6.42 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 6, Verse 42

In Bhagavad Gita 6.42, Lord Krishna continues his explanation about the fate of those who have practiced yoga diligently but haven't achieved complete perfection. This verse specifically addresses those who have made substantial progress on their spiritual journey before deviating from the path.

The Sanskrit verse "athavaa yoginaameva kule bhavati dheemataam; etaddhi durlabhataram loke janma yadeedrisham" can be translated as "Alternatively, he will go only to a family of learned yogis. One whose birth is of this type is exceedingly rare in this world." This verse presents another possibility for the reincarnation of a dedicated spiritual practitioner who didn't achieve complete liberation.

Krishna explains that such a person may take birth in the family of learned transcendentalists or yogis who possess great wisdom. This placement is particularly advantageous because from birth, the individual is surrounded by spiritual knowledge, practices, and guidance. Unlike the scenario described in the previous verse (6.41) where one might be born into a wealthy or pious family, this birth directly places one in an environment dedicated to spiritual advancement.

The Lord emphasizes that such a birth is "durlabhataram" - exceedingly rare in this world. This rarity highlights the special nature of being born into a family of genuine spiritual practitioners. It represents a significant blessing that comes from previous spiritual efforts, even if those efforts didn't culminate in complete liberation. Being born into such a family gives the individual unique advantages, as they are immersed in spiritual teachings from the very beginning of life.

This verse illustrates an important distinction in the types of reincarnation based on one's spiritual progress. Those who practiced yoga for a shorter time before deviating might be born into wealthy or pious families (as mentioned in 6.41), while those who made more substantial progress would be born directly into families of yogis. The difference relates to the presence or absence of materially-oriented desires - the more advanced practitioners with fewer material desires are placed in spiritually advanced families.

Krishna's teaching here offers profound reassurance that spiritual efforts are never wasted. Even if one doesn't achieve the ultimate goal of self-realization in a particular lifetime, the progress made creates the conditions for continued advancement in future births. This principle demonstrates divine grace and cosmic justice - sincere spiritual efforts always bear fruit, even if not immediately.

Historical examples like Nimi Maharaja are mentioned in the commentaries as belonging to this category of advanced practitioners who, despite not achieving complete liberation, were granted birth in spiritually advanced circumstances. This verse ultimately communicates that the spiritual journey continues across lifetimes, with each genuine effort bringing one closer to the ultimate destination of self-realization and union with the divine.