Mind Means Memory – Osho Sayings And Thoughts

In deep sleep and in meditation, thinking disappears. In deep sleep awareness also disappears, but in meditation it remains.

Mind means memory, there can be no contemporary mind.

Awareness means to be in the present moment so totally that there is no movement towards the past, no movement towards the future. All movement stops.

Through achievement the ego is fulfilled; so you must achieve something. You must be able to attach something to yourself that you can claim as mine: my achievement.

Osho

The statement "Mind means memory, there can be no contemporary mind" suggests a perspective that the mind is essentially a product of memory, and therefore, it cannot be considered "contemporary" in the sense of being entirely detached from past experiences or influences. Let's delve deeper into this concept:

1. Mind and Memory: Memory plays a crucial role in shaping the mind. Our experiences, knowledge, emotions, and perceptions are all stored in memory and contribute to the formation of our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. In this view, the mind is an intricate web of memories that continuously shape our consciousness.

2. Contemporary Mind: The term "contemporary mind" implies a mind that exists purely in the present moment, devoid of any past influences or memories. However, according to the statement, such a state is impossible because memory is inherently intertwined with the functioning of the mind. Even when we perceive ourselves as living in the present moment, our thoughts and perceptions are influenced by past experiences stored in memory.

3. Temporal Nature of Consciousness: The statement raises questions about the temporal nature of consciousness. Is consciousness always tethered to the past, or can it transcend temporal boundaries to exist purely in the present? Some philosophical and psychological perspectives suggest that the present moment is all that exists, and our perception of time is constructed by the mind. However, even in these views, memory still plays a fundamental role in shaping our understanding of the present.

4. Implications for Identity and Selfhood: If the mind is indeed inseparable from memory, it has profound implications for our understanding of identity and selfhood. Our sense of self is constructed from memories of past experiences, relationships, and personal narratives. Without memory, would there be a coherent sense of self? This raises philosophical questions about the continuity of identity and the nature of personal identity over time.

5. Memory and Perception of Reality: Memory not only shapes our sense of self but also influences our perception of reality. Our past experiences color how we interpret and interact with the world around us. Without memory, our perception of reality would lack context and coherence, leading to a fragmented understanding of the world.

In summary, the statement "Mind means memory, there can be no contemporary mind" highlights the intricate relationship between memory and consciousness. It suggests that memory is fundamental to the functioning of the mind and that a purely "contemporary" mind, disconnected from past influences, is a conceptual impossibility.