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
ଏହି କୁଳରେ ଆଜି ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ କେହି ନୀଚମନା କିମ୍ବା କୃପଣ ପୁରୁଷ ଜନ୍ମ ନେଇନାହାନ୍ତି। ବ୍ରାହ୍ମଣମାନେ ଯାଚନା କଲେ କେହି ଦାନ ଅସ୍ୱୀକାର କରିନାହାନ୍ତି; ଦାନର ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା କରି କେହି ତାହା ଭଙ୍ଗ କରିନାହାନ୍ତି।
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.