Chapter-4, Sutra 9

Patanjali Yogasutra 4.9

जातिदेशकालव्यवहितानामप्यानन्तर्यं‌ ‌स्मृतिसंस्कारयोरेकरूपत्वात्‌

"Despite the apparent separation by birth, place, and time, there is continuity in the latent impressions (samskaras) because of the identical nature between memory (smriti) and these latent impressions."

In this Sutra, Patanjali discusses the concept of samskaras and smriti—how our past impressions and memories shape our current tendencies, behaviors, and inclinations, even when they seem separated by time, place, or birth. 

Samskaras are the subtle impressions left on our Consciousness by past actions and thoughts, which can reemerge and influence our current experiences and actions. Here, Patanjali emphasizes that, regardless of apparent discontinuities in circumstances, samskaras remain connected across lifetimes and experiences because they share an intrinsic relationship with memory.

The idea of smriti (memory) and 

samskara being of the same essence is crucial. Patanjali explains that memory serves as the bridge through which samskaras manifest, even if the individual is unaware of their origin. 

This Sutra points to a metaphysical continuity within Consciousness, where past experiences leave imprints that persist across lifetimes. This persistence explains why certain tendencies or aversions arise seemingly without reason in our current lives—they are echoes of past lives. These impressions transcend individual incarnations and contribute to the karma we carry, fueling the cycle of birth and rebirth until one attains liberation.

Furthermore, the Sutra has practical implications for yoga practitioners. It highlights the importance of Self-Awareness and purification practices to break free from these latent impressions. Understanding that samskaras are persistent encourages practitioners to focus on reducing negative impressions and fostering positive ones. This process gradually lessens the influence of past conditioning, allowing for greater freedom in thought, action, and ultimately, Self-Realization. By acknowledging the continuity of 

samskaras and practicing meditation, one can diminish their hold, leading to a more liberated state of Being.

Contextual Comparisons from Vedic Texts

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5

यथा कर्म यथा श्रुतं तथा स्मृतिर्भवति तया तं पुनरायति कर्मणैव तिर्यं योनिं मनुष्ययोनिं वा।

"As one acts and behaves in life, so does one remember, and by that memory, one returns to another existence, taking birth in the realm of animals or humans accordingly."

This verse from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad reflects the same understanding as Patanjali's sutra regarding the influence of past actions on future lives. It suggests that one’s past actions create memories or samskaras, which, in turn, determine future incarnations, showing continuity in Consciousness beyond a single lifetime.

Yoga Vashistha 3.83.10

स्मृतिरुपाधिर्मानसं संस्कारश्चित्तमस्य च। पूर्वजातिसहस्राणां संस्कारास्तत्र तिष्ठति॥

"Memory is the attribute of the mind, and samskara is imprinted within it. Thousands of impressions from previous births remain therein."

The Yoga Vashistha verse similarly explains that samskaras from previous lives are embedded within the mind and that these samskaras 

continue to influence the individual's present life. It underscores the enduring nature of these impressions, aligning closely with Patanjali’s description of the continuity of samskaras.

Bhagavad Gita 6.43

तत्र तं बुद्धिसंयोगं लभते पौर्वदेहिकम्। यतते च ततो भूयः संसिद्धौ कुरुनन्दन॥

"There, one regains the Knowledge acquired in previous lives and strives further towards Perfection, O son of the Kurus."

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains that Knowledge and impressions from past lives aid one in continuing their spiritual journey in the current life. 

This idea of continuity resonates with Patanjali's concept of samskaras 

and memory transcending individual lifetimes, contributing to a steady evolution toward enlightenment.

Each of these verses reinforces the idea that latent impressions and memories from past lives persist, shaping the individual's actions and inclinations across incarnations. This continuity provides a foundation for spiritual practice and the pursuit of liberation as understood in the yoga philosophy.