1 · Learn3 of 6 · 5 min
Study a Verse
Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.
Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 2.40
नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते ।
स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात् ॥ ४० ॥
nehābhikrama-nāśo ’sti
pratyavāyo na vidyate
sv-alpam apy asya dharmasya
trāyate mahato bhayāt
In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioWhat this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.
3 study points
On this path, no effort is lost or reduced, and even a little progress protects one from the greatest fear.
Kṛṣṇa consciousness means acting for Kṛṣṇa’s benefit without seeking pleasure for oneself. Even unfinished work brings lasting results.
Material results end with the body, but progress in Kṛṣṇa consciousness carries into the next life, giving another chance to advance.
Characteristics of Buddhi-yoga
There is no loss or diminution in this endeavor
A little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear
“Highest Transcendental Quality of Work” — Activity in Krishna consciousness
For the benefit of Krishna
Without expectation of sense gratification
“No loss or diminution on this path” — Buddhi-yoga has a permanent effect
e.g. Ajamila’s life episode (study purport)
Ref. SB 1.5.17 “tyaktva svadharmam…” (study purport)
Christian saying: “What profiteth a man if he gains the whole world, yet suffers the loss of his eternal soul?”
Saves one from the greatest danger — “Gliding down to a lower species from human form of life”
Buddhi-yoga provides, at least, surety of human birth and higher elevation in next life
This is the “unique quality of work” in Krishna consciousness
FIGHT! But without any reaction – Niskarma-karma-yoga
One works (karma) with knowledge (jnana)
Thus detached from the fruit of his work
Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.
The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.
Key ideas: karma, sva-dharma.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
What does BG 2.40 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to duty & action?
Do one task today purely because it is right.
Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.
Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.
Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.