Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 46

This verse is from the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verse 46. It is written in Sanskrit and translates to English as follows:

tapasvibhyo ’dhiko yogī jñānibhyo ’pi mato ’dhikaḥ
karmibhyaśh chādhiko yogī tasmād yogī bhavārjuna || 46 ||

English translation:

"O Arjuna! A Yogi is superior to ascetics, superior to wise men, and superior to those who perform rituals. Therefore, you become a Yogi."

Explanation in detail:

Lord Krishna is explaining the importance of Yoga to Arjuna in this verse. He tells that among the various paths of life, a Yogi has the highest place.

Why is a Yogi superior to ascetics?

• The ascetic controls his body and senses and performs rigorous penance, but perfection is not attained by mere external penance.
• The Yogi does not only suppress the senses, but also realizes God through self-knowledge and meditation, so he is superior to the ascetic.

Why is a Yogi superior to the wise?

• The wise man only has knowledge of the scriptures, but if he does not apply that knowledge in life, he is incomplete.
• The Yogi not only acquires knowledge, but also experiences that knowledge through meditation and sadhana. That is why he is superior to the wise man.

Why is a Yogi superior to Karmayogis?

• The wise man has only the knowledge of the scriptures, but if he does not apply that knowledge in life, he is incomplete.
• The Yogi not only acquires knowledge, but also experiences that knowledge through meditation and sadhana. That is why he is superior to the wise man.

Why is a Yogi superior to Karmayogis?

• A Karmayogi only does karma, but if his karma is only for worldly success, then he is limited.
• The yogi dedicates every action to God and works by combining meditation, knowledge and selfless action. Therefore, he is even superior to a Karmayogi.

Sanskrit word Meaning in English:

Tapasvibhyaḥ - From the ascetics, those who perform rigorous penance.
Adhikaḥ - Excellent, great.
Yogī - A practitioner practicing meditation, devotion, and self-realization.
Jñāṇābhyaḥ - From learned men, who are engaged only in the scriptures and the path of knowledge.
Api - Also.
Mataḥ - It is believed, it is understood.
Karmibhyaḥ - From Karmayogis, who are engaged only in karma (rituals).
Cha: - And.
Adhikaḥ - The best.
Yogi - One who practices yoga.
Tasmāt - Therefore.
Yogi Bhava - Become a Yogi, adopt Yoga.
Arjuna - Oh Arjuna!