Why Do We Become Forgetful?

Question: Recently I have been very forgetful. I say I need to take care of something, but as soon as I turn around I forget it. Actually, deep down I know there is such a matter, but I cannot recall what it specifically is. What is going on?

Answer: Forgetfulness means the mind consciousness has forgotten something and cannot recall it. Deciding to go take care of a certain matter is a decision made by the manas, and the mind consciousness complies, but it does not carefully deliberate and discern what exactly the matter is—it is somewhat absent-minded—so upon turning around, the mind consciousness forgets it. The manas, however, has not forgotten and still knows what needs to be done, yet the mind consciousness simply does not know what the matter specifically is; the memory is not firmly retained.