Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 6.46 तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी ज्ञानिभ्योऽपि मतोऽधिकः
श्लोक 6.46
तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी ज्ञानिभ्योऽपि मतोऽधिकः ।
कर्मिभ्यश्चाधिको योगी तस्माद्योगी भवार्जुन ॥
tapasvibhyo'dhiko yogī jñānibhyo'pi mato'dhikaḥ |
karmibhyaścādhiko yogī tasmādyogī bhavārjuna ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
योगी तपस्वियों से श्रेष्ठ है, ज्ञानियों से भी श्रेष्ठ माना गया है, और कर्मकांड करने वालों से भी श्रेष्ठ है। इसलिए हे अर्जुन, तुम योगी बनो।
Meaning in English
The yogi is greater than those who practise austerity, greater even than the learned, and greater than those who perform ritual works. Therefore, Arjuna, be a yogi.
Bhagavad Gita 6.46 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| तपस्विभ्यः | tapasvibhyaḥ | than the ascetics |
| अधिकः | adhikaḥ | greater |
| योगी | yogī | the yogi |
| ज्ञानिभ्यः | jñānibhyaḥ | than the learned |
| अपि | api | even |
| मतः | mataḥ | is considered |
| अधिकः | adhikaḥ | greater |
| कर्मिभ्यः | karmibhyaḥ | than the performers of ritual |
| च | ca | and |
| अधिकः | adhikaḥ | greater |
| योगी | yogī | the yogi |
| तस्मात् | tasmāt | therefore |
| योगी | yogī | a yogi |
| भव | bhava | be |
| अर्जुन | arjuna | O Arjuna |
Explanation
The yogi is greater than the ascetics; he is considered greater even than the learned; the yogi is greater than those devoted to ritual action. Therefore, O Arjuna, be a yogi. The verse is a clear call to take up the inner path.
Krishna compares the yogi with three admired types: the tapasvī who practises austerities, the jñānī, and the karmī who performs Vedic rites. Shankara clarifies that jñānī here means one learned in scripture, not one who has realised the Self; the yogi is greater because his practice turns knowledge into direct experience. 'Be a yogi' is one of the Gita's clearest direct commands to Arjuna. The final verse, 6.47, then tells which yogi is highest of all.
भावार्थ
योगी तपस्वियों से श्रेष्ठ है, शास्त्र-ज्ञानियों से भी श्रेष्ठ माना गया है, और सकाम कर्म करने वालों से भी योगी श्रेष्ठ है। इसलिए हे अर्जुन, तुम योगी बनो। यह अर्जुन को सीधी आज्ञा है।
Living it today
Learning, discipline and good deeds are all valuable; joining them with inner practice brings them to life. Make room for all three today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 6.46?
The yogi is greater than the ascetics; he is considered greater even than the learned; the yogi is greater than those devoted to ritual action. Therefore, O Arjuna, be a yogi. The verse is a clear call to take up the inner path.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 6.46?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 6 (Dhyana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 6.46 in daily life?
Learning, discipline and good deeds are all valuable; joining them with inner practice brings them to life. Make room for all three today.
Reflected on verse 6.46?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.