Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book I · 11 of 51 · tr. Charles Johnston
Sutra 11
Memory is holding to mind-images of things perceived, without modifying them. Here, as before, the mental power is explained in terms of mind-images, which are the material of which the psychic world is built, Therefore the sages teach that the world of our perception, which is indeed a world of mind-images, is but the wraith or shadow of the real and everlasting world. In this sense, memory is but the psychical inversion of the spiritual, ever-present vision. That which is ever before the spiritual eye of the Seer needs not to be remembered.
§ Ask Guru about this passage →Themes
Gnosis Direct Knowledgesoteriology
Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone.
The passage contrasts memory (perception) with the 'spiritual, ever-present vision' that requires no remembering.
All passages →Related passages · 3 parallels
neoplatonism|Iamblichus: On the Mysteries|Chapter IV
“Divine divination, therefore, which is conjoined with the Gods, alone truly imparts to us a divine life; since it participates of [divine] foreknowledge, and divine intellections, and renders us in reality divine. It likewise causes us to b…”
Shared concept: Gnosis Direct Knowledge — Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone. (derived)
christian_mysticism|Meister Eckhart's Sermons (Field translation)|V-b
“It is necessary, therefore, for all the creatures which issued forth from God to co-operate earnestly with all their powers to form a Man who may again attain that union with God which Adam enjoyed before he fell, and who may again restore…”
Shared concept: Gnosis Direct Knowledge — Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone. (derived)
christian_mysticism|The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme|Chapter 1 (part 1)
“p.
33 THE DOCTRINES OF JACOB BOEHME.
"Our whole doctrine is nothing else but an instruction to show how man may create a kingdom of light within himself.
.
.
.
He in whom this spring of divine power flows, carries within himself the d…”
Shared concept: Gnosis Direct Knowledge — Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone. (derived)
Contrasts · where traditions diverge
neoplatonism|Select Works of Plotinus|Select Works, Section 378 (part 2)
“But what happens is the very reverse: in no pursuit to technical exercises tend to make a man less the master of his acts and states.
It is as with sense-perception; the advantage is not to the weak, the weak eye for example, but to that w…”
Both passages discuss the nature of memory and perception, emphasizing that memory is an active power of the mind rather than a passive retention of impressions. They share the conceptual insight that memory is a dynamic and active process, though expressed in different philosophical contexts.