Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 18
Gopī-gīta Aftermath: Kṛṣṇa Returns and Explains Divine Non-Reciprocation
Rāsa-līlā Dialogue
भजन्त्यभजतो ये वै करुणा: पितरौ यथा । धर्मो निरपवादोऽत्र सौहृदं च सुमध्यमा: ॥ १८ ॥
bhajanty abhajato ye vai karuṇāḥ pitarau yathā dharmo nirapavādo ’tra sauhṛdaṁ ca su-madhyamāḥ
纤腰的牧女们啊，也有人即使对方不回报，仍以奉爱之心事奉；他们确实慈悲，如父母天生的爱。他们行走于无可指摘的正法之道，是真正的善愿者。
FAQs
In this verse, the gopīs praise those who continue to serve with compassion even without reciprocation, calling it blameless dharma and genuine goodwill.
They highlight unconditional care: just as parents nurture a child without expecting return, pure devotion and friendship remain steady even when the beloved seems unresponsive.
Practice steady service and kindness without keeping score—especially in family, community, and spiritual life—making compassion and integrity the measure of real friendship.