Bhagavad Gita 6.46 — Tapasvibhyo Adhiko Yogi — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 6.46 — तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तपस्विभ्यः
tapasvibhyaḥ
than the ascetics
अधिकः
adhikaḥ
superior
योगी
yogī
a yogi
ज्ञानिभ्यः
jñānibhyaḥ
than the persons of (mere scriptural) learning
अपि
api
even
मतः
mataḥ
considered, thought to be
अधिकः
adhikaḥ
superior
कर्मिभ्यः
karmibhyaḥ
than the ritualistic performers of action
च
cha
and
अधिकः
adhikaḥ
superior
योगी
yogī
a yogi
तस्मात्
tasmāt
therefore
योगी
yogī
a yogi
भव
bhava
just become
अर्जुन
arjuna
O Arjuna
Complete Translation
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.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 46
Author: Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 6.46 declare?▼
It declares the yogi to be superior to the tapasvi (ascetic), to the jnani of mere scriptural learning, and to the karmi (ritualistic worker). Krishna concludes with the encouragement: 'therefore, O Arjuna, be a yogi.'
Why is the yogi considered the highest here?▼
Because the yogi unites the heart and mind directly with the Divine through meditation, going beyond external austerity, intellectual knowledge alone, and ritual action. Direct inner realization is held above all merely outward disciplines.
Does this verse criticise austerity and study?▼
It does not reject them but ranks them below true yoga. Austerity, study and ritual are valuable steps, yet they reach their fulfilment only in the inward union that the yogi attains.
How does the chapter continue after this verse?▼
In the very next and final verse of the chapter (6.47), Krishna goes further, calling the devotee who worships Him with faith and inner love the greatest of all yogis — uniting the path of meditation with bhakti.
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