Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
अस्मास्वप्रतिकल्पेयं यत् कृताज्ञेषु सत्तमै: । मैत्र्यर्पिताफला चापि न निवर्तेत कर्हिचित् ॥ ६२ ॥
asmāsv apratikalpeyaṁ yat kṛtājñeṣu sattamaiḥ maitry arpitāphalā cāpi na nivarteta karhicit
Indeed, the Supreme Lord must have created the bonds of affection, for such exalted saints as you have never stopped showing matchless friendship toward us ingrates, although it has never been properly reciprocated.
This verse teaches that the best and most virtuous people are naturally grateful and offer friendship without expecting return; such selfless friendship is incomparable and does not withdraw even when it bears no fruit.
In the Kurukṣetra reunion, Krishna highlights how saintly-hearted, grateful persons maintain steady goodwill; their affection is not transactional, so it remains firm even when they receive nothing back.
Cultivate gratitude, remember kindness received, and practice steady goodwill—serve and support others without keeping a ledger of returns, especially in spiritual community and family relationships.