The Yoga of Meditation

Krishna concludes by emphasizing the superiority of the yogi. 'Tapasvibhyo 'dhiko yogī'—a yogi (yogī) is superior (adhikaḥ) to ascetics (tapasvibhyaḥ). This means: the yogi is greater than those who practice severe penance, who perform austerities, who undergo physical hardships. 'Jñānibhyo 'pi mato 'dhikaḥ'—is considered (mataḥ) superior (adhikaḥ) even (api) to the wise (jñānibhyaḥ). This means: the yogi is greater than those who have knowledge, who have studied, who have intellectual understanding. 'Karmibhyaś cādhiko yogī'—and (ca) a yogi (yogī) is superior (adhikaḥ) to those who perform rituals (karmibhyaḥ). This means: the yogi is greater than those who perform religious rituals, who do ceremonies, who follow external practices. 'Tasmād yogī bhavārjuna'—therefore (tasmāt), O Arjuna (arjuna), be (bhava) a yogi (yogī). This means: Krishna is encouraging Arjuna—be a yogi, not just an ascetic, not just a scholar, not just a ritualist. Be a yogi—someone who practices yoga, who achieves union, who realizes the Self. This is the highest path, the supreme practice, the ultimate goal.