Shloka 18
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
श्रीबलिरुवाच अहो ब्राह्मणदायाद वाचस्ते वृद्धसम्मता: । त्वं बालो बालिशमति: स्वार्थं प्रत्यबुधो यथा ॥ १८ ॥
śrī-balir uvāca aho brāhmaṇa-dāyāda vācas te vṛddha-sammatāḥ tvaṁ bālo bāliśa-matiḥ svārthaṁ praty abudho yathā
శ్రీబలి అన్నాడు—అహో బ్రాహ్మణపుత్రా! నీ మాటలు వృద్ధులు, పండితులు చెప్పినట్లే గౌరవనీయమైనవి; అయినా నీవు బాలుడివి, నీ బుద్ధి బాలిషం, స్వహితం విషయంలో అజ్ఞానివలె ఉన్నావు.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, being full in Himself, actually has nothing to want for His self-interest. Lord Vāmanadeva, therefore, had not gone to Bali Mahārāja for His own self-interest. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (5.29) , bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram. The Lord is the proprietor of all planets, in both the material and spiritual worlds. Why should He be in want of land? Bali Mahārāja rightly said that Lord Vāmanadeva was not at all prudent in regard to His own personal interests. Lord Vāmanadeva had approached Bali not for His personal welfare but for the welfare of His devotees. Devotees sacrifice all personal interests to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and similarly the Supreme Lord, although having no personal interests, can do anything for the interests of His devotees. One who is full in himself has no personal interests.
FAQs
Bali implies that true self-interest is subtle and easily misunderstood—one may speak convincingly yet still be unaware of what truly benefits the self, hinting that real welfare is aligned with dharma and ultimately with surrender to the Lord.
In the narrative, Bali addresses Vāmana respectfully yet challenges Him rhetorically, suggesting that although His speech seems wise, He appears like a child who does not grasp practical self-interest—setting the stage for Bali’s testing and the unfolding of the Lord’s divine plan.
It encourages careful discernment: even persuasive reasoning can miss true long-term welfare. Before commitments, one should reflect on dharma, consequences, and whether the choice supports genuine spiritual and ethical good.