Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.50.7-8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa Turns Opposition Toward His Purpose
“[The Supreme Lord thought:] Since it is such a burden on the earth, I will destroy Jarāsandha’s army, consisting of akṣauhiṇīs of foot soldiers, horses, chariots and elephants, which the King of Magadha has assembled from all subservient kings and brought together here. But Jarāsandha himself should not be killed, since in the future he will certainly assemble another army.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa decided to destroy Jarāsandha’s army because it was a burden on the earth.
- He chose not to kill Jarāsandha, who would certainly assemble another army.
- The Lord had descended to destroy the demons. Keeping Jarāsandha alive was efficient because he enthusiastically brought them to the Lord’s front door.
Try this today
Write one sentence explaining why Kṛṣṇa chose to spare Jarāsandha.
Ask yourself
How does Kṛṣṇa’s decision show a purpose beyond the immediate battle?
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.