Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.40
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
पार्थ नैवेह नामुत्र विनाशस्तस्य विद्यते । न हि कल्याणकृत्कश्चिद्दुर्गतिं तात गच्छति ॥४०॥
pārtha naiveha nāmutra vināśastasya vidyate | na hi kalyāṇakṛtkaściddurgatiṃ tāta gacchati ||40||
Complete Shloka Translation
Partha, there is no destruction for that person here or hereafter. Dear one, no one who does good comes to a harmful destiny.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| पार्थ | pārtha | O son of Pritha (Arjuna) |
| न एव इह | na eva iha | neither in this present earthly life |
| न अमुत्र | na amutra | nor in the hereafter / next world |
| विनाशः | vināśaḥ | ruin / spiritual destruction |
| तस्य | tasya | of that sincere spiritual seeker |
| विद्यते | vidyate | ever exists |
| न हि | na hi | for surely never |
| कल्याण-कृत् | kalyāṇa-kṛt | one who strives for virtue and spiritual good |
| कश्चित् | kaścit | anyone whomsoever |
| दुर्गतिम् | durgatim | unto an evil, fallen fate |
| तात | tāta | O beloved friend / dear child |
| गच्छति | gacchati | goes / descends |
O son of Pritha (Arjuna)
neither in this present earthly life
nor in the hereafter / next world
ruin / spiritual destruction
of that sincere spiritual seeker
ever exists
for surely never
one who strives for virtue and spiritual good
anyone whomsoever
unto an evil, fallen fate
O beloved friend / dear child
goes / descends
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna answers the fear of total loss with reassurance. The following verses explain this promise within the teaching of rebirth.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Sincere effort can retain meaning even when the goal remains unfinished."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What meaningful effort remains valuable despite an unfinished outcome?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master mental clarity and resilience: when your mind wanders into anxiety or distraction, gently bring it back without judgment, maintaining balance in food, sleep, work, and mindful reflection.