Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
न ह्येतस्मिन्कुले कश्चिन्नि:सत्त्व: कृपण: पुमान् । प्रत्याख्याता प्रतिश्रुत्य यो वादाता द्विजातये ॥ ३ ॥
na hy etasmin kule kaścin niḥsattvaḥ kṛpaṇaḥ pumān pratyākhyātā pratiśrutya yo vādātā dvijātaye
Dans ta lignée, jusqu’à ce jour, nul n’est né au cœur vil ni avare. Nul n’a refusé l’aumône aux brāhmaṇas ; et après l’avoir promise, nul n’a manqué à sa parole.
FAQs
This verse praises a noble dynasty as one where no one reneges after promising—especially regarding giving charity to a brāhmaṇa—highlighting truthfulness and generosity as core dharmic virtues.
Vāmana, approaching Bali for alms, invoked the king’s lineage and reputation to affirm that Bali would not withdraw a promised gift—setting the moral frame for Bali’s famous vow in the Vāmana-līlā.
Be trustworthy: avoid making casual promises, and once you commit—especially to supporting worthy causes or spiritual service—follow through with integrity and a generous heart.