Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.40
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते । स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात् ॥४०॥
nehābhikramanāśo'sti pratyavāyo na vidyate | svalpamapyasya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt ||40||
Complete Shloka Translation
In this path no effort is lost and no adverse consequence arises from an incomplete beginning. Even a little of this dharma protects from great fear.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अभिक्रमनाशः | abhikramanāśaḥ | loss of an undertaking |
| स्वल्पम् | svalpam | a little |
| नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति | nehābhikramanāśo'sti | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| प्रत्यवायो | pratyavāyo | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| विद्यते | na | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| स्वल्पमप्यस्य | vidyate | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| धर्मस्य | svalpamapyasya | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| त्रायते | dharmasya | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| महतो | trāyate | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| भयात् | mahato | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
| ४० | bhayāt | [term] in context of In this path no effort is lost... |
loss of an undertaking
a little
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
[term] in context of In this path no effort is lost...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This encourages perseverance in the yoga just introduced. The assurance concerns spiritual effort on this path, not risk-free outcomes for every activity.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"A small beginning in disciplined practice has value."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What small, sincere practice can you begin and sustain?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.