Bhagavad Gita 6.40

śrī-bhagavān uvāca

pārtha naiveha nāmutra

vināśas tasya vidyate

na hi kalyāṇa-kṛt kaścid

durgatiṁ tāta gacchati

 

“Neither in this life nor in the next destination,

Will the seeker ever meet with destruction.

One who pursues a path that is auspicious,

Will never meet a fate that is inauspicious.”

 

My dear Lord, the fear of failure is natural in any endeavor—especially in an endeavor that requires choosing a path that is not just less traveled, but  rarely traveled.

What makes the spiritual quest even more intimidating is not just that so few people even attempt it, but that so many who do  falter along the way. Indeed, my Lord, the spiritual texts themselves are filled with warnings about the dangers on the spiritual path.

My dear Lord, let me remember these warnings and,  even more, your words of assurance—that even the mere attempt to grow spiritually is laudable and that anyone who endeavors will never meet with destruction.

These words are essential hearing for anyone on the spiritual path—especially for those like me who are constantly hearing the world’s propaganda, which distracts me toward material things and discourages me in my spiritual efforts.

Despite all the difficulties on the spiritual path—and despite all my deficiencies and defects as a candidate for the spiritual journey—bless me, O Lord, so that one truth stands supreme in my consciousness. It is you, the almighty Lord, who wants me to pursue this path. And it is you who guarantee that I will be protected and delivered.

My Lord, let your desire for my spiritual growth and your assurance about my auspicious destination drive out all fears of failure from my heart.

***

06.40 The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Son of Pṛthā, a transcendentalist engaged in auspicious activities does not meet with destruction either in this world or in the spiritual world; one who does good, My friend, is never overcome by evil.