436 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 1, Ch. 8
The way of work (karma) is like that. It creates one action and another
reaction simultaneously and thus increases the chain of material activities,
binding the performer in material bondage. In the Bhagavad-gita (Bg. 9.27-
28) the remedy is suggested that such actions and reactions of the path of
work can be checked only when work is done on behalf of the Supreme
Lord. The Battle of Kuruksetra was actually fought by the will of the
Supreme Lord Sri Krsna, as it is evident from His version, and by His will
only Yudhisthira was replaced on the throne of Hastinapura. Therefore,
factually no sin whatsoever touched the Pandavas, who were only the
order carriers of the Lord. For others, who declare war out of personal
interest, the whole responsibility lies on them.
TEXT 52
a
qa WEA TET BA TW Asay |
s Ah _ 5 aS
qaeett Tat A aaaleHefa 42M
yatha pankena pankambhah
suraya va surakrtam
bhita-hatyam tathaivaikam
na yajnair marstum arhati
yatha—as much as; pankena—by the mud; panka-ambhah—water mixed
with mud; suraya—by wine;va—either; surakrtam— impurity caused by the
slight touch of wine; bhita-hatyam—killing of animals; tatha—like that;
eva—certainly; ekam—one; na—never; yajiaih—by the prescribed sacrifices;
marstum—to counteract; arhati—is worthwhile.
TRANSLATION
As it is not possible to filter muddy water through mud, nor purify
a wine stained pot with wine, it is not possible to counteract the killing of
men by sacrificing animals.
PURPORT
Asvamedha yajiias or gomedha yajiias, or the sacrifices in which a horse
or a bull is sacrificed, were not, of course, for the purpose of killing the
animals. Lord Caitanya said that such animals sacrificed on the altar of
yajfia were rejuvenated and a new life was given to them. It was just to
