Nonlocal Self : Where memory dreams the brain , body and universe into existence
Deepak ChopraPublished on January 30, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Yogic philosophy suggests that memories are not stored in the brain but arise from a deeper, non-local consciousness. This understanding encourages individuals to recognize their true selves as the awareness that transcends memories and identities.
Key Points
- Memories are not confined to the brain but are interconnected with universal consciousness.
- The brain is a memory and an instrument through which the mind operates.
- Citta serves as a storehouse of impressions and transcends the physical body.
- Spiritual practice involves recognizing oneself as the non-local awareness beyond memories.
- Meditation can facilitate a deeper understanding of consciousness and awareness.
The Non-Local Nature of Memory: A Yogic Perspective
In recent years, scientific research has suggested that memories are stored within the physical structure of the brain, as indicated by neural correlates lighting up during recall. However, an intriguing perspective from yogic philosophy proposes a different understanding: memories are not confined to the brain, but rather, the brain itself is a memory. This article will delve into this concept, exploring how memories, the body, and the universe are interconnected through a subtler field of consciousness.
Understanding Memory in Yogic Philosophy
According to yogic teachings, memories are not merely properties of the brain's physical structure but arise from a deeper, non-local consciousness. This idea posits that the brain, body, and external world are manifestations of memory patterns known as Saṁskāras and Vāsanās, which exist outside the confines of space and time. In this framework, consciousness is seen as primordial and universal, distinct from the individual mind and physical brain.
The Role of Citta
In this context, Citta refers to the memory function, described as a subtle field that transcends the physical body. Citta serves as a storehouse of impressions, which are inert until illuminated by the light of awareness. This understanding emphasizes that while the brain organizes these memories, it is not their ultimate source.
The Projection of Memory
Classical Yoga and Vedānta articulate that individual consciousness is a localized modulation of universal consciousness, akin to a wave on an ocean. This perspective suggests that memory functions as information patterning within consciousness, which shapes one's experiences and perceptions. As such, spiritual practice in this philosophy is a journey of recognizing that one is not merely a collection of memories or identities but the non-local awareness from which they arise.
Engaging in Meditation
To explore this concept further, practitioners can engage in meditation that fosters awareness of the interconnectedness of brain, body, and world. One such meditation involves:
- Settling into a comfortable position and closing the eyes.
- Bringing attention to the sensations within the brain and body.
- Recognizing that memories are experiences arising in consciousness, not confined to the brain.
- Affirming the realization that the entire world is a projection within the field of awareness.
- Resting in the understanding that one is the awareness that encompasses all experiences.
Conclusion: The Freedom of Awareness
The yogic perspective on memory challenges conventional views by suggesting that our experiences are projections of non-local consciousness rather than fixed entities within the brain. This insight invites individuals to engage more deeply with their spiritual practices, fostering a sense of unbounded awareness that transcends the limitations of memory and identity.
As we explore these profound insights, we are reminded that while our brain, body, and world may change, the aware self remains ever-present and free.
Namaste.