Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 46

English Translation

A yogi is higher than men of austerity; he is considered higher even than men of knowledge. The yogi is also higher than men of action. Therefore, O Arjuna, do you become a yogi.

Detailed Commentary

6.46 Explanation: 'A Yogi is superior to ascetics (tapasvis)' — those who endure the hardships of hunger, thirst, cold, and heat to attain siddhis are tapasvis. But a Yogi, who holds a transcendental goal, is superior to them. 'He is considered superior even to the jnanis (men of knowledge)' — a Yogi is deemed superior even to those who study the scriptures (shastras) but desire worldly enjoyments. 'A Yogi is superior even to the karmis (performers of rituals)' — a Yogi is superior to those who perform Yajnas, dana (charity), pilgrimages (tirtha), etc., with sakam bhava (motivated intent). He who walks the path towards the Supreme Being (Paramatma) is the true Yogi. The actions of Tapasvis, Jnanis, and Karmis differ. Endurance is valued in Tapasvis, scriptural knowledge in Jnanis, and scriptural actions (karma) in Karmis. Due to the presence of sakam bhava in all of them, they are not considered Yogis. Had they been Yogis with niskam bhava (selfless intent), the Lord would not have compared them to a Yogi nor declared the Yogi superior to them. 'Therefore, be a Yogi, Arjuna' — the Lord commands Arjuna, saying, 'O Arjuna, become a Yogi and perform all actions, free from raga-dvesha (attachment and aversion).' The Lord has also stated this in the eighth chapter. In the fifth chapter, Arjuna had prayed to the Lord for guidance. The Lord had spoken about Sankhya Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Dhyana Yoga, but now directly tells Arjuna, 'Become a Yogi'; for this is the superior path for you. Context: In the previous shloka, the Lord commanded Arjuna to become a Yogi. Now, the Lord inspires Arjuna to become a Bhakti Yogi and describes the glory of that Yoga.