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.

Devotee Janabai

‘What is impossible to accomplish for a devotee of God? Everything is possible. Throwing light on the anecdotes of the life of Devotee Janabai, Pujya Bapuji said,
“It is difficult to say when, where and how God protects. His devotees through His Lila (divine play). When we look at the history and read the biographies of devotees, we develop all the more faith in the existence of God. Janabai was born to Damaji, who lived in Gangakhed, a small village on the banks of the river Godavari. In her childhood, Janabai lost her mother. When her father returned home after performing the funeral rites of her mother, little Jana enquired, “Father! Where has mother gone?”
Her father replied, “She has gone to visit Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur.”

One day, two days…………five days………..ten days …………twenty-five days………passed. “Father, why hasn’t mother come back yet? Is she sitting with Lord Vitthal at Pandharpur? Father! Take me to Pandharpur as well,” insisted little Jana.
Her father took his daughter to Pandharpur. After taking a bath in the river Chandrabhaga, they went to Lord Vitthal’s temple. Little Jana began to ask Vitthal, “Where has my mother gone, Vitthal? Please call my mother?”

Calling out ‘Vitthal, Vitthal…………’, she started crying uncontrollably. Her father tried his best to console her, but how could such a little girl understand all this? Just then, Dama Seth and his wife Gonaibai, the parents of Bhakta Namdev, entered the temple, Seeing Jana sobbing their hearts were filled with parental love. They told her father, “Now Jana will not leave Pandharpur. Leave her here. We will look after her as our own daughter. This way, she will continue to have darshan of Lord Vitthal. And she will keep calling ‘Vitthal, Vitthal….’ To bring her mother back. In the process, if this kindles devotion in her heart, it is well and good.”

Jana’s father agreed and left Janabai at that place. Thus Janabai had the company. While staying there, Jana would have darshan of Vitthal and also help in the household chores. Gradually, her devotion to the Lord continued to increase. With the passage of time, Namdev got married. Yet, Janabai continued to do her household chores and visit the temple everyday to have darshan of Vitthal.

Once, due to an excessive workload she went to temple very late at night. Everyone had left by then. Jana returned home after praying to Lord Vitthal, but the next day morning people noticed that the gold necklace adorning Lord Vitthal was missing!
The temple priest said, “The last person to visit the temple was Janabai.”

Janabai was arrested. She pleaded, “I do not take even a needle that belongs to someone else, and then how could I steal the Lord’s necklace?” But, it seemed that the Lord wanted to increase the spiritual power and spread the glory of his devotee by testing her. The king issued a royal edict, “Jana is lying. Take her through the market place, caning her all the way, to the place where criminals are impaled on the stake, and impale her on the stake.” The soldiers came to take Janabai. Janabai was praying to Lord Vitthal, “My Lord Vitthal! What should I do? You know everything……”
Just as gold is heated and melted to be moulded into ornaments, God tests devotees. True devotees pass the test, whereas others go astray.

When the soldiers were taking Janabai, by standers commented, “See the great devotee! Her devotion was a pretence. Now her true colours have come to light.” Good people, however, were painted to see all this.

The procession finally reached the place of impalement. The executioner then asked her, “You are going to be executed. What is your last wish?” Janabai replied, ”Wait for just a little while; so that I may sing some Abhangas (couplets in the honor and praise of the Almighty) before I die.”

Abhanga is a metrical composition in praise of God, in Marathi prose, similar to Doha, Chaupai or Sakhi in Hindi prose. Some 300 Abhangas of Janabai are available even today, Janabai, immersing herself in divine remembrance and with a heart full of devotion and faith, began to pray to Lord Vitthal through the Abhangas. “Be kind to me, O Lord! Be kind to me. How does this deceptive maya (illusion) beguile us? Have mercy on me, O Lord! Have mercy on me.”

A prayer rendered with a heart full of devotion and faith most certainly reaches God. Tears were streaming down from Janabai’s eyes as she prayed, and the stake on which she was to be impaled got transformed into water. Devotion from a pure heart can even cause the Nature to change its laws. Seeing this, the people were dumbfounded. The king also begged her pardon. Janabai was hailed. No matter how much opponents may try, a true devotee always remains firm in his devotion. It is rightly said.

“When have chain (obstacles) been able to hold back those determined to progress? When have difficulties been able to halt those who are resolved to march ahead?”
O divine women of India! Remember the great women of our ancient past. You were born on this same land India where great women like Sulabha, Gargi, Madalsa, Shabari, Meera and Janabai were born. Even the numerous obstacles that came in their way did not shake their faith and devotion.

O Women of India! How wrong it is to forget the glory of our own culture, being wrongly influenced by the glitter and glamour of the Western culture? Rather than adopting a culture that will lead to your downfall, follow your own culture so that you make overall progress in your life, your children will also do likewise, and you will enable India to enthrone herself once again on the seat of Vishwaguru (Guru of the world).

Non-believers are Losers

Passionate thoughts enter a person through two portals:
1) The eyes: By seeing a movie (film), or seeing a boy a girl with licentious purpose, or seeing mouth-watering delicious foods or drinks.
2) The ears: By hearing praise or censure about somebody, or listening to music or lewd songs.

The good and bad of the world are relative and fancied. They enter our mind through the eyes or ears. We do not know the real good. Real good lies in the Being of God that is both formless without attributes and with a form and attributes.In order to understand and appreciate God, we always need a propitious outlook and we must behold Him in all. Darshan of an idol of God, or God-realised Saint and chanting the Lord’s name are various means to increase our virtues, thus helping us on our path to God-realization.

What if you do not believe in God?
Those people who do not live in the company of Saints and do not listen to satsang are more passionate. The behaviour and the eating habits of the populace of a city or village that has not been visited by a Saint for the last 5 to 15 years becomes devilish and they suffer from restlessness and violence.

If one does not believe in God, then vanity and arrogance, the root cause of vice and strife, will increase. The attributes of purity of heart and equanimity in happiness or sorrow will not develop if one has no belief in God. One becomes puffed up with pride and joy in favourable circumstances and terribly frightened and unhappy in adverse conditions.

Once there was a wave of political propaganda in Japan, “There is no use believing in God. All the places of worship-temples and churches should be shut down; if we get elected, we will put an end to all this hypocrisy and pretence.”
They were elected and then appointed the priests and clergy as manages and the other attendants as workers. All the temples and churches were converted into small or big industrial firms so that they would double production for the development of the nation.
At the end of the year, instead of doubling, production had halved even though the industrial establishments and the labour force had been doubled.

It was found that earlier the people used to believe in God, visit places of worship and would experience some inner peace and tranquility. A good achievement was thought to be God’s grace thus keeping the ego under control. People used to have brotherhood towards each other. If an individual would fall sick or an operation would fail, the doctors would say, “It is God is will.”

Now God was no longer in the picture and there was death of solace and peace. Therefore human behaviour became devilish.
The Japanese had no alternative but to reopen the place of worship. Imbibing the virtues of Indian Vedic culture in its daily life, Japan today has reached the pinnacle of achievements. Now they meditate and also believe in God. Belief in God brings forth peace and solace. And sooner or later and path of God-realization is revealed and finally one attains salvation.

How can one attain God? Develop a strong desire to attain God। Keep chanting the Lord’s name, practice spiritual discipline, prayer and ‘anushthan’ in solitude, keep the company of holy Saints, look after one’s parents, serve Saints and attend satsang. Then one will be able to attain God soon.

Back to Indian Heritage

Sanatana Dharma, the traditional Indian culture, is the most ancient and the greatest culture in the world. All scholars have acknowledged the greatness of Sanatana dharma across the world. French scholar Keno opines, “In the whole world, Indian is the only place which has preserved its excellent tradition and culture over the years.’

The main reason underlying the development of the people in Germany and Japan is the fact that they imbibed the teachings of our Vedas and Upanishads. But it is unfortunate that in the name of modernization, in our won country we are forgetting the high ideals of our own holy culture and are abandoning our great rituals, trends, customs and traditions.

Even though Indian culture is endowed with all the means to adequately develop our lives, our youth are still being lured by western glamour, life-style and practices. This is due to the ongoing rapid onslaught of sensual and titillating imagery promoted by the media. It is a matter of deep regret that we are being trapped in the attractive-web of foreign culture.

Due to the malicious propaganda of the education system introduced by Macaulay, we have forgotten the glory of Indian culture, the pinnacle of spirituality, which was deliberately misconstrued as a trend of illiterate, primitive and narrow-minded people. Moreover, we have been impressed by the life style and fashion of meat-eaters, drinkers and egocentrics who are, themselves, burning in the hellish fire of sense-pleasures and restlessness.

The western style of eating and drinking while standing, results in pain in the calf muscles after the age of 40.

Today’s Indian college students have the time to read books written by researches of empirical science who indulge in consuming meat, wine, eggs, etc. but they do not have the time to study ‘Sri Yogavashishtha Maharamayan’, ‘Gita’, Upanishad and other scriptures written by sages and seers, who led an ascetic life; living on roots, bulbs or simply on air and worked day and night to find out the Absolute Truth and performed penance for the benefit of the mankind. Today’s youths have no time for contemplating on the highest philosophical work of the world, the bhagwad Gita. How unfortunate it is indeed!

We have been turning away from the divine knowledge of the sages who composed the Upanishads- that are fountain heads of such divine knowledge which can help make something of oneself not only here but also hereafter; that can develop our lives to such an extent that even our companions would be delighted by our presence.

If we have to bring about social order in India once again, and also rekindle spiritual power in Indians, we must take recourse to continence and spiritual discipline (sadhanas).

In order that we Indians, are healthy in body, cheerful of heart, and can avail ourselves of the techniques of longevity, we have to tread the path as shown by our Saints and Holy Scriptures.

We should once again sow the seeds of the holy impressions of our civilization and glorious spiritual traditions of our Rishis and Munis in our hearts. That is the only way to develop the intellectual abilities and potential of our youth in order to help them advance on the path of greatness.

Methods of Education – Ancient and Modern!

In the educational system of ancient India, a student would enter a gurukul (the guru’s ashram) at the age of five years and would remain there till the age of fifteen. During this period, the student was inculcated with such traits that he would live a life of simplicity and self-control, and he would acquire such great powers that enabled him to be successful both in this world and the other. The students trained in gurukuls were such that even gods would seek their help in waging wars. For example, the gods sought the help of king Raghu and king Khatwang in their battle against the demons.

During the British rule in India, the British tried their best to subjugate the Indians, but success eluded them. Then Lord Macaulay advised the British government, ‘So long as we do not replace the strong traits of Indian culture ingrained in Indian minds with those of the western culture and unless we educate them in the Western system, we will not be able to enslave the Indians permanently.’ On Lord Macaulay’s advice, the British government embarked upon the task of brain-washing Indian students and youths. Faith that were inherent in Indian culture, and the strength and radiance (nobility of spirit) of our youths were all destroyed.

Some people say, ‘This is the age of progress।’ Okay! We might agree that as far as material comforts and luxuries are concerned, there has been definite progress but as far as the well-being of the students is concerned, this is the age of degeneration। The injustices that is being meted out to students in this age is unprecedented. Earlier the students used to drink cow’s milk and today they drink tea and coffee. This is detrimental rather than conducive to the vibrancy of the youth. Consequently, their memory power is weakened.

The training that was imparted to students in ancient times, for the development of courage, strength and brilliance in the system developed by the Rishis, has also gone haywire. And today…

‘I shout you shout. Who will carry the dirt out? (if everyone behaves like a king who will do the chores?)

Our material needs and extravagance are on the rise and life in general is becoming more and more hollow inside. The development of a prodigious memory, the radiance and self restraint that should be the mark of a student’s life is woefully missing today.

Today, there are a host of appeals, ‘Do not steal, do not drink intoxicants, abstain from bad habits, do not cheat during exams, put your heart in studies… ‘ but we have forgotten the knack to fully apply oneself of studies and the culture of earning success without cheating. What then should the poor student do? Cheats to succeed in exams but the strength, brilliance, self-reliance along with a healthy well-built body that a student is supposed to possess are nowhere in sights.
It is a part of our Indian tradition to live a life of self-control and courage. The deeper you inculcate the traits of self-control and courage in a child’s life up to the age of fifteen, the more it helps him become intelligent, ingenious, self-reliant and adventurous in college and a great citizen thereafter.

The Constructive Path

The brain is the most important organ of our body. There are two important endocrine glands in it – the Pineal gland and the Pituitary gland.

The Pineal gland is located in the space between the eyebrows. In Yoga, it has a correlation with the Ajna Chakra. It is very active in children but after the age of 8 or 9, its activity decreases and the pituitary gland becomes more active. As a result, emotions become more intense. This is the reason why some children become emotionally unbalanced and mentally perturbed with the onset of puberty, and end up indulging in untoward actions. In order to develop the pineal gland and delay its atrophy, as well as to bring the pituitary gland under control, it is necessary to inculcate the practice of asana, pranayama, mudra, etc. in children at the age of 7 to 8 years. Our Rishis considered this to be very important.

Janana Mudra: The tips of both the thumbs have three main acupressure points connected with the brain, pineal gland and pituitary gland. Pressure applied at these points result in the generation of an electromagnetic current, which makes the brain and the pineal gland more active. This enhances memory, concentration and thinking concentration and thinking capabilities. When one sits in Jana Mudra, the first finger applies pressure on the thumb at this specific point, which naturally brings about the above advantages.

Japa (the silent repetition of a mantra): when we perform japa of the Lord’s name by counting of beads, we hold the rosary of beds between the thumb and the ring finger and move the beads using the middle finger, thereby producing friction at these very points with the movement of each bead.

Kirtana (chanting): Clapping with both hands while chanting the Lord’s name has an acupressure-like effect on all the points in the hands. It creates an effect on all organs of the body similar to recharging a battery and makes them active. As a result glands work better, immunity increases and the chances of falling ill are reduced. When children sing the Lord’s name in unison, their tumultuous sound reverberates through space and generates pious vibrations in the atmosphere. The mind becomes one-pointedly focused on the sound during singing, and as a result both hearing and memory power are enhanced. That is why group prayers are considered to be important in schools.
Meditating on Ajna Chakra: Doing the Jnana Mudra while sitting in Padmasana (lotus posture) and concentrating on your Ajna Chakra while meditating on your presiding deity or Gurudev, are very important because concentration and meditation are very helpful in curbing the distractions and restlessness of the mind through the sublimation of psychic powers। Practice of meditation increases I. Q. (Intelligence Quotient) in miraculous way. This is a scientifically proven fact .

Students’ Questionnaire

1. Why should one get up in Brahma Muhurta, around 4.00-4: 30A.M.(2 hours and 15 minutes before sunrise)?
Answer: Since the environment is peaceful, pure (non-polluted) and cool at that time, it is conducive to enhancing sattvic, sublime thoughts and zeal of the mind, along with providing freshness and agility to the body. Hence Brahma Muhurta is the best period for studies. Students should take benefit of it.

‘One who is awake gains; and the one asleep, loses.’

What harm is there if one continues to sleep after sunrise?
Answer: According to the ‘According to the ‘Atharva Veda’, if one continues to sleep even after sunrise, sunrays will suck his vitality and luster.

Why should one eat Tulsi (basil) leaves after bathing in the morning?
Answer: Basil is termed as the ‘Family Vaidya’. During the process of photosynthesis, basil leaves give out three times more oxygen than other plants. This has been proved by scientific experiments. Eating basil leaves improves strength, luster and memory power. Basil leaves also contain elements that protect from cancer. French doctor Victor Raisin has said, ‘Basil is a wonder drug.’

Therefore every morning after bathing, eat 5-7 of Tulsi and drink a glass of water in an empty stomach.

4. What are the advantages of meditation?
Answer: Meditation awakens our latent powers, quietens our mind, develops our concentration and memory faculties, sharpens the intellect and helps us experience supreme peace. The easy means to establish contact with the Lord is meditation.

5. Why should one perform Suryanamaskar?
Answer: In ancient times, our Rishis and Munis (seers) had developed a system of asanas (postures), which includes the recitation of the Sun god. This is called Suryanmaskar. Practice of Suryanamaskar. Practice of Suryanamaskar sharpens the thinking and memory faculties as well as augmenting physical and mental vigour.

Western scientist Gardner Ronny has said, ‘The Sun is an excellent medicinal avenue.’ Sun rays help to cure diseases like cold, cough, pneumonia, leprosy etc. Dr. Solley says, ‘The Sun has greater healing power than any other object in this world’.
6. What are the advantages of offering water to the sun while chanting mantra?

Answer: The Sun is the Lord of intellect. As such, offering water to the sun at dawn sharpens the intellect. During the process of making an offering, the combined impact of the Sun’s wonderful the mantra and the Sun-God’s grace is highly beneficial for us. We also receive the benefits of water-therapy, as the water is charged with the rays of the Sun. it gives miraculous benefits in improving intellectual prowess, vigour and luster. This discover made by ancient Indian sages is beneficial for mankind, and is also a proven scientific treatment.

7. What are the ill effects of listening to rock and pop music and watching music videos?

Answer: These futile and hollow pastimes eradicate the sublime thoughts and emotions of the heart and fill the mind and intellect with base thoughts. Dr. Diamond, after careful experiment arrived at the conclusion that such music weakens the life force of the listener.
Experiment: A normal healthy man’s hand can lift around 40 to 45 kilograms of weight by using the deltoid muscle. When a man listens to rock music, his efficiency to lift weight by use of this muscle diminishes considerably. It is thus clear that rock music weakness the life force.

8. Why is ‘Swastika’, the sign of Indian culture, considered auspicious?

Answer: Our Rishis and Munis have conceived this symbol after extensive and subtle research. ‘One without a second, the Supreme Being is Omnipresent’. The vertical and horizontal lines of the ‘Swastika’ represent this truth. The vertical line of the ‘Swastika’ denotes the line of the ‘Swastika’ denotes the ‘Jyotirlinga’. (The special symbol of Lord Shiva) and the horizontal line represents the expanse of the world. The four hands of the ‘Swastika’ represent this truth. The vertical line of the ‘Swastika’ denotes the ‘Jyotirlinga’. (The special symbol of Lord Shiva) and the horizontal line represents the expanse of the world. The four hands of the ‘Swastika’ denote the four hands of Lord Vishnu, with His four hands, nurtures being in all four quarters (of the universe).

‘Swastika’ is a symbol of all round auspiciousness. According to the traditions kumkum (red colour ) on the occasions of a marriage, a ceremony performed on the sixth day after a child’s birth (birth rite), Diwali, starting the year’s new accounts, worship of the scriptures and many other auspicious occasions as well as being drawn on the entrances of homes and temples. Thereafter we devotedly pray to God, ‘Lord! Let our endeavours be successful, unhindered and let only righteous food, clothes and wealth enter our homes.’ Looking at ‘OM’ and the Swastika sign with reverence enhances our vitality. Dr. Diamond has proved that just looking at the swastika increases the vital force.

2. What good accrues from touching the feet of parents and the Guru?

Answer:
It enhances one’s life span, knowledge, fame and strength.