In the sutra 1.20, Patanjali describes five qualities that support the attainment of samadhi, deep meditative absorption. These qualities also apply to all other Yoga practices. These five qualities are: śraddhā, faith; vīrya, vitality; smṛtiḥ, mindfulness; samādhi, a consistent practice, and prajñā, wisdom. 

śraddhā-vīrya- smṛtiḥ samādhi-prajñā-pūrvaka itareṣām

Samādhi is preceded by faith, energy, mindfulness, regular meditation practice and wisdom. 

Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.20

The five qualities of Samadhi

Sutra 1.20 describes five qualities that support the attainment of samadhi, deep meditative absorption. These qualities also apply to all other Yoga practices. These five qualities are: śraddhā, faith; vīrya, vitality; smṛtiḥ, mindfulness; samādhi, a consistent practice, and prajñā, wisdom. 

Śraddhā, faith, is formed from the Sanskrit root dhā which means “to place” and śra which refers to the heart, so, śraddhā is literally to place in the heart, referring to an unshakable belief in our own ability to progress along the spiritual journey and recognize our true spiritual Being. Placing this faith in the heart emphasizes that it is a lived experience at the very core of our Being and not just a belief. 

Vīrya, vitality and enthusiasm, is a natural extension of śraddhā because, as we focus confidently and wholeheartedly on our spiritual journey, we release doubts, distractions, stress and anxiety, thereby naturally enhancing our level of vital energy. In turn, enhanced vital energy strengthens our ability to commit ourselves to the Yoga journey. 

Smṛtiḥ, memory, refers to continual awareness or remembering of who we are, spirit and material form and that the mind and body are vehicles  for learning leading to awakening. 

Samādhi refers to practicing meditation and all other Yogic practices continually which is absolutely essential for overcoming conditioning. 

 Prajñā, wisdom, is a clear vision of reality, which is the fruit of the other four qualities. The essence of this vision is a lived experience that we are spirit, together with absolute certainty that spiritual awakening is our life’s purpose, meaning and destiny. 

As these five qualities coalesce in meditation, yoga practices and in daily living, we cultivate the foundation needed for the recognition of our true Being. 

By Joseph Le Page.

About Joseph Le Page, founder of Integrative Yoga

Joseph Le Page founded Integrative Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapy in 1993, and is a pioneer in the field of Yoga therapy training programs. He began teaching yoga therapy in hospital settings in 1995 and continues up to the present as Director of The Healthy Heart Program, which conducts Yoga Therapy group programs in public health settings in Brazil.

Joseph has been a speaker at major conferences including Yoga Journal, the International Association of Yoga Therapists, the Kripalu Yoga Teacher’s Association, the International Association of Yoga and Ayurveda, and others. He is co-founder and director of the Enchanted Mountain Yoga Center in Garopaba, Brazil, one of the largest Yoga retreat centers in South America.

He is the co-author of the book Yoga Toolbox for Teacher and Students, one of the most widely used materials in teacher training programs in the US and in Brazil, published by Integrative Yoga. He is also co-author of the book Mudras for Healing and Transformation, also published by Integrative Yoga