Loading...
Current layer: Translation
Chapter 6 • Verse 46
The Yoga of Meditation
MEANING & CONTEXT
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.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
Krishna's encouragement is clear: a yogi is superior to ascetics, superior even to the wise, and superior to those who perform rituals. This isn't about putting others down—it's about recognizing the value of yoga. The yogi is greater because they practice union, they achieve realization, they understand the essence. Ascetics practice penance, but the yogi practices union. The wise have knowledge, but the yogi has realization. Ritualists perform ceremonies, but the yogi practices union. Therefore, 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. Don't just do austerities, don't just study, don't just perform rituals—practice yoga, achieve union, realize the Self.
Personal Reflection
Do you aspire to be a yogi? Are you practicing yoga, or just doing austerities, studying, or performing rituals? What does being a yogi mean to you?
Shortcuts
←/→ Verses
↑/↓ Layers