Shloka 17
Gopī-gīta Aftermath: Kṛṣṇa Returns and Explains Divine Non-Reciprocation
Rāsa-līlā Dialogue
श्रीभगवानुवाच मिथो भजन्ति ये सख्य: स्वार्थैकान्तोद्यमा हि ते । न तत्र सौहृदं धर्म: स्वार्थार्थं तद्धि नान्यथा ॥ १७ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca mitho bhajanti ye sakhyaḥ svārthaikāntodyamā hi te na tatra sauhṛdaṁ dharmaḥ svārthārthaṁ tad dhi nānyathā
至上主说道：那些彼此以“朋友”相待、却只为自身利益而相互亲近的人，实则自私；其中既无真挚友爱，也非正法。若不指望自利，他们便不会回报。
The Lord here reminds the gopīs that in pure loving friendship there is no sense of selfish interest but rather only love for one’s friend.
FAQs
In 10.32.17, Kṛṣṇa explains that relationships based purely on self-interest lack true goodwill (sauhṛda) and are not dharmic; they are maintained only for personal gain.
In the Rāsa-līlā context, Kṛṣṇa is clarifying the difference between ordinary, self-serving attachment and the gopīs’ selfless devotion, highlighting that real love is not motivated by personal benefit.
Examine whether your relationships are transactional; cultivate service, honesty, and goodwill without expecting returns—this aligns bonds with dharma and supports bhakti-centered living.