Krishna - an example of how to attain salvation

Why did Krishna choose to suffer a painful death by a hunter's arrow, after witnessing the destruction of the entire Yadava clan?

Krishna had to clear all his worldly karmic debts in order to leave the earth and attain salvation. Gandhari blamed Krishna for the death of her sons and cursed Krishna. By accepting the curse, true to his all accepting personality, Krishna cleared his debt to Gandhari. Although Duryodhana and the others died as part of their own Karma, Gandhari's curse was significant. Gandhari was a virtuous woman who lived her entire life for others. Why did she have to witness such utter destruction? She blamed Krishna, and Krishna accepted responsibility.

This throws some light on the nature of Karma, and the kind of personality one needs to have in order to attain moksha or salvation.

You need to accept all that life gives to you without complaint. Just accept, but do your best. This is the essence of Karma Yoga.

When Arjuna questioned the necessity of fighting the war against his family and killing his own kin, he was not accepting his destiny. Krishna explained to him that he had to accept the situation, and do his best to address it. It was not his job to question or understand why, but he had to accept and act with full acceptance and commitment.

Even the Supreme personality of Godhead lived his life in full acceptance of his duty. He may have not wanted to leave Gokul and his beloved Radha to fight Kamsa, or witness the destruction of the Yadava clan, but he accepted it as part of his destiny and higher purpose.

Krishna set an example for others, as the Supreme Karma Yogi.