Why Do We Forget?

Question: Recently, I've been experiencing severe forgetfulness. I decide to do something, but as soon as I turn around, I forget what it was. I know there's something I need to do, but I can't recall what exactly it is. What is this situation?

Answer: Forgetfulness occurs when the conscious mind forgets something and cannot recall it. The decision to undertake a particular task is made by the mental faculty (意根). The conscious mind follows this decision but fails to engage in careful thought or discernment regarding the specifics of the matter, becoming somewhat distracted. Consequently, upon turning away, the conscious mind forgets. However, the mental faculty has not forgotten; it still knows what needs to be done. Yet the conscious mind remains unaware of what the task is, indicating an unstable memory.