Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.77.27
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesŚālva Stages an Apparent Killing
“After he had mocked the Lord in this way, the magician Śālva appeared to cut off Vasudeva’s head with his sword. Taking the head with him, he entered the Saubha vehicle, which was hovering in the sky.”
What the purport teaches
- After mocking the Lord, the magician Śālva appeared to cut off Vasudeva’s head with his sword.
- The word “appeared” is important: the translation does not describe this as an actual killing of Vasudeva.
- Śālva took the head with him and entered the Saubha vehicle hovering in the sky.
Try this today
Summarize this verse in one sentence while retaining the words “appeared to.”
Ask yourself
Why is it important not to overlook “appeared” in this disturbing scene?
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.