Memory development Program

Concept of memory according to present day Neuroscience
The ability to remember and forget is one of the complex and fascinating functions of the brain. It is well known that memory lapses are extremely selective, we remember some things and forget others. In some cases easy explanations for this fact can be found – a phone number which use regularly activates a particular circuit in the brain, information flows very quickly along this well trod path, and remembering occurs. Sometimes, however we are able effortlessly to recall information which we rarely use. Tooling a present day Psychologist, has said that remembering an event depends upon (i) the memory trace, i.e. the memory laid down in the brain, and (ii) something in the immediate situation which acts as a retrieval cue. or prompt, to ‘jog’ the memory or activate the memory trace. For example, reading about wild life may help us to vividly recall an earlier visit to a game sanctuary and some times, surprisingly all the other details as well.

Concept of memory according to Yoga and spiritual lore
Anubhuta visaya asampramosahsmrhti   (PYS)
The process by which thoughts which have been experienced are retrieved is called memory.
The classification of mind by Patanjali is as follows

1. Pramana –  State of right knowledge
2. Vipryaya – State of wrong knowledge
3. Vikalpa –   Random State
4. Nidra –      Deep sleep
5. Smriti -      Memory

Patanjali distinguishes smriti  from all these 4 forms of mind. It is a store house of memory. As defined earlier, memories are formed through prior experience (Anubhuta Visaya). The process of storing occurs through perception and experience. Al the above four forms of mind bring their own memories. They forms imprints in various layers of mind. Some superficial, some deep rooted, some of these imprints are to revealed (asampromsah) easily. As happens in our day today wakeful phase of mind we remember names, places, ideas, effortlessly by retrieving the memories of past experiences stored through deeper the intellect, but  not so ready to reveal memories are activated by a deeper search in the mind with intense effort. “ what is it, what is it?” – we are often unable to recall something. At the some other time, we are suddenly able to  remember. Most of these are vivid memories with all details of earlier experience.

Exam fear technique
Life is full of testing times and exam nerves are the bane of everyone who is preparing for an important exam - and all exams are important! Exam nerves can seriously hinder performance, as they make it hard for the examinee to think straight and to recall the information that they need. So it is very important to master the art of staying calm throughout any exam. 

A large number of school children undergo exam related fears. Sometimes these fears are overwhelming. It can cause low performance and failure in exams. As a matter of fact most of the children who are shattered by exam phobia have a good IQ and positive motivation. They show favorable performances in the classroom. But when they go to the exam these students become highly stressed, have fear and they are unable to face the exam with confidence.

Students with exam phobia feel extremely fearful and unsure. Following the increased fear they are unable to grasp theoretical material and find it difficult to remember. Exam phobia is a form of anxiety condition which is common among school children. In the verge of the exam the fear increases and some manifest psycho somatic ailments such as abdominal pains, vomiting, headaches , dizziness, tremors, etc which have no apparent medical basis. Some students with exam phobia manifest following anxiety related features during the exam period.

Unable to relax Dizzy or light headed Heart pounding or racing Unsteadiness Feelings of choking Hands trembling Fear of losing control Difficulty breathing or chest pain Indigestion or discomfort in the stomach

Specially designed program for Exam Fea
At times like these, we should increase our yoga practice as it can help us release stress and achieve inner peace. Letting fear and other negative emotions take hold is disturbing to both body and mind and can affect our health. By helping you maintain your physical, mental, and emotional equilibrium, yoga will make you stronger and help you cope during these stressful times. Yoga sound meditation is particularly valuable, giving you a sense of tranquility, peace, and strength.

INTRODUCTION
Loving Kindness or Metta Bhavana is a meditation practice which sends thoughts of love and well being to all sentient beings.  The benefits of Metta Meditation are endless. You dissolve your psychological wounds thought its practice.  In effect, you are training yourself to see the good in all beings.  We radically change our mental structure; we transform it to one with our own Buddha Nature. Loving Kindness is an antidote for anger. This inner healing process will give you extra energy and wisdom. The four supreme emotions are an essential part of spiritual practice because they are the means to purify our inner reactions. It is recommended you do this practice once a day as part of your regular spiritual routine.

Loving Kindness Meditation
There are 4 phases to this meditation.
A. You first become the object of your own Love and Kindness.
B. People that you already like and love is the object of your increased and concentrated Love   and     Kindness Meditation.
C. People that are strangers or just acquaintances are also the object of your focused and               conscious Love and Kindness Meditation.
D. People that you dislike or people that are enemies of any kind, they become the target of     your     sweetest Loving and Kindness.

Each phase has to be practice for a 5 minute minimum.

Positive thoughts are to be expressed here like:
"May you (name of the person) enjoy happiness, prosperity, love, health and all things good".
"May you (name of the person) find the path of spiritual realization and become free and enlightened".

We do not use affirmations like "you are happy, you are prosperous" etc, since we are expressing our intentions; we are working with our own energies.

However, the use of positive thoughts as expression of our Loving Kindness intentions has power within it.  It is transformational, both for us and for our objects of Loving Kindness.

We could use the conventional 'make it happen' affirmations that focus on the outside result.  However, this traditional Loving Kindness Meditation is focused on one's heart, to enlighten it.

Besides the positive thoughts of Loving and Kind intentions, you are to visualize, to see that your people receive this Loving Kindness and are reached with these qualities of love, healing and hope that you want for them.

When you cultivate Love inside of you, as in this meditation that is a true experience of Love.

After finishing your four phases of the Loving Kindness meditation, you remain for a while enjoying a Loving Kindness attitude.  This is the time for you to feel this Love and Kindness in the very depths of your being, your very nature.  This is called Non dual Loving Kindness Meditation. 

THE ELEVAN BENEFITS OF LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION

1. One sleep easily
2. Wakes easily
3. Dreams no evil dreams
4. One is dear to human beings, dear to non-human beings
5. The divine energy  protect one
6. Neither fire, poison, nor weapons can touch one
7. One's mind gains concentration quickly
8. One's complexion is bright
9. One dies unconfused and
10.  Penetrating no higher
11.  Headed for the Brahma worlds.

"These are the eleven benefits that can be expected for one whose awareness-release through good will is cultivated, developed, pursued, handed the reins and taken as a basis, given grounding, steadied, consolidated, and well-undertaken."

Adopted from "Metta (Mettanisamsa) Sutta: Good Will" (AN 11.16), it is translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. Access to Insight, March 8, 2009