Bhagavad Gita 6.40 — A Righteous Effort Is Never Lost
श्रीभगवानुवाच
पार्थ नैवेह नामुत्र विनाशस्तस्य विद्यते।
न हि कल्याणकृत्कश्चिद्दुर्गतिं तात गच्छति॥ ६.४०॥
The Blessed Lord said: O Pārtha, such a seeker is never lost either in this world or in the next. O dear Arjuna, one who performs righteous and beneficial actions never meets with a bad destiny.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śrībhagavān | the Blessed Lord |
| uvāca | said |
| pārtha | O son of Pṛthā (Arjuna)! |
| na | never |
| eva | indeed |
| iha | in this world |
| na | nor |
| amutra | in the next world |
| vināśaḥ | destruction |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tasya | for such a person |
| vidyate | exists |
| na | never |
| hi | indeed |
| kalyāṇakṛt | one who performs righteous and auspicious deeds |
| kaścit | anyone |
| durgatim | an unfortunate destination |
| tāta | O dear one! |
| gacchati | attains |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śrībhagavān | the Blessed Lord | tasya | for such a person |
| uvāca | said | vidyate | exists |
| pārtha | O son of Pṛthā (Arjuna)! | na | never |
| na | never | hi | indeed |
| eva | indeed | kalyāṇakṛt | one who performs righteous and auspicious deeds |
| iha | in this world | kaścit | anyone |
| na | nor | durgatim | an unfortunate destination |
| amutra | in the next world | tāta | O dear one! |
| vināśaḥ | destruction | gacchati | attains |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna begins answering Arjuna's heartfelt question with a message of great reassurance: no sincere spiritual effort is ever lost, and one who performs good never meets an unfortunate destiny.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Reassuring Reply
Lord Krishna immediately removes Arjuna's fear by giving one of the most encouraging assurances in the Bhagavad Gita. He declares that every sincere effort made on the spiritual path has lasting value.
Pārtha (O son of Pṛthā): Addressing Arjuna affectionately, Lord Krishna prepares to comfort him with a compassionate and reassuring answer.
Naiveha nāmutra vināśaḥ (there is no loss either in this world or the next): Spiritual effort is never wasted. Whether its fruits are experienced in this life or a future one, every sincere step toward God leaves a permanent impression on the soul.
Na hi kalyāṇa-kṛt kaścit (one who does good): A person who sincerely practices yoga, devotion, or righteous living is engaged in kalyāṇa—that which leads to true spiritual welfare. Such actions can never become meaningless.
Durgatiṁ tāta gacchati (never comes to an unfortunate end): Lord Krishna firmly declares that a sincere seeker never falls into ruin. Temporary setbacks may occur, but genuine spiritual effort always leads to eventual progress and ultimate success.
This verse offers immense hope to every seeker. No prayer, meditation, act of devotion, or sincere spiritual effort is ever lost. Every step taken toward the Divine continues to bear fruit, even if the final goal is not reached immediately.
Message for Everyday Life (No Sincere Effort Is Ever Wasted)
Never underestimate your spiritual progress: Growth may seem slow, but every sincere effort leaves a lasting impression on your character and consciousness.
Practical approach: Continue your spiritual practices without worrying about immediate results. Every act of devotion, every moment of meditation, and every effort toward self-improvement contributes to your long-term spiritual journey.
Next Topic
Having assured Arjuna that no sincere effort is ever lost, Lord Krishna now explains what happens to such a seeker after death and the favorable circumstances in which they continue their spiritual journey.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
No sincere effort toward goodness is ever wasted.
Every step forward leaves a lasting mark on the journey.
What is done with sincerity is preserved beyond immediate results.
Temporary setbacks cannot erase genuine progress.
The universe remembers every movement toward the good.
Success is not lost when effort is meaningful.
Good actions create value beyond what we can immediately see.