Gopī-gīta Aftermath: Kṛṣṇa Returns and Explains Divine Non-Reciprocation
Rāsa-līlā Dialogue
भजन्त्यभजतो ये वै करुणा: पितरौ यथा । धर्मो निरपवादोऽत्र सौहृदं च सुमध्यमा: ॥ १८ ॥
bhajanty abhajato ye vai karuṇāḥ pitarau yathā dharmo nirapavādo ’tra sauhṛdaṁ ca su-madhyamāḥ
يا ذوات الخصور الرشيقة من الغوبيات، ثمّة من يخدم بتعبّدٍ حتى من لا يبادله؛ أولئك رحماء حقًّا كعطف الوالدين الفطري. إنهم يسلكون درب الدارما الذي لا عيب فيه، وهم أهلُ وُدٍّ وخيرٍ صادقون.
In this verse, the gopīs praise those who continue to serve with compassion even without reciprocation, calling it blameless dharma and genuine goodwill.
They highlight unconditional care: just as parents nurture a child without expecting return, pure devotion and friendship remain steady even when the beloved seems unresponsive.
Practice steady service and kindness without keeping score—especially in family, community, and spiritual life—making compassion and integrity the measure of real friendship.