Improving Memory without Drugs

The Supreme Brahman (Supreme Self) possess 16 virtues. Every object and every being is endowed with one or more of these virtues. Difference virtues of God manifest in different objects and beings. Memory is one such special virtue।

Memory can be classified into three types: immediate, short-term and long-term. Many living being have only immediate or short-term memory; whereas, only human beings possess all three. Therefore, a human being is considered to be the best creature.

According to a psychological analysis, the act of remembering is a complex cerebral function. Memory power means classification and storage of all sense impressions in the brain to be recalled in the future, whenever required.

A chemical reaction between acetylcholine, dopamine and proteins takes place in brain cells that aid the complex memory function. It has also been established, through experimentation, that the density of the neurons interlaced within a human brain determines the memory capacity.

According to psychologists, almost all mental diseases like anxiety, mental depression, etc. are linked to memory. Such people tend to get so nervous before commencing a task that they can’t properly remember even the essential details at the hour of need.

This problem is widely prevalent in students. When an examination is near, or on seeing the question paper, they get so nervous that they even forget the lessons they had memorized. This is called memorized block. So, we can conclude that mental illness directly affects memory power.

Our ancient Rishis have discovered various means to enhance memory, like practicing pranayana, meditation, concentration and many other Yogic methods. They were even able to identify various planets and different worlds while sitting in one place simply through meditation.

Maharshi Valmiki had cultivated his intellectual prowess through meditation to such an extent that he could foresee the life of Lord Rama much before His birth and scripted it in the form of ‘Ramayana’. Similarly, Maharshi Vedavyas had predicted the characteristics of people to come in the Kaliyuga thousands of years ago in the ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapurana.’ We have to admit that the science of our Rishis was so great that modern science pales in comparison to it. The two epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, composed by Maharshi Valmiki and Vedavyas respectively are living testimony to their miraculous and advanced memory power.

The Bhramari Pranayama that enhances the memory power is an excellent discovery of our Rishis. The humming sound vibrates the brain cells, which in turn facilitates the chemical reaction among Acetycholine, Dopamine and proteins, thus enhancing memory power extraordinarily.

The Procedure of Bhramari Pranayama

Before attempting this pranayama, it is necessary to have a strong digestive system. The digestive system should be able to digest the food eaten and excrete the faeces completely.

If the digestive system is weak it should first be strengthened by doing hydrotheraphy (drinking 1.25 litres of water in the early morning even befor brushing the teeth) and Padapaschimottanasana in the morning. Proper, nutritious and sattvic diet is also essential for one practicing this pranayama because lack of wholesome nutritious foods leads to poor brain function. As such, one practicing this pranayama should have an adequate intake of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals as is appropriate for one’s constitution.

Practising Bhramari Pranayama on an empty stomach during the three sandhya (dawn, noon and dusk) times, helps enhance memory dramatically.

Method – Early in the morning after finishing your ablutions, spread a clean blanket or a woollen cloth on the ground and sit in Padmasana, Siddhasana or Sukhasana, with eyes closed. Sit erect with the neck and spine in one line. Close both your ears with the index fingers. Take a deep breath; hold it for a while and keeping your mouth closed, exhale slowly humming Om just like a bee. Make sure that inhalation and exhalation are done only through the nostrils. It is forbidden to inhale or exhale through the mouth.

While exhaling, keep your lips closed, but do not clench your teeth, leave a gap between the upper and lower teeth. Do not overexert during inhalation or retention of breath. Breathe in normally and retain the breath as long as possible without overstraining. With practice, your capacity of inhalation and retention will increase gradually.

Chant Om like an extended humming sound with every exhalation. Keep your mind focused and concentrated on the vibrations, being caused by this humming in your brain cells.

In the early stages, practice this pranayama regularly for 10 minutes in the morning, midday or evening; whichever Sandhya you find an opportune time. After a month, increase the duration by a minute a day till you reach the limit of 30 minutes. The physically weak and debilitated should carefully set their limits according to their own capacities.

Tratak

Tratak (One-pointed gazing) also helps in enhancing concentration. Whatever you read with one-pointed attention is memorized quickly. Tratak implies fixing one’s gaze over a length of time on an object, be it a point, an idol, a picture, a lamp flame, moon or star, ina stationary posture without blinking.

It’s beneficial to light a lamp using desi ghee (pure cow ghee) when sitting for Trakat meditation or any devotional activity; candles give out carbon dioxide, which is harmful.

In the beginning, the eyelids would blink but persevere and practice. Until your eyes start watering, keep staring at one point without blinking the eyes. Keep increasing the duration of Tratak every 3 to 4 days. As the duration increases greater benefits accrue.

Tratak helps in concentration and development of the intellect. A one pointed mind remains blissful and internally fearless. The more the concentration, the more profound is the impact of one’s words, actions and behaviour on the society at large.

Bhang (an intoxicating hemp), alcohol, tea, cigarettes, coffee, etc. have an adverse effect on memory power. Cow’s milk, wheat, rice, freshly prepared butter; walnuts and basil leaves enhance the life force and memory power.
Every morning stand facing the Sun with eyes closed; concentrate your mind half a centimeter above the navel thinking, “The blue rays of the Sun are developing my Manipur centre.” Think this way each time you take a breath. Perform Suryanamaskar and Pranayamas. Sunbathe for about 5 to 7 minutes everyday. Not only will your health improve but your memory also will improve phenomenally.