Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 4.40 अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति
श्लोक 4.40
अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति ।
नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः ॥
ajñaścāśraddadhānaśca saṃśayātmā vinaśyati |
nāyaṃ loko'sti na paro na sukhaṃ saṃśayātmanaḥ ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
अज्ञानी, श्रद्धाहीन और संशय में पड़ा मनुष्य नष्ट हो जाता है। संशय करने वाले के लिए न यह लोक है, न परलोक और न ही कोई सुख।
Meaning in English
The ignorant, the faithless and the doubting are ruined. For the one who doubts, there is neither this world, nor the next, nor any happiness.
Bhagavad Gita 4.40 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अज्ञः | ajñaḥ | the ignorant |
| च | ca | and |
| अश्रद्दधानः | aśraddadhānaḥ | the faithless |
| च | ca | and |
| संशयात्मा | saṃśaya-ātmā | one of doubting mind |
| विनश्यति | vinaśyati | perishes |
| न | na | not |
| अयम् | ayam | this |
| लोकः | lokaḥ | world |
| अस्ति | asti | is |
| न | na | nor |
| परः | paraḥ | the next |
| न | na | nor |
| सुखम् | sukham | happiness |
| संशयात्मनः | saṃśaya-ātmanaḥ | for the doubter |
Explanation
The ignorant, the faithless and the one whose mind is ruled by doubt come to ruin. For the doubter there is neither this world, nor the next, nor any happiness. Endless doubt paralyses both action and joy, leaving a person nowhere to stand.
The verse contrasts with 4.39, which promised knowledge and peace to the person of faith. Shankara ranks the three: the ignorant and the faithless are lost, but the habitual doubter is worst, because he cannot even enjoy this world. Ramanuja takes doubt here as doubt about the teaching on the Self. The verse is not against honest questioning, which Arjuna models throughout; it warns against a doubt that never settles and so never acts.
भावार्थ
अज्ञानी, श्रद्धाहीन और संशय से भरा हुआ व्यक्ति नष्ट हो जाता है। संशय करने वाले के लिए न यह लोक है, न परलोक है और न ही कोई सुख है।
Living it today
Question freely, but do not live in permanent doubt. At some point, choose a direction and commit to it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 4.40?
The ignorant, the faithless and the one whose mind is ruled by doubt come to ruin. For the doubter there is neither this world, nor the next, nor any happiness. Endless doubt paralyses both action and joy, leaving a person nowhere to stand.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 4.40?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 4 (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 4.40 in daily life?
Question freely, but do not live in permanent doubt. At some point, choose a direction and commit to it.
Reflected on verse 4.40?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.