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Aptavani-1
powerful. Each sentence incites one to start thinking. Because
this speech comes from the heart of the Gnani, it is incarnate
Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge).
Memory
Questioner : Dada, why is it that the past cannot be
forgotten?
Dadashri : The past is something that you cannot forget
when you try to forget it and it cannot be recalled when you
wish to. Everyone in the world wishes to forget the past but
without the presence of Gnan, the world will not fade into
oblivion.
Your memory exists because of your raag and dwesh
(attachment and abhorrence). The greater the attachment or
abhorrence for a particular thing, the more you will remember
it. A woman may go to her father’s home to forget her mother-
in-law, but she will not be able to do so because of abhorrence
towards her. She will also keep thinking about her husband
because she has attachment towards him. That is because of the
happiness he gives her. You remember what makes you the
most happy or unhappy because there is attachment or
abhorrence there. If you erase the association of the attachment
or the abhorrence, that memory will disappear. The thoughts
that come to you automatically is memory. When attachment
and abhorrence is erased (through Gnan), their memory will
cease and only then does the aura of liberation appear on your
face. Your smile will exude liberation. Memory creates a pull
and tension and this strains the facial expressions. Your mind
remains in tension all the time and that is why your face never
radiates with freedom. Everyone’s memory differs. What you
remember may not be the same as what others remember. This
is because everyone’s abhorrence and attachment differs.
Memory exists through attachment and abhorrence.