The Sanskrit phrase “Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam” appears in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.20, a vital sutra that explains how the path of yoga unfolds for those who are not yet naturally gifted with spiritual insight. This sutra emphasizes the essential inner qualities that help practitioners progress toward self-realization and enlightenment. Each term—Sraddha (faith), Virya (energy or strength), Smrti (memory), Samadhi (deep absorption), and Prajna (wisdom)—represents a stage or quality that nurtures spiritual growth.
Sraddha signifies unwavering faith in the path of yoga, the teacher, and one’s inner potential. It provides the foundation upon which all further progress is built. Without Sraddha, doubt and hesitation can easily weaken a practitioner’s determination. In the context of Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam, faith is the seed that inspires consistent practice and devotion to the yogic journey.

Virya refers to dynamic energy, enthusiasm, and courage. It is the driving force that sustains the practitioner’s discipline and effort in yoga. When Sraddha awakens, Virya naturally follows, empowering the yogi to persevere through challenges and distractions. Thus, in Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam, Virya is the manifestation of faith in action.
Smrti means remembering the truth and staying mindful of the goal. It allows one to recall the teachings, past experiences, and the purpose of spiritual practice. In Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam, Smrti prevents forgetfulness and brings consistency to meditation, ensuring that the mind remains steady and focused.
Samadhi is the culmination of continuous concentration where the mind becomes one with the object of meditation. Through the preceding qualities—faith, strength, and mindfulness—the practitioner attains Samadhi. In the phrase Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam, this state represents profound inner stillness and clarity.
Finally, Prajna arises as a natural outcome of Samadhi. It is the inner wisdom that transcends intellectual understanding. Prajna illuminates reality as it is, free from illusions. Thus, the phrase Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam teaches that enlightenment is attained through these progressive inner virtues cultivated over time.
For those not born with innate spiritual realization (itaresam means “for others”), the combination of Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam serves as a step-by-step guide. Faith ignites motivation, energy fuels practice, mindfulness maintains continuity, meditation deepens awareness, and wisdom completes the journey. Together, they form a holistic approach that leads a sincere practitioner from effort to effortless realization.
The sutra Sraddha Virya Smrti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam beautifully captures the essence of yoga as a transformative journey of the heart, mind, and soul. It reminds us that spiritual attainment is not reserved for the gifted few but is available to all who cultivate faith, strength, mindfulness, deep concentration, and wisdom. By integrating these virtues into daily practice, one can progress steadily toward liberation and ultimate inner peace.















