Memory: Aids and Arts

 

 

AVADHANAM: The multitasking mind

“I don't have five hands" is a pretty common retort, particularly drawn in the face of having to deal with jobs more than one. But that one mind of ours is actually capable of performing multiple – up to thousand – tasks simultaneously, as is demonstrated by the ancient art of Avadhanam. Essentially an art of extempore versification (composition of verses), it is a tremendous confluence of mnemonic genius and literary proficiency, especially in Sanskrit, or Kannada and Telugu, the language of the states where it originated.

An avadhani is required to recite verses composed on the spot in response to various kinds of literary challenges thrown by interjecting scholars called pruchhakas. The compositions are even subject to constraints such as precluding the use of certain letters/syllables while also maintaining syntactical correctness. An ashtavadhani tackles eight pruchhakas, shatavadhani does hundred, and a sahasravadhani holds off 1000! Interjections include mathematical puzzles, raga identification, painting, keeping count of a ringing bell and many other tasks, all without the aid of pen and paper. An avadhani not only recites each of the poems from his memory at the end of the session, but also showcases his ready wit and knowledge in the process. To draw a parallel, it's like a chess player playing multiple opponents at the same time!

Dr R Ganesh, one of the only eight shatavadhanis on the planet, explains, "It is an ability that can be cultivated. There are innate memory aids we reach out to, e.g. composing in a manner of alliterations that is easier to recall… A person needs to be conversant with mathematics, and grammar, linguistic logic and empirical logic, coupled with knowledge of some basic science, classical art (music or poetry), one social science and also philosophy." The savant has not left out much, but as Avadhanam proves, it's all in the mind… MEMORY OVER THE COUNTER

Come to think of it, everything – from our sense of self to our social standing – traces itself to that ‘processor’ ensconced in the hardy skull. Little wonder most of us don’t hesitate to reach for anything believed to enhance the memory sparking within, be it the promise of ‘intelligent’ foods like walnuts and almonds, or the choice of so-called memory supplements available in the market.

Two of such memory formula ingredients are Ginkgo biloba and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri – herbs that are subjects of many studies on memory enhancement. Brahmi is even endorsed by ancient Ayurveda texts. According to Dr Akshay Anand at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, “In our unpublished report (manuscript under preparation) we have demonstrated in a rat model of stroke that Bacopa administration was found to delay neuronal damage. This study can be extrapolated to imply a positive role in situations of injury-related anterograde amnesia as most injuries lead to formation of clots, which is functionally similar to stroke.”

Ginkgo, on the other hand, is believed to have “no clear-cut benefit on the risk of developing memory problems” {American Academy of Neurology (2008, March 1). Does Ginkgo Biloba Affect Memory?}. Says Dr Anand, “Studies have also shown preponderance to hemorrhage when Ginkgo was administered to octogenarians which is not the case in Bacopa." In either case, neurologists trust them best as diet supplements and certainly not to be taken without prescription.