Recently uploaded

English - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdf
English - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdfEnglish - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdf
English - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdf
Filipino Tracts and Literature Society Inc.
 
Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...
Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...
Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...
makhmalhalaaay
 
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons    to Learn   ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons    to Learn   ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...
OH TEIK BIN
 
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord,  the taste of the Lord The taste of...A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord,  the taste of the Lord The taste of...
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...
franktsao4
 
Important places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptx
Important places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptxImportant places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptx
Important places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptx
ShyamSundar991228
 
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24
deerfootcoc
 
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...
Phoenix O
 
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_Restoration
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_RestorationThe_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_Restoration
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_Restoration
Network Bible Fellowship
 
How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...
How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...
How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...
Traditional Healer, Love Spells Caster and Money Spells That Work Fast
 
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu Expert
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu Expert
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu Expert
Sanatan Vastu
 
312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town
312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town
312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town
Rick Peterson
 
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - Message
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageThe Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - Message
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - Message
Cole Hartman
 
快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
cfk7atz3
 

Recently uploaded (13)

English - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdf
English - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdfEnglish - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdf
English - The Book of Ruth - King James Bible.pdf
 
Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...
Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...
Kala jadu (black magic) expert,Black magic specialist in Dubai vashikaran spe...
 
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons    to Learn   ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons    to Learn   ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...
 
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord,  the taste of the Lord The taste of...A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord,  the taste of the Lord The taste of...
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...
 
Important places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptx
Important places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptxImportant places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptx
Important places of Vrindavan-Braj Mandal Parikrama .pptx
 
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 6 16 24
 
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...
 
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_Restoration
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_RestorationThe_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_Restoration
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_104_Repentance_and_Restoration
 
How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...
How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...
How to Stop a Divorce and Save Your Marriage: Divorce Spells That Really Work...
 
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu Expert
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu Expert
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu Expert
 
312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town
312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town
312 A Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maakah Saves The Town
 
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - Message
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageThe Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - Message
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - Message
 
快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(PU毕业证书)普渡大学毕业证文凭证书一模一样
 

Memory

  • 1. The Significance of Memory What is memory? In psychology, memory is defined as an organism's ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences. But where is it stored? Actually, the elements of memory are stored within the elements of consciousness and it can be categorised into two terms i.e. prevailing memory and subtle memory. The prevailing memory is also known as the ‘working’ memory. It is a short-term store and would exist alongside with the prevailing mind consciousness and the physical body or more specifically, the brain. Whereas, the subtle memory is a long-term or indefinite store and it would exist concurrently with the subtle mind consciousness, and sustain with or without the physical body. Right now, let us analyse into part of the cycle of dependent origination shown as below: - Balance leads to stability. Stability leads to aggregation. Aggregation leads to agitation. Agitation leads to information. Information leads to knowledge. Knowledge leads to representation. Representation leads to memory. Memory leads to compulsion. Compulsion leads to ignorance. Ignorance leads to blindness. Blindness leads to disorientation. Disorientation leads to confusion. Confusion leads to irrationality. Irrationality leads to impulse. Impulse leads to sparkling. Sparkling leads to inkling. Inkling leads to volition. Volition leads to awareness. Awareness leads to consciousness. Consciousness leads to manas. Manas leads to mind and body. Mind and body lead to sensation. Sensation leads to six sense bases. Six sense bases lead to conductivity, etc. For general understanding, every existence would comprise with the three basic elements - energy, matter and space. These basic elements would subject to the cyclic influence of balanced and imbalanced phenomena. Under a balanced phenomenon, these elements would start to integrate with each other to create aggregation. Under an imbalanced phenomenon, these elements would start to disintegrate from each other to create segregation. During the process of aggregation, some sort of information would be produced, stored and recalled in the integrated elements. This recorded information would act as a reference for the present and the future consciousnesses. Without any references deriving from the recorded past consciousness, the present and the future consciousnesses could not begin at all i.e. the past consciousness is linked to the present consciousness and the present consciousness is linked to the future consciousness. In other words, memory is a necessary pre-requisite for any consciousnesses to exist; without it, the consciousness would be impossible.
  • 2. Basically, the elements of memory would involve with two key functions i.e. deposits and withdrawals of information – the act of retaining and recalling facts. If the elements of memory are absent, the becoming or rebirth process for all things would be deemed impossible. For example, ice, water and steam are different appearances deriving from the orientation of H2O properties under the influence of the external conditions. In fact, it is the orientation of H2O properties that has taken place to conjure up the appearance i.e. the momentary outcome of the process of aggregation that varies according to the subjected conditions. And without the elements of subtle memory within the H2O properties, it would be impossible for the ice, the water and the steam to resurface into their respective appearances repeatedly under the varying external conditions. Also, it is interesting to note that the process of mutation taking place in the beings or objects can be referred to as the ‘memory loss’ arising in the nucleus of the cells or atoms of the beings or objects. For instance, cancer is a class of diseases that refers to out-of-control cell growth. Normal cells in the body would go along a regulated path of growth, division, and death. When this process goes wrong or breaks down due to the memory loss in the regular cells, a mass of abnormal cells would grow and divide uncontrollably to form masses of tissue called tumors. And for general understanding, mutation is a natural process just like the biological aspects of ageing. In other words, it is an inevitable development among all the natural things; without it, the process of evolution or the condition of multiplicity is impossible in the dependent nature. Therefore, it is just plain impossible to obliterate the disease of cancer from human beings, just like the kamma-vipāka (the law of kamma). Besides, the elements of memory would bear with both the seeds and the fruits of kamma. The seeds of kamma are comparable to deposits of information and the fruits of kamma are comparable to withdrawals of the deposited information upon maturity. Therefore, it is not correct to mention that a newborn being has no memory of a previous life. Every single newborn being would surely bear with the seeds of kamma deriving from the previous lives. The seeds of kamma are comparable to deposits of information and the fruits of kamma are comparable to withdrawals of the deposited information upon maturity. In other words, it is not that the newborn being has no memory of a previous life but rather the fruits of kamma have not ripened yet. Only upon maturity could the newborn being start to recall events related to his or her previous lives. Therefore, without the elements of subtle memory, the law of kamma would be impossible in the realms of existence.
  • 3. In addition, according to Buddhism, suffering arises out of ignorance. But ignorance could not arise out of thin air. Definitely, it needs to arise out of something that has happened beforehand. In this case, we would conclude that ignorance arises out of the elements of memory. When one is proclaimed as an ignorant being, it means the person is uneducated, unaware, uninformed of some kind of things or happenings that arise beforehand and this would mean the past events that have been retained and recalled as references for the present and the future events. Without any references deriving from the recorded past events, the present and the future events could not begin at all i.e. the past event is linked to the present event and the present event is linked to the future event. Let us illustrate, for Ignorance 1 to link to Ignorance 1-1 and Ignorance 1-1 to link to Ignorance 1-1-1, the memory involvement is inevitable. Without it, the linking processes of the past, present and future could not take place at all. In a layman term, this process is called the becoming and re-becoming within beings or things. If the memory aspect is absent, the cycle of rising and falling activities in the dependent nature would be deemed impossible because all the things or happenings are inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with one another. Without the elements of memory, whatever information generated from the past events would be instantly forgotten or erased and the progression of becoming or rebirth process would be impossible across the time stream (past, present and future). Therefore, the elements of ignorance and memory are closely inter- dependent of each other – just like shadow follows the body. As a conclusion, during the process of aggregation, some sort of information would be produced, stored and recalled in the integrated elements. In a layman term, this process is called the creation or pro-creation within beings or things. If the elements of memory are absent, the process of replication could not arise in the beings or things at all. Let us illustrate the learning of speeches among young children. If a child has no ability of memorising, then whatever lessons that were taught on would be forgotten or erased instantly and the progression into the next advanced level would be deemed impossible. However, in Buddhism, there is a recommendation for one to always see and live in the present; neither in the past nor in the future. When one lives well in the present, one would lead to a cessation of memories of the past and this would subsequently lead to a cessation of ignorance in the future.