Memory is the retention of past experiences.

Smṛti is the recollection of previously experienced objects. Anubhūta-viṣaya refers to objects of past experience, and asampramoṣa means non-stealing or retention — the experience is not completely lost but remains stored.

Memory preserves the impressions (saṃskāras) of all experiences. Each memory is a reactivation of these latent impressions.

It is important to note that memory constantly colors our present perception. We do not see things as they are, but filtered through past experiences. The saṃskāras accumulated in memory are also what drive the cycle of rebirth according to yogic philosophy.