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Bhagavad Gita 2.40 — Nehabhikrama-nasho 'sti

Bhagavad Gita 2.40 — Nehabhikrama-nasho 'sti in English · English

🕉️ hindu·📿 11× repetitions·🕐 Morning, before beginning any spiritual practice or important task, or whenever discouraged·📜 Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 40
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हिन्दी / देवनागरीతెలుగుதமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംગુજરાતીবাংলাଓଡ଼ିଆਪੰਜਾਬੀEnglishසිංහල𑌗𑍍𑌰𑌨𑍍𑌥

✦ Meaning

In this beloved verse, Krishna gives one of the most encouraging assurances of the Gita. On the path of selfless action (karma-yoga), no sincere effort is ever wasted, and there is no risk of harm from incomplete practice. Even a small beginning on this path protects the soul from the greatest fear — the fear of birth and death. It removes all hesitation and inspires the seeker to simply begin.

Origin & Story

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 40 · Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva) · Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)

In the second chapter, Sankhya Yoga, Krishna begins to introduce Arjuna to the path of selfless action (buddhi-yoga / karma-yoga). To encourage him to take it up without fear, Krishna declares that on this path no effort is ever lost and no harm results from incomplete practice — even a little of it grants great protection.

✦ As told in scripture

It is a cherished teaching that a single sincere step on the path of dharma is never erased; saints assure that even a beginner who falls short still carries the merit of that effort into future lives, where it ripens and saves them from the deepest fears.

The Mantra

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nehābhikrama-nāśho ’sti pratyavāyo na vidyate svalpam apyasya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt

Meaning:In this path, no effort is ever lost and no obstacle prevails; even a little practice of this dharma protects one from great fear.

Word-by-Word Meaning

Click any word to hear its pronunciation

na🔊not
iha🔊in this (path of karma-yoga)
abhikrama🔊effort, endeavour
nāśhaḥ🔊loss
asti🔊there is
pratyavāyaḥ🔊adverse result
na🔊not
vidyate🔊is, exists
su-alpam🔊a little
api🔊even
asya🔊of this
dharmasya🔊of this dharma / practice
trāyate🔊saves, protects
mahataḥ🔊from great
bhayāt🔊from danger / fear

Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 2.40 — Nehabhikrama-nasho 'sti

✦

Removes hesitation and the fear of failure on the spiritual path

✦

Assures the seeker that no sincere effort in karma-yoga is ever wasted

✦

Gives confidence that even a small beginning brings great protection

✦

Frees one from the great fear of repeated birth and death (samsara)

✦

Encourages perseverance — there is no negative result from incomplete practice

✦

Instils optimism and steadiness in any righteous endeavour

How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 2.40 — Nehabhikrama-nasho 'sti

Repetitions11times
Best TimeMorning, before beginning any spiritual practice or important task, or whenever discouraged

Chant this verse whenever doubt or the fear of wasted effort arises. Let its assurance settle the mind: on the path of dharma nothing sincere is ever lost. It is especially helpful before starting a new sadhana, study, or worthy undertaking; recite it to dissolve hesitation and renew your resolve, trusting that even a small step is protected and fruitful.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page shows the complete Bhagavad Gita 2.40 — Nehabhikrama-nasho 'sti written in the English script — the same Sanskrit/Hindi verses, transliterated character-by-character so you can read and chant comfortably. Tap any line (or the ▶ button) to hear it recited aloud.
Yes — only the script changes; the words and their meaning are the original. The verse-by-verse meaning, benefits and how-to-chant guidance on this page apply exactly the same.
Krishna assures Arjuna that on the path of karma-yoga, no effort is ever lost and no harm comes from incomplete practice. Even a little progress on this path protects one from the great fear of birth and death. It is a verse of pure encouragement to begin and persevere.
The 'great fear' (mahato bhayat) is traditionally understood as the fear of samsara — the endless cycle of birth, death and suffering. Even a small amount of practice on the path of selfless action begins to free the soul from this fundamental fear.
In ordinary, result-driven actions, an unfinished effort can bring loss or even harm. But on the path of nishkama karma-yoga, every sincere effort is preserved and carried forward; there is no loss and no adverse reaction, even if the practice is incomplete in this life.
It is deeply reassuring. It tells the seeker not to be discouraged by slow progress or imperfect practice, because spiritual effort is never wasted. This makes it a favourite source of motivation for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

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