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
Oh gopīs de cintura esbelta, hay quienes sirven con devoción incluso a quienes no les corresponden; son verdaderamente compasivos, como el afecto natural de los padres. Ellos siguen el dharma intachable y son auténticos bienhechores.
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.