By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Vedic StoriesVedic StoriesVedic Stories
  • Home
  • Hindu Deities
    • Asura Stories
    • Devi Stories
    • Devta Stories
    • Tridev Stories
  • Hindu Festival
    • Fasting Stories
    • Diwali
    • Jayanti
    • Navratri
  • Hinduism Stories
    • Mahabharat
    • Origin Stories
    • Ramayana
    • Sages and Rishis
    • Saints & Acharyas
    • Shiva Stories
    • Vishnu Avatar
      • Kalki Avatar
  • Scriptures and Texts
    • Bhagavad Gita
      • Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga
      • Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga
    • Bhajan
    • Mantra
    • Stotram
    • Purana
      • Kalki Purana
    • Vedas
      • Rig Veda
  • Hindu Temples
    • Char Dham
    • Jyotirlinga
    • Shakti Peeth
Reading: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 40 – Nehabhikrama-naso ’sti
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Vedic StoriesVedic Stories
  • Mahabharat
  • Ramayana
  • Deities
  • Festivals
  • Scriptures and Texts
  • Temples
  • Hindu Deities
    • Asura Stories
    • Devi Stories
    • Devta Stories
    • Tridev Stories
  • Hindu Festival
    • Fasting Stories
    • Jayanti
  • Hindu Temples
    • Char Dham
    • Jyotirlinga
    • Shakti Peeth
  • Hinduism Stories
    • Mahabharat
    • Origin Stories
    • Ramayana
    • Sages and Rishis
    • Saints & Acharyas
  • Scriptures and Texts
    • Bhajan
    • Stotram
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
© Vedic Stories. All Rights Reserved.
Vedic Stories > Scriptures and Texts > Bhagavad Gita > Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga > Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 40 – Nehabhikrama-naso ’sti
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 40 – Nehabhikrama-naso ’sti

The Nehabhikrama-naso ’sti verse (2.40) promises that in selfless action, no effort is lost and there is no fear of failure.

By
Swaroop Vadera
BySwaroop Vadera
Follow:
October 18, 2025
Share
4 Min Read
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 40 – Nehabhikrama naso sti scaled Vedic Stories

In the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, having introduced the concept of Buddhi Yoga, Lord Krishna now gives a powerful encouragement to take up this path. He explains the unique and wonderful nature of spiritual action, contrasting it with the risky and often fruitless nature of worldly endeavors. The Nehabhikrama-naso ’sti verse is a divine guarantee of safety and success for anyone who takes even a single step on the path of selfless service.

Contents
  • Sanskrit Verse
  • Transliteration
  • Word for Word Translation
  • English Translation
  • Explanation
  • Conclusion

Sanskrit Verse

नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते ।
स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात् ॥ ४० ॥

Transliteration

nehābhikrama-nāśo ’sti pratyavāyo na vidyate
svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt

Word for Word Translation

na iha — not in this (yoga); abhikrama-nāśaḥ — loss of a beginning; asti — there is; pratyavāyaḥ — adverse result; na vidyate — there is not; svalpam api — even a little; asya dharmasya — of this dharma; trāyate — protects; mahataḥ bhayāt — from great fear.
A symbolic, cinematic shot for the Nehabhikrama-naso ’sti verse, showing the first step on a path of light leaving a permanent, glowing footprint.
Svalpam Apy Asya Dharmasya – Even a Little of This Dharma

English Translation

In this endeavor (of Buddhi Yoga) there is no loss or diminution, and even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.

Explanation

Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…

This verse describes the supreme benefits of acting on the spiritual platform. Krishna makes three distinct promises about this path.

  • Nehābhikrama-nāśo ’sti: “There is no loss of a beginning.” In worldly activities, if you start building a house but don’t finish it, your effort (`abhikrama`) is essentially lost (`nāśaḥ`). However, in the yoga of selfless action, any step taken, any effort made, is a permanent spiritual credit. It is never lost, even if one does not complete the path in this lifetime.
  • Pratyavāyo na vidyate: “There is no adverse result.” `Pratyavāya` means a diminution or a negative or opposite reaction. In worldly work, mistakes can lead to disaster. But on the path of Karma Yoga, even an imperfectly performed action, if done with a sincere desire to serve, does not produce a negative karmic result. The intention purifies the action.
  • Svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt: “Even a little of this dharma protects from great fear.” This is the most profound promise. `Mahato bhayāt` refers to the greatest of all fears: the fear of being reborn in a lower species, of losing one’s human opportunity, of being trapped in the terrifying cycle of samsara. Krishna guarantees that even a small, sincere step (`svalpam api`) on this path provides immense spiritual protection from this ultimate danger.

Conclusion

This verse is one of the most encouraging in the entire Bhagavad Gita. Krishna is making the spiritual path completely safe and accessible. Unlike worldly endeavors which are fraught with the risk of failure and loss, the path of Buddhi Yoga is a no-lose proposition. Every effort is a permanent gain, there are no negative side effects, and even the smallest beginning provides the greatest possible protection. It is a divine assurance designed to remove all hesitation and inspire Arjuna to take his first step with faith and confidence.

Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 41 – Vyavasayatmika buddhir

TAGGED:Bhagavad Gita 2.40Buddhi YogaFearlessnessKarma YogaKrishna's TeachingsNehabhikrama-naso ’stiNo Loss
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit
Share
What do you think?
Love0
Sad0
Joy0
Happy0
Angry0
Surprise0
Previous Article Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 %E2%80%93 Verse 39 %E2%80%93 Esa Te Bhihita Sankhye scaled Vedic Stories Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 39 – Esa Te Bhihita Sankhye
Next Article Lord Krishna lifts Govardhan Parvat, protecting from storm Govardhan Puja Katha: Stories, Significance, and Rituals of Krishna Govardhan Puja
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
XFollow
PinterestPin
YoutubeSubscribe
TumblrFollow
BlueskyFollow

Trending This Week

Jambavans Journey From Satyug to Kaliyug Explained 3 Vedic Stories

Jambavan Story: Satyug to Kaliyug Mystery Explained

Origin Stories
10 Min Read
Nandi Saved Shiva from Halahala

How Nandi Saved Shiva from Halahala During Samudra Manthan?

Shiva Stories Tridev Stories
6 Min Read
Lord Dhanvantari with Amrita during Samudra Manthan

Story of Dhanteras – The Sacred Origins and Meaning Behind the Diwali’s 1st Day

Diwali
12 Min Read
Ganesh Chaturthi Special The Mysterious Secrets of Ganesha

7 Mysterious Secrets of Ganesha: Ganesh Chaturthi Special

Devta Stories Hindu Festival
12 Min Read

You Might also Like

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 39 – Esa Te Bhihita Sankhye scaled Vedic Stories
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 39 – Esa Te Bhihita Sankhye

4 Min Read
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 38 – Sukha duhkhe Same Krtva scaled Vedic Stories
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 38 – Sukha-duhkhe Same Krtva

4 Min Read
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 37 – Hato Va Prapsyasi Svargam scaled Vedic Stories
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 37 – Hato Va Prapsyasi Svargam

4 Min Read
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 36 – Avacya vadams Ca Bahun scaled Vedic Stories
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 36 – Avacya-vadams Ca Bahun

4 Min Read
Previous Next
Follow US
© Vedic Stories. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?