Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.40
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति । नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः ॥४०॥
ajñaścāśraddadhānaśca saṃśayātmā vinaśyati | nāyaṃ loko'sti na paro na sukhaṃ saṃśayātmanaḥ ||40||
Complete Shloka Translation
The ignorant, faithless person of doubting mind perishes. For one consumed by doubt, there is neither this world nor the other, nor happiness.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अश्रद्दधानः | aśraddadhānaḥ | without faith |
| संशयात्मा | saṃśayātmā | one of doubting mind |
| अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च | ajñaścāśraddadhānaśca | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
| विनश्यति | vinaśyati | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
| नायं | nāyaṃ | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
| लोकोऽस्ति | loko'sti | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
| परो | na | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
| सुखं | paro | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
| संशयात्मनः | na | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
| ४० | sukhaṃ | [term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person... |
without faith
one of doubting mind
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
[term] in context of The ignorant, faithless person...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The warning concerns a mind dominated by unresolved doubt and lacking trust. Read alongside the questioning encouraged in 4.34, it need not condemn honest inquiry.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Doubt needs thoughtful examination so that it does not become endless paralysis."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which unresolved doubt needs inquiry rather than repeated worry?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.