Shloka 17
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
नान्यत् ते कामये राजन्वदान्याज्जगदीश्वरात् । नैन: प्राप्नोति वै विद्वान्यावदर्थप्रतिग्रह: ॥ १७ ॥
nānyat te kāmaye rājan vadānyāj jagad-īśvarāt nainaḥ prāpnoti vai vidvān yāvad-artha-pratigrahaḥ
O King, Lord of the universe, though you are most munificent and could grant Me as much land as I desire, I seek nothing unnecessary from you. A learned brāhmaṇa who accepts charity only according to need does not become entangled in sin.
A brāhmaṇa or sannyāsī is qualified to ask charity from others, but if he takes more than necessary he is punishable. No one can use more of the Supreme Lord’s property than necessary. Lord Vāmanadeva indirectly indicated to Bali Mahārāja that he was occupying more land than he needed. In the material world, all distresses are due to extravagance. One acquires money extravagantly and also spends it extravagantly. Such activities are sinful. All property belongs to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all living beings, who are sons of the Supreme Lord, have the right to use the Supreme Father’s property, but one cannot take more than necessary. This principle should especially be followed by brāhmaṇas and sannyāsīs who live at the cost of others. Thus Vāmanadeva was an ideal beggar, for He asked only three paces of land. Of course, there is a difference between His footsteps and those of an ordinary human being. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, by His inconceivable prowess, can occupy the entire universe, including the upper, lower and middle planetary systems, by the unlimited measurement of His footsteps.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a wise person remains free from sin when accepting only what is necessary, not greedily taking more.
As a brāhmaṇa beggar, Vāmana emphasizes restraint and purity in receiving charity, setting the standard that he seeks only what is required—while testing Bali’s sincerity and dharma.
Practice simplicity: take resources, salary, or help without greed, and avoid exploiting others—keeping life aligned with integrity and contentment.