Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 5
Bali Mahārāja Upholds Truth; Vāmana Reveals the Universal Form and Takes the Two Steps
नाहं बिभेमि निरयान्नाधन्यादसुखार्णवात् । न स्थानच्यवनान्मृत्योर्यथा विप्रप्रलम्भनात् ॥ ५ ॥
nāhaṁ bibhemi nirayān nādhanyād asukhārṇavāt na sthāna-cyavanān mṛtyor yathā vipra-pralambhanāt
Ich fürchte weder Hölle noch Armut, noch den Ozean des Leids, noch den Sturz aus meiner Stellung, ja nicht einmal den Tod, so sehr wie ich fürchte, einen Brāhmaṇa zu betrügen.
FAQs
This verse teaches that deceiving a brāhmaṇa—especially after giving one’s word—is a grave adharma, feared even more than hell, poverty, loss of status, or death.
In the Vāmana episode, Bali had promised charity to a brāhmaṇa (Vāmana). Though warned to withdraw, Bali upholds dharma and truthfulness, considering breaking his promise a worse fate than any worldly loss.
Keep your word, avoid exploiting or misleading sincere spiritual people, and treat integrity as higher than personal gain, reputation, or comfort.