BHAGAVAD-GITA 6:46

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BHAGAVAD-GITA 6:46

 

tapasvibhyo 'dhiko yogi

jnanibhyo 'pi mato 'dhikah

karmibhyas cadhiko yogi

tasmad yogi bhavarjuna

 

WORD FOR WORD

 

tapasvibhyah--than the ascetics; adhikah--greater; yogi--the yogi;

jnanibhyah--than the wise; api--also; matah--considered;

adhikah--greater; karmibhyah--than the fruitive workers; ca--also;

adhikah--greater; yogi--the yogi; tasmat--therefore; yogi--a

transcendentalist; bhava--just become; arjuna--O Arjuna.

 

TRANSLATION

 

A yogi is greater than the ascetic, greater than the empiricist and

greater than the fruitive worker. Therefore, O Arjuna, in all

circumstances, be a yogi.

 

PURPORT

 

When we speak of yoga we refer to linking our consciousness with the

Supreme Absolute Truth. Such a process is named differently by various

practitioners in terms of the particular method adopted. When the

linking process is predominantly in fruitive activities it is called

karma-yoga, when it is predominantly empirical it is called

jnana-yoga, and when it is predominantly in a devotional relationship

with the Supreme Lord it is called bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga, or Krsna

consciousness, is the ultimate perfection of all yogas, as will be

explained in the next verse. The Lord has confirmed herein the

superiority of yoga, but He has not mentioned that it is better than

bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga is full spiritual knowledge, and therefore

nothing can excel it. Asceticism without self-knowledge is imperfect.

Empiric knowledge without surrender to the Supreme Lord is also

imperfect. And fruitive work without Krsna consciousness is a waste of

time. Therefore, the most highly praised form of yoga performance

mentioned here is bhakti-yoga, and this is still more clearly

explained in the next verse.

 

Copyright 1983 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with

permission.