Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 12
The Brāhmaṇas’ Wives Blessed (Brāhmaṇa-patnī-prasāda) — Ritualism Humbled by Bhakti
न ते यदोमिति प्रोचुर्न नेति च परन्तप । गोपा निराशा: प्रत्येत्य तथोचु: कृष्णरामयो: ॥ १२ ॥
na te yad om iti procur na neti ca parantapa gopā nirāśāḥ pratyetya tathocuḥ kṛṣṇa-rāmayoḥ
噢，制敌者！婆罗门连一句“是”或“否”都不回答，牧童们便失望而归，回到克里希纳与罗摩面前，将此事如实禀告。
FAQs
Absorbed in ritualistic pride and the rules of sacrifice, they failed to recognize Krishna’s supreme position and refused to give the requested food.
“Om iti” indicates assent (“yes”), while “neti” means refusal (“no”); the verse states they did not agree but instead denied the request.
Don’t let status, formalism, or rigid pride block compassion and devotion—serve sincerely when the opportunity to help or honor the Lord and His devotees appears.