Chapter-1, Sutra 20

The Patanjali Yogasutra 1.20

श्रद्धावीर्यस्मृतिसमाधिप्रज्ञापूर्वक इतरेषाम् ॥ १.२०॥

"To others (this Samadhi) comes through faith, energy, memory, concentration, and discrimination of the Real."

This sutra discusses the journey towards Samadhi for those who are not naturally inclined towards spiritual pursuits. It outlines a path that begins with faith (śraddhā), which is the trust in the yoga process and its outcomes. This faith leads to energy (vīrya), the enthusiasm to practice diligently. With sustained practice, one develops memory (smṛti), the ability to remember the teachings and experiences that guide the practice. This memory supports samādhi, the ability to focus the mind without distraction. Finally, through samadhi, one achieves discrimination (prajñā), the wisdom to discern the Real from the unreal, leading to True Knowledge and Realization.

Swami Vivekanand says:

"To others (this Samadhi) comes through faith, energy, memory, concentration, and discrimination of the Real. These are they who do not want the position of gods, or even that of rulers of cycles. They attain to Realization."

Comparing this with similar verses from Vedic texts, we find common themes of discipline, concentration, and the pursuit of knowledge. 

For example, the Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.5) states:

सत्येन लभ्यस्तपसा ह्येष आत्मा सम्यग्ज्ञानेन ब्रह्मचर्येण नित्यम्।

"This Self cannot be obtained by instruction, nor by intellect, nor by much hearing. He whom the Self chooses, by him the Self can be gained. The Self chooses him as His own."

This verse emphasizes the idea that spiritual Realization is not just a matter of intellectual understanding but requires a personal commitment and Grace.

Another example is from the Bhagavad Gita (6.47):

योगिनामपि सर्वेषां मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना |

श्रद्धावान्भजते यो मां स मे युक्ततमो मत: || 47||

"Of all yogis, those whose minds are always absorbed in Me, and who engage in devotion to Me with great faith, them I consider to be the Highest of all."

This verse highlights the importance of devotion and the merging of the individual Self with the Divine as the highest form of yoga.

These verses, along with Patanjali's sutra, underscore the importance of a personal spiritual journey that involves faith, discipline, and the pursuit of Higher Knowledge, leading ultimately to Realization and Unity with the Divine Essence. Each text, while unique in its approach, points to a universal path of inner transformation and Realization.