126. Supremacy of the Yogi
K rishna says, “The yogi is superior to the tapasvi (ascetic), superior to the ‘ shastra jnani ’ (a person of learning), and even superior to the karmi (ritualistic performer). Therefore, O Arjuna, strive to be a yogi (6.46). Of all yogis , those whose minds are always absorbed in Me, and who engage in devotion to Me with great shraddha (trust/surrender), them, I consider to be the most equilibrated” (6.47). Yoga means union and yogi is the one who attained union with self. Krishna described various facets of yogi on different occasions. These include transcending polarities ( dwandwa-atheeth ); transcending guna s ( guna-atheeth ) realising that gunas are real karta and one is just a sakshi ; equanimity ( samatva ) to friend and enemy or praise and criticism; performing unmotivated actions ( nishkaam-karma ) like yajna ; dropping expectations of karma-phal (fruits of action). Above all, a yogi is content with himself. T...