Chapter 6, Verse 46 (Bhagavad Gita 6.46)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी ज्ञानिभ्योऽपि मतोऽधिकः। कर्मिभ्यश्चाधिको योगी तस्माद्योगी भवार्जुन
Transliteration
tapasvibhyo ’dhiko yogī jñānibhyo ’pi mato ’dhikaḥ karmibhyaśh chādhiko yogī tasmād yogī bhavārjuna
Word Meanings
tapasvibhyaḥ—than the ascetics; adhikaḥ—superior; yogī—a yogi; jñānibhyaḥ—than the persons of learning; api—even; mataḥ—considered; adhikaḥ—superior; karmibhyaḥ—than the ritualistic performers; cha—and; adhikaḥ—superior; yogī—a yogi; tasmāt—therefore; yogī—a yogi; bhava—just become; arjuna—Arjun
Translation
The yogi is considered superior to the ascetics, superior to the men of knowledge, and superior to the men of action; therefore, Arjuna, become a yogi.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse establishes that the path of Yoga—the union of the individual consciousness with the Divine—transcends mere outward renunciation, intellectual scholarship, or ritualistic action. While austerity, study, and service are noble, they remain fragmented until they are anchored in the constant awareness of the Self. To be a 'yogi' is to perform every act with an equanimous mind and a surrendered heart, transforming ordinary life into a continuous spiritual offering. By urging Arjuna to be a yogi, Krishna reveals that the ultimate spiritual attainment is not found in seclusion, but in the internal transformation of the practitioner who remains centered amidst the flux of worldly duties.