By Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar | Posted: August 16, 2019

Memory makes you miserable or wise. Memory of experiences and events in the ever-changing world – however good or bad – constricts the vastness of the Self. It binds you. The memory of your true nature – the non-changing Self – expands and elevates awareness. This liberates you. You are what you are because of your memory. If you are ignorant, it is because of your memory. If you are enlightened, it is because of your memory.

Forgetfulness of the infinite is misery. Forgetfulness of the trivial is ecstasy.

Know the impermanent nature of the world and events. Realize that past events do not exist in the present. Accept the past and drop it. Be dispassionate and centered. Memory of the Self is gained in the company of the Enlightened and in service to humanity. 

Editor’s note:

In this short video, the senior Art of Living teacher from India, Dinesh Ghodake explains how meditation and Sudarshan Kriya (a powerful breathing practice) help in overcoming unpleasant memories.

Read on to find out Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's guidance on How to Meditate and Live In The Present Moment