Beloved Master,
I read somewhere that there were two types of memory; a factual memory and a spiritual memory. Are there really two types? And if so, is there a connection between the two?
Yes, there are two types of memory. But they are not the two types which you are thinking. There is something like factual memory and then there are psychological memories.
How could there be any such thing as spiritual memory? Spirituality is your spirit, your being; it has no past and no future. It is always in the present. There are no dreams and no imagination; so how could there be memories?
Your spirituality is Existence, nothing more. The past is dead and dull and doesn't even exist any more. It was once there, yes, but it is not anymore. So just imagine: we are continuously holding on to something that is not even there!
So be clear: there can never be a spiritual memory. But yes, there are two types of memories. You must understand the difference between the two very clearly. If it is a factual memory, you will remain only a watcher. If someone shouted at you yesterday, if someone insulted you and if you simply remember it as someone just shouting at you, it is a factual memory. But if you are still upset, if you still want revenge on the person, then it is a psychological memory.
A person can have factual memories only if he remains a witness throughout the whole incident. He can drop his emotional attachment only if he was aware at that time. This is because when a person is aware, he experiences whatever is happening totally. Then when it is over, the bondage to that memory has left him. He carries no emotional hangovers. And this is such a freedom. That is why I am again and again telling you to remain aware and witness the whole thing. But you people will think, 'He is simply saying these things! He can do all of this, but not us.' What nonsense! You are capable of doing it; that is why I am telling you. I am not simply talking to you continuously and wasting time for no reason. There is a meaning for me to tell you to be aware.
So be clear on the difference between the two types of memories. Factual memories come only with awareness. And the more and more aware you become, the more detached you become. All of your memories will become factual. Every memory will become clear because your emotions will no longer cloud what is already there. The same person who insulted you yesterday will not bother you. You will speak to him as if nothing has happened. As a fact, you know that he has insulted you, but you will not feel as if he has done anything to harm you or hurt you.
Once your memories become factual, you will not feel as if the situation is happening to you. The whole memory will appear to be happening to someone else, but it will be vivid. If the memory was psychological, it would feel like it was happening to you. You would feel identified with it.
So, a factual memory is like the memory of a computer. It does not mean anything to you, but it will still be clear. But a psychological memory is what you identify yourself with.
Your head, your logical head, is what carries all of these psychological memories. As you go on meditating, these memories will be erased. Then, you will be left only with factual memories. And this is what we mean by being enlightened. A man with no psychological memories is enlightened.