SMRITI (MEMORY) IN AYURVEDA: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF CLASSICAL PERSPECTIVES AND CONTEMPORARY CORRELATIONS

Authors

  • Dr. Anusree V.V National Institute of Ayurveda
  • Dr. Preeti Gavali National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
  • Dr. Sani Lalsing Kokani National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
  • Dr. Diksha Bhardwaj National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
  • Dr. Krishan Kumar Jat National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21266283

Abstract

Smriti (memory) is one of the fundamental cognitive faculties described in Ayurveda and constitutes an essential component of Prajna (wisdom), along with Dhi (intellect) and Dhriti (retention and control). Classical Ayurvedic literature presents Smriti not merely as a psychological function but as a multidimensional phenomenon arising from the harmonious interaction of Atma (self), Manas (mind), Indriya (sense organs), Buddhi (intellect), and various physiological factors. The process of memory formation and retrieval is influenced by Dosha, Guna, Prakriti, Sara, Vaya, dietary habits (Ahara), lifestyle (Vihara), and psychological status. Disturbances in these factors may lead to Smriti Vibhramsha, a condition characterized by impairment or distortion of memory. Modern neuroscience defines memory as the capacity to encode, store, and retrieve information. Although the terminology and conceptual frameworks differ, several parallels can be observed between Ayurvedic descriptions of Smriti and contemporary theories of cognition and memory processing. The present review critically examines the concept of Smriti as described in classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary literature. It explores its philosophical foundations, physiological basis, influencing factors, pathological alterations, and therapeutic implications. Additionally, an attempt has been made to correlate Ayurvedic concepts with modern understandings of memory and cognitive function.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. Preeti Gavali, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

    Assistant Professor, Department of Rog Nidana Evam Vikriti Vigyana

  • Dr. Sani Lalsing Kokani, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

    PG Scholar, Department of Rog Nidana Evam Vikriti Vigyana

  • Dr. Diksha Bhardwaj, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

    PG Scholar, Department of Rog Nidana Evam Vikriti Vigyana

  • Dr. Krishan Kumar Jat, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

    PG Scholar, Department of Rog Nidana Evam Vikriti Vigyana

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Published

2026-07-08

Issue

Volume 15 Issue 07 (July 2026)

Section

Review Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Anusree V.V, Dr. Preeti Gavali, Dr. Sani Lalsing Kokani, Dr. Diksha Bhardwaj, Dr. Krishan Kumar Jat

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