Bhagavad Gita 6.46 — Tapasvibhyo Adhiko Yogi
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 6.46 — तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी
Also known as: tapasvibhyo adhiko yogi · bhagavad gita 6.46 · gita chapter 6 verse 46 · tasmad yogi bhavarjuna · be a yogi gita
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✦ Meaning
Near the close of the Dhyana Yoga chapter, Krishna exalts the yogi above the ascetic, above the merely learned, and above the ritualist, and lovingly urges Arjuna: 'Therefore, be a yogi.' The verse declares the supremacy of the path of meditation and union with the Divine over external austerity, dry scholarship and mere ritual action.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 46 · Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa) · Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
As the Dhyana Yoga chapter concludes, Krishna lifts Arjuna's aspiration by ranking the yogi above all other spiritual practitioners and gently commanding him to become one. The verse crowns the chapter's detailed teaching on meditation with a stirring exhortation, and leads directly into the final verse praising the loving devotee as the foremost yogi.
✦ As told in scripture
Teachers cite this verse to encourage wavering seekers, recounting how earnest practitioners who heeded Krishna's call to 'be a yogi' rose above outward austerities into the bliss of inner communion described throughout the chapter.
The Mantra
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तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी ज्ञानिभ्योऽपि मतोऽधिकः। कर्मिभ्यश्चाधिको योगी तस्माद्योगी भवार्जुन॥
tapasvibhyo ’dhiko yogī jñānibhyo ’pi mato ’dhikaḥ karmibhyaśh chādhiko yogī tasmād yogī bhavārjuna
Meaning:The yogi is thought to be superior to the ascetics, even superior to those who have knowledge obtained through the study of scriptures; he is also superior to men of action; therefore, be thou a yogi, O Arjuna.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 6.46 — Tapasvibhyo Adhiko Yogi
Affirms the supremacy of the yogi over ascetic, scholar and ritualist
Inspires the aspirant to choose the inward path of meditation and union
Encourages going beyond external austerity to inner realization
A motivating verse for steadfast spiritual practice (sadhana)
Reminds that direct experience surpasses mere book-knowledge
Strengthens resolve with Krishna's loving call: 'therefore, be a yogi'
How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 6.46 — Tapasvibhyo Adhiko Yogi
Recite the verse to renew your commitment to sadhana. Let Krishna’s closing words 'tasmād yogī bhavārjuna' echo as a personal call to become a yogi — to seek not outer show of austerity or learning but the inward union of meditation. Then sit for your practice with that resolve.
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