Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 46

Chapter 6 – Dhyana Yoga · Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit verse

तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी ज्ञानिभ्योऽपि मतोऽधिकः ।
कर्मिभ्यश्चाधिको योगी तस्माद्योगी भवार्जुन ॥

Transliteration

tapasvibhyo.adhiko yogī jñānibhyo.api mato.adhikaḥ .
karmibhyaścādhiko yogī tasmādyogī bhavārjuna ॥

Meaning

The yogi is greater than the ascetics; he is considered greater even than the men of learning, and greater than those devoted to ritual action. Therefore, O Arjuna, be a yogi.

Word meanings

तपस्विभ्यः – than the ascetics
अधिकः – greater, superior
योगी – the yogi
ज्ञानिभ्यः – than the learned (in scripture)
अपि – even
मतः – is considered
कर्मिभ्यः – than the performers of ritual action
च – and
तस्मात् – therefore
भव – be, become
अर्जुन – O Arjuna

Anvaya (word order)

योगी तपस्विभ्यः अधिकः, ज्ञानिभ्यः अपि अधिकः मतः, योगी कर्मिभ्यः च अधिकः; तस्मात् अर्जुन, (त्वं) योगी भव ।

Explanation

Having taught the whole chapter, Krishna now proclaims the glory of the yogi and gives Arjuna a clear command: tasmad yogi bhavarjuna — therefore, Arjuna, be a yogi.

Krishna compares the yogi with three kinds of spiritual practitioners. First, the tapasvi — those who discipline the body through severe vows, fasting and endurance of hardship. Austerity has value, but if it remains confined to the body and the mind is not fixed on the Supreme, it is incomplete. Second, the jnani — Shankara clarifies that here jnani means a scholar who knows the meaning of the scriptures, not one who has realised the Self. Scriptural knowledge alone, without meditation and experience, is also incomplete. Third, the karmi — those who perform rituals such as the agnihotra for the sake of heaven and other rewards.

The yogi is superior to all three because the goal of his practice is the Supreme itself, not any worldly or heavenly reward. The ascetic's aim is often power or merit, the scholar's the accumulation of knowledge, and the ritualist's heaven. The yogi rises above all of these and unites directly with truth.

Note that Krishna does not reject austerity, knowledge or action; all are included in the yogi's life, but directed toward yoga. The command 'be a yogi' also reminds Arjuna that this chapter is not an invitation to renunciation or escape, but to perform one's duty while united with the Divine. But which kind of yogi is the highest? The next verse answers.

Context

Verses 6.40–45 assured even the fallen yogi of the supreme goal. This verse proclaims the yogi's superiority and commands Arjuna to become one. The next verse (6.47) declares the devoted yogi the highest of all yogis.

Life lesson

Outward severity, mere bookish knowledge, or ritual done for reward — each is incomplete on its own. Whatever you do in life, do it inwardly connected to the Divine or to the highest truth; that is what it means to be a yogi.

Key terms

Tapasvi: one who disciplines the body through austerity
Jnani (here): a scholar versed in the meaning of the scriptures
Karmi: one who performs Vedic ritual for its rewards
Yogi: a seeker united with the Supreme