Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 40
Kṛṣṇa Visits Indraprastha; Kuntī’s Remembrance; Kālindī and Further Marriages
श्रीभगवानुवाच नरेन्द्र याच्ञा कविभिर्विगर्हिता राजन्यबन्धोर्निजधर्मवर्तिन: । तथापि याचे तव सौहृदेच्छया कन्यां त्वदीयां न हि शुल्कदा वयम् ॥ ४० ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca narendra yācñā kavibhir vigarhitā rājanya-bandhor nija-dharma-vartinaḥ tathāpi yāce tava sauhṛdecchayā kanyāṁ tvadīyāṁ na hi śulka-dā vayam
Sinabi ng Kataas-taasang Panginoon: O pinuno ng mga tao, kinokondena ng mga pantas ang paghingi para sa isang maharlikang tumutupad sa sariling dharma. Gayunman, sa pagnanais ng iyong pagkakaibigan, hinihiling Ko ang iyong anak na babae; wala Kaming iniaalok na dote o kapalit na handog.
FAQs
This verse states that learned sages condemn begging, especially for one of the royal order who should live by his own dharma; Kṛṣṇa notes this standard even while making a respectful request.
Kṛṣṇa explains He is doing so out of a desire for friendship and goodwill (sauhṛda), showing diplomatic humility while honoring dharma-based social expectations.
Even when asking for something legitimate, one should respect ethical norms, speak humbly, and prioritize relationships and goodwill over transactional motives.