THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 13. CHITTA, THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND, AND MEMORY - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Control - HQ Full Book.

What Is Chitta?
Chitta, a term from Rajayogic philosophy and extensively used in sacred texts such as the *Bhagavad Gita* and the works of Maharshi Patanjali, is described as the mind-stuff or mental substance. It forms the foundational layer of the mind, often likened to a ground floor from which emanate the three thought waves: mind (*Manas*), intellect (*Buddhi*), and ego (*Ahamkara*). In Vedantic literature, Chitta represents the subconscious mind, a vast repository of submerged experiences and recoverable memories.
Chitta is symbolically compared to a serene lake, with thoughts represented as waves rippling on its surface. Each wave rises with an associated name and form, reflecting the interplay of mental activities. These waves cannot manifest without such associations, illustrating the intrinsic connection between thought, name, and form.
The primary functions of Chitta are memory, concentration, attention, and inquiry. For instance, during meditative practices such as mantra repetition or the remembrance of God’s name, it is Chitta that sustains the remembrance. It performs these functions with remarkable efficiency, often surpassing the capabilities of the conscious mind or intellect.

The Field of Subconscious Mentation
The scope of mental activity extends far beyond the field of conscious awareness. A significant portion of mental processes occurs within the subconscious realm, accounting for 90% of mental activities, while the conscious mind handles only a fraction. Messages and solutions from the subconscious often emerge suddenly, like flashes of insight, through a metaphorical "trapdoor."
Consider the example of problem-solving. When conscious efforts fail to yield results, the subconscious continues to work silently, sorting, analyzing, and synthesizing information. This unseen activity might deliver an answer spontaneously after a period of apparent inactivity. For instance, an unresolved question posed before sleep might find its answer upon waking. Such occurrences demonstrate the tireless workings of the subconscious, even during rest.
Another example of subconscious efficiency is its ability to act on predetermined instructions. If you resolve before sleeping to wake at a specific time, the subconscious will unfailingly rouse you at the appointed hour. This unwavering reliability highlights the subconscious as a constant companion and a faithful ally.
The subconscious also plays a pivotal role in personal transformation. Through sustained efforts, one can harness its power to overcome undesirable traits by cultivating positive qualities. For instance, fear can be mitigated by affirming courage and focusing on its development, following the principle of "opposite thought cultivation." Similarly, one can establish new habits, tastes, and ideals by replacing old patterns within the subconscious.

Memory: A Function of the Subconscious
Memory, an integral function of Chitta, operates in two distinct senses. First, it refers to the mind’s capacity to store past experiences. Second, it denotes the act of recalling those experiences. Memory does not produce new knowledge; instead, it reproduces or brings forth previously acquired impressions.

How Memory Arises
Memory can arise from various causes:
1. **Association by Cause:** Using an object or receiving a gift may evoke memories of the giver.
2. **Similarity:** Observing a person who resembles someone you know can trigger related memories.
3. **Dissimilarity:** A stark contrast, such as seeing a towering structure after witnessing a modest hut, may evoke related associations.
4. **Cause and Effect:** Observing an effect, like a fallen tree, may remind you of its cause, such as a storm.
Memory is influenced by the freshness and intensity of mental impressions. Recent impressions are easier to recall, while older, deeper impressions may require more effort to retrieve. Visiting familiar places often revives long-forgotten memories, illustrating the revival of latent impressions stored in Chitta.

Characteristics of a Good Memory
Swami Sivananda outlines four characteristics of a good memory:
1. **Ease of Recall:** The ability to accurately reproduce information after a single exposure indicates strong memory.
2. **Accuracy:** Reproducing information without omissions or distortions signifies perfection in memory.
3. **Retention:** The capacity to preserve information over extended periods reflects retentive memory.
4. **Prompt Recall:** The ability to retrieve information swiftly when needed demonstrates efficient memory.

The Process of Recollection
Recollection involves a deliberate mental effort to retrieve specific information from the depths of the subconscious. The process is akin to sorting through pigeonholes in a post office or selecting a specific item from a cluttered drawer. During this act, the subconscious filters out irrelevant data and brings the desired memory to conscious awareness. This remarkable mechanism acts as a censor, allowing only pertinent memories to surface.
Sometimes, recollection may fail temporarily, leading to a "slip of memory." When the mind is calm and focused, the forgotten information often resurfaces effortlessly, demonstrating the intricate workings of the subconscious.

Power of Memory
Memory power can be influenced by lifestyle, mental habits, and age. Overworking the mind, neglecting celibacy, and harboring worries can diminish memory capacity. Signs of declining memory often manifest as difficulty in recalling arbitrary labels such as names, while events tied to strong associations may remain vivid.
With age, the ability to grasp new information declines, though previously acquired knowledge may persist. Young minds, characterized by marked grasping ability, gradually develop understanding and judgment with maturity. Practices like celibacy and mental discipline contribute significantly to maintaining memory power and overall mental efficiency.

Swami Sivananda’s insights into Chitta and the subconscious mind underscore its pivotal role in shaping thoughts, memories, and behaviors. As the reservoir of impressions and the seat of memory, Chitta functions as a dynamic yet often overlooked aspect of human consciousness. Through disciplined practices, individuals can harness the power of the subconscious to overcome negative tendencies, enhance memory, and achieve spiritual growth. This chapter serves as a profound guide to understanding and mastering the mysteries of the mind, paving the way for self-transformation and inner harmony.

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