Chapter 4, Verse 40 (Bhagavad Gita 4.40)
Chapter 4: Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog – Path of Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action
Sanskrit Shloka
अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति। नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः
Transliteration
ajñaśh chāśhraddadhānaśh cha sanśhayātmā vinaśhyati nāyaṁ loko ’sti na paro na sukhaṁ sanśhayātmanaḥ
Word Meanings
ajñaḥ—the ignorant; cha—and; aśhraddadhānaḥ—without faith; cha—and; sanśhaya—skeptical; ātmā—a person; vinaśhyati—falls down; na—never; ayam—in this; lokaḥ—world; asti—is; na—not; paraḥ—in the next; na—not; sukham—happiness; sanśhaya-ātmanaḥ—for the skeptical soul
Translation
But the ignorant, the faithless, and the doubting self perish; for the soul filled with doubt, there is neither this world, nor the world beyond, nor happiness.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse addresses the paralysis caused by persistent skepticism and lack of conviction. When an individual lacks faith in a higher purpose or in their own capacity for growth, they become trapped in a state of perpetual hesitation, unable to anchor themselves in either material responsibilities or spiritual pursuits. Doubt acts as a spiritual poison that severs the connection between effort and outcome, leaving the person adrift and dissatisfied. True progress requires the courage to move forward with trust, as it is only through dedication and clarity of mind that one can experience genuine peace and fulfillment. Ultimately, faith is the stabilizing force that allows a human being to transcend inner fragmentation and achieve a unified, purposeful life.