tapasvibhyo 'dhiko yogī jñānibhyo 'pi mato 'dhikaḥ karmibhyaś cādhiko yogī tasmād yogī bhavārjuna
"The yogi is greater than ascetics, greater even than the learned, greater than those who perform rituals. Therefore, be a yogi, O Arjuna."
What This Means:
Krishna declares: The yogi is superior to those who practice austerities, superior to scholars, superior to ritualists. So become a yogi, Arjuna! This path integrates and transcends all others.
Going Deeper:
Tapasvi (ascetic), jnani (knower), karmi (ritualist)—all valid paths, but the yogi is adhika (greater) than all. Why? Because yoga integrates discipline, knowledge, and action. Krishna's conclusion: 'tasmat yogi bhava'—therefore BE a yogi.
How To Apply This:
Don't settle for just austerity (tapas), just knowledge (jnana), or just ritual (karma) alone. Become a yogi who integrates all paths. This is Krishna's direct instruction to Arjuna—and to you.
Key Sanskrit Terms: