Chapter 6 · Shloka 40— The Yoga of Meditation / Self-Control

śhrī bhagavān uvācha pārtha naiveha nāmutra vināśhas tasya vidyate na hi kalyāṇa-kṛit kaśhchid durgatiṁ tāta gachchhati

śhrī-bhagavān uvācha

— the Supreme Lord said

pārtha

— Arjun, the son of Pritha

na eva

— never

iha

— in this world

na

— never

amutra

— in the next world

vināśhaḥ

— destruction

tasya

— his

vidyate

— exists

na

— never

hi

— certainly

kalyāṇa-kṛit

— one who strives for God-realization

kaśhchit

— anyone

durgatim

— evil destination

tāta

— my friend

gachchhati

— goes

"Sri-bhagavan uvaca: Partha naiveha namutra vinasas tasya vidyate, na hi kalyana-krt kascid durgatim tata gacchati." — The Blessed Lord said: O Partha, neither in this world nor the next is there destruction for him; for never, dear one, does anyone who does good come to a bad end. Krishna's answer begins with an emphatic, complete reassurance, dissolving the entire fear Arjuna built up in 6.37–38. 'Na eva iha na amutra vinasah tasya vidyate' — there is destruction for him neither here (in this world) nor there (in the next). The terrifying image of the scattered cloud, perishing with no support, is simply rejected outright. Then comes one of the most beautiful and oft-quoted assurances in the Gita: 'na hi kalyana-krt kascid durgatim tata gacchati' — for no one who does good (kalyana-krt, one who performs auspicious, noble action) ever comes to a bad state (durgati). Krishna addresses Arjuna tenderly as 'tata' — a term of affectionate endearment, like 'dear child' — underscoring the consoling warmth of the teaching. Shankaracharya draws out the principle: sincere spiritual effort is itself a form of good action (kalyana), and the moral law of the universe guarantees that good action never produces a bad result. The seeker who tried sincerely, even if they fell short, has performed kalyana, and is therefore protected from any downfall. This verse is a foundation of hope. No genuine step toward the good is ever wasted. The universe is not indifferent; it is, at its core, just and benevolent toward those who strive for the good.

Krishna's answer is pure reassurance, and it's profound: no one who does good ever comes to a bad end — not in this life, not after. The terrifying 'scattered cloud' scenario is flatly rejected. The deep principle: sincere effort toward the good is itself good action, and good action never leads to ruin. This means every genuine step you take toward growth, toward becoming a better person, toward something meaningful — counts, and is never wasted, even if you don't 'finish' or fully succeed. The universe isn't indifferent to your sincere efforts. Notice too how Krishna shifts to a tender, affectionate tone here — this isn't cold doctrine, it's reassurance from a friend.

Krishna's answer is pure reassurance and it goes deep: no one who does good ever comes to a bad end — not in this life, not after. The terrifying 'scattered cloud, lost both ways' scenario? Flatly rejected. The core principle: sincere effort toward the good IS good action, and good action never leads to ruin. Translation: every genuine step you take toward growth, toward becoming better, toward something meaningful — counts, and is NEVER wasted, even if you don't 'finish' or fully succeed. The universe isn't indifferent to your real effort. And notice Krishna switches to a tender, almost fatherly tone here — this isn't cold doctrine, it's comfort from a friend.

Krishna gives a wonderful, comforting answer! He lovingly calls Arjuna 'dear one' and says: 'Don't worry! A good person is NEVER destroyed, not in this life or the next. Anyone who does good things never, ever comes to a bad end!' So if you try your best to be good and do good — even if you don't perfectly succeed — your effort always counts and good things will come to you. Goodness is never, ever wasted! Isn't that the most reassuring thing?