Significance of Remembrance
Remembrance, as interpreted across various philosophical and religious views, encompasses a range of cognitive processes related to recalling past experiences and knowledge. In Jainism and Vaishnavism, it signifies the act of recalling memories and divine qualities, while Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the complexity and potential misidentifications during recollection. Additionally, in Vedanta and Vaisheshika, remembrance connects the self to past experiences, distinguishing it from mere reflection. Overall, remembrance plays a critical role in spiritual practices and the understanding of consciousness across these traditions.
Synonyms: Memory, Recollection, Reminiscence, Acknowledgment, Tribute, Commemoration, Nostalgia, Reflection, Honoring
In Dutch: Herinnering; In Finnish: Muistaminen; In Spanish: Recuerdo; In German: Erinnerung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Remembrance'
In Buddhism, Remembrance encompasses various cognitive processes, primarily involving the recall of past perceptions and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of memory in interpreting Vedic texts and highlights the distinction between mere repetition and meaningful understanding.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The faculty through which past perceptions are recalled and related to current understanding or recognition of words.[1] (2) The act of recalling past experiences or objects, which plays a crucial role in analogical cognition.[2] (3) The cognitive process of recalling or recognizing previously learned information or perceptions.[3] (4) The act of recalling or recognizing past experiences or information.[4] (5) The process of recalling or recognizing something from the past.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A call for awareness regarding one’s actions and their consequences, particularly in reference to evil and greed.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Remembrance'
In Hinduism, Remembrance encompasses recalling divine aspects for spiritual growth, recognizing past experiences, and fostering emotional ties to Vrajabhumi, highlighting its role in understanding the self's continuity and connection to the divine.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The act of recalling or bringing to mind past experiences and memories, referred to as smriti.[7] (2) The act of recalling or being mindful of the Lord, defined in the context of the connection of the mind.[8] (3) Smriti; the ability to recall or recognize past experiences.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The act of recalling or cherishing memories of Vrajabhumi, highlighting the emotional attachment.[10] (2) A devotional practice that involves thinking of the Lord, considered less direct than serving Him.[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of consciously recalling or focusing on divine names or aspects, which aids in spiritual realization.[12]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The act of holding in consciousness the divine pastimes and qualities of Shri Krishna and Shri Radha, central to the devotional practice.[13]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Remembrance is the cognitive ability to recall past experiences, attributed to the Self rather than material components, and serves as evidence of the continuity of the conscious entity.[14] (2) The mental recollection of previous perceptions that can trigger misconceptions when similar qualities are encountered.[15] (3) The cognitive ability to recall or recognize information, stemming from the faculty.[16] (4) The act of recalling or remembering something, which is inherently linked to the self endowed with consciousness. It is distinguished from reflection and is influenced by various causes.[17] (5) A cognitive action where previous knowledge or experiences influence the recognition of similarity between two objects.[18]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is a quality of the Self, which further supports the argument for the separation of the Self from the body, along with consciousness.[19] (2) The recollection that follows an initial sensory experience, which only occurs if the same individual who had the original experience is also the one who remembers it, showing a connection between the past and present self.[20] (3) This is a reason that supports the idea that the person rising from sleep is the same as the one who went to sleep. The text mentions that the person rising from sleep remembers what they saw before.[21] (4) On account of remembrance; so Badari opines, or else the highest Lord may be called 'measured by a span' because he is remembered by means of the mind.[22] (5) The mental ability to recall or retain information from past experiences, categorized as one of the mind’s functions.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A cognitive process of relating to past experiences or knowledge, which is linked to things that may no longer exist.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Instinctive recollections stemming from appetites, desires, and affections carried over from past lives.[25]
Jain concept of 'Remembrance'
In Jainism, Remembrance, or Smriti, signifies the act of recalling past experiences and knowledge, serving as a crucial practice for spiritual awareness and learning in the pursuit of enlightenment.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Smriti, denoting the act of recalling or remembering past experiences or knowledge.[26]