Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 25
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa: Divine Friendship, Guru-bhakti, and the Lord’s Grace
किमनेन कृतं पुण्यमवधूतेन भिक्षुणा । श्रिया हीनेन लोकेऽस्मिन् गर्हितेनाधमेन च ॥ २५ ॥ योऽसौ त्रिलोकगुरुणा श्रीनिवासेन सम्भृत: । पर्यङ्कस्थां श्रियं हित्वा परिष्वक्तोऽग्रजो यथा ॥ २६ ॥
kim anena kṛtaṁ puṇyam avadhūtena bhikṣuṇā śriyā hīnena loke ’smin garhitenādhamena ca
[宫中人说：] 这衣冠不整、贫穷行乞的婆罗门究竟修了何等功德？世人视他为无福无财、卑贱可鄙，然而三界之师、室利的居所——室利尼瓦萨主，却恭敬侍奉他；甚至撇下坐在床上的吉祥天女，主如同拥抱长兄一般拥抱了他。
FAQs
Because Sudāmā appeared materially destitute and socially disregarded, yet Kṛṣṇa honored him extraordinarily—implying hidden spiritual merit and pure devotion.
The verse highlights that external poverty or social contempt does not diminish spiritual greatness; Kṛṣṇa values inner devotion and purity, not material status.
Do not judge people by appearance or prosperity; cultivate humility and respect sincere devotion and good character wherever it is found.