From direct perception of the saṃskāras arises knowledge of previous births.

Saṃskāra refers to latent impressions. Sākṣātkaraṇa is direct perception, realization. Pūrva means previous. Jāti is birth.

Saṃskāras contain the memory of all experiences, including those from past lives. Through saṃyama on these deposits, the yogī makes them conscious.

This is not ordinary memory. It is direct perception of impressions stored in the deep unconscious.

This siddhi confirms the doctrine of rebirth. If there were no past lives, there would be no saṃskāras from them to perceive.

Vyāsa explains that saṃskāras from past lives remain latent, conditioning present life without our knowledge. The yogī illuminates them with the light of saṃyama.

Knowing past lives is not mere curiosity. It reveals the roots of current patterns, pending karmas, lessons not yet learned.

This knowledge can arise spontaneously in deep meditation or be intentionally sought through saṃyama.