श्री भगवानुवाच पार्थ नैवेह नामुत्र विनाशस्तस्य विद्यते। नहि कल्याणकृत्कश्चिद्दुर्गतिं तात गच्छति।।6.40।।
śrī-bhagavān uvāca pārtha na eva iha na amṛta vināśaḥ tasya vidyate na hi kalyāṇa‑kṛt kaścit durgatiḥ tāta gacchati
Translation
The Supreme Lord said: O Partha, one who follows the spiritual path never meets destruction in this world or the next. My dear friend, anyone who engages in virtuous actions never goes to degradation.
Word Meanings
śrī-bhagavān uvāca — the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; pārtha — O son of Pṛthā; na eva — never; iha — in this world; na — not; amṛta — in the next life; vināśaḥ — destruction; tasya — his; vidyate — exists; na hi — certainly not; kalyāṇa‑kṛt — one who does good; kaścit — anyone; durgatiḥ — degradation; tāta — my dear friend; gacchati — goes
Understanding the Verse
Verse 6.40 of the Bhagavad Gita serves as a powerful assurance to seekers on the yogic path. After describing the difficulty of controlling the restless mind, Lord Krishna emphasizes that the true yogi, who constantly strives for self‑realization, is never subject to annihilation, either in this material existence or beyond it. This statement is a direct counter‑argument to the fatalistic view that worldly engagement inevitably leads to ruin. Instead, it underscores the eternal nature of the soul (ātman) and the protective grace that accompanies sincere spiritual effort.
The verse begins with "śrī-bhagavān uvāca" – a formula that signals an unfailing divine pronouncement. "Pārtha" addresses Arjuna, reminding the reader that the teaching is personally directed, yet universally applicable. The phrase "na eva iha na amṛta vināśaḥ tasya vidyate" literally means that there is no destruction for the one who pursues yoga, neither in this world (iha) nor in the after‑life (amṛta). The dual reference to both realms highlights the Gita's holistic vision: the spiritual discipline transcends the binary of life and death.
The subsequent clause "na hi kalyāṇa‑kṛt kaścit durgatiḥ" adds another layer. "Kalyāṇa‑kṛt" refers to those who perform auspicious deeds, i.e., the yogic practitioner engaged in dharma. "Kaścit" (anyone) emphasizes inclusivity – the promise is not reserved for a select few but extends to all who earnestly practice. "Durgatiḥ" (degradation) has connotations of moral, existential, and spiritual downfall. Thus, the verse assures that virtuous conduct shields the soul from any form of downfall.
Finally, Krishna adds "tāta gacchati" – an affectionate address meaning "my dear friend, one goes". This parental tone conveys both compassion and intimacy, reinforcing the personal bond between the divine teacher and the disciple. It also serves as a gentle reminder that while the path is demanding, the ultimate outcome is a secure, liberated state beyond all forms of destruction. In practical terms, this verse encourages aspirants to maintain steadfastness in meditation, ethical living, and devotion, trusting that such disciplined effort guarantees spiritual safety and eventual liberation.
Overall, Chapter 6, Verse 40 encapsulates the Gita’s core message: the soul, when aligned with divine consciousness through disciplined yoga, is impervious to the transient trials of material existence and assured of eternal bliss. This assurance not only motivates the practitioner but also provides a philosophical foundation for understanding the nature of existence as an ever‑lasting continuum, where true destruction is an illusion applicable only to those who remain ignorant of their divine essence.
