Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.42.28-31
Nirodha· Winding upFear of Death Disturbs Kaṁsa
“When he looked at his reflection he could not see his head; for no reason the moon and stars appeared double; he saw a hole in his shadow; he could not hear the sound of his life air; trees seemed covered with a golden hue; and he could not see his footprints. He dreamt that he was being embraced by ghosts, riding a donkey and drinking poison, and also that a naked man smeared with oil was passing by wearing a garland of nalada flowers. Seeing these and other such omens both while dreaming and while awake, Kaṁsa was terrified by the prospect of death, and out of anxiety he could not sleep.”
What the purport teaches
- While awake, Kaṁsa saw disturbing signs, including a headless reflection, doubled heavenly lights and a hole in his shadow.
- His dreams included being embraced by ghosts, riding a donkey and drinking poison.
- These and other omens terrified him with the prospect of death. His anxiety prevented him from sleeping.
Try this today
Reread the final sentence and note how fear affected Kaṁsa’s ability to rest.
Ask yourself
How does this description show the depth of Kaṁsa’s anxiety?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.