Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 16
Gopī-gīta Aftermath: Kṛṣṇa Returns and Explains Divine Non-Reciprocation
Rāsa-līlā Dialogue
श्रीगोप्य ऊचु: भजतोऽनुभजन्त्येक एक एतद्विपर्ययम् । नोभयांश्च भजन्त्येक एतन्नो ब्रूहि साधु भो: ॥ १६ ॥
śrī-gopya ūcuḥ bhajato ’nubhajanty eka eka etad-viparyayam nobhayāṁś ca bhajanty eka etan no brūhi sādhu bhoḥ
The gopīs said: Some people reciprocate the affection only of those who are affectionate toward them, while others show affection even to those who are indifferent or inimical. And yet others will not show affection toward anyone. Dear Kṛṣṇa, please properly explain this matter to us.
By this apparently polite question, the gopīs want to expose Lord Kṛṣṇa’s failure to properly reciprocate their love. They were very disturbed when Śrī Kṛṣṇa left them in the forest, and they want to know why He caused them to suffer in these loving affairs.
FAQs
This verse raises the principle of divine reciprocation: some respond to devotion, some seem to respond oppositely, and some appear indifferent—prompting a deeper explanation of Bhagavān’s motives and the devotee’s purification.
In separation from Kṛṣṇa, the gopīs reflect on why the beloved Lord sometimes appears to withdraw or not reciprocate, and they seek a clear, dharmic explanation for His behavior in love and devotion.
Continue sincere bhakti even when results feel delayed; apparent non-response can be a test that deepens humility, steadiness, and love beyond expectation of immediate reward.