Bg Homework.docx

BHAGAVAD GITA QUESTION BANK INTRODUCTION 1} Give Three reasons why sri krsna,the speaker of the BHAGVAD GITA ,should be accepted as the supreme personality of godhead? ANS: - Vedas as confirmes, great vaishnav acharyas confirm, krsna personally confirms. 2} Why did lord sri krsna tell the supreme secret of BHAGVAD GITA to arjuna & why specifically to him? Ans:- Because the disciplic succession was broken & arjuna is his devotee & intimate friend. 3} In what spirit should one approach the study of BHAGVAD GITA? Ans :- As srila prabhuapada gives example,if we want to take a particular medicine, then we have to follow the directions written on the label. We cannot take the medicine according to our own whim or the direction of a friend. It must be taken according to the directions on the label or the directions given by a physician. Similarly, Bhagavad-gītā should be taken or accepted as it is directed by the speaker Himself. The speaker of Bhagavad-gītā is Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. 4} What is the purpose BHAGVAD GITA? Ans:-The purpose of Bhagavad-gītā is to deliver mankind from the nescience of material existence.(asat) 5} Briefly define five topics of Bhagavad-gītā ? a) jīvas jivas are eternal servant of sri krsna,they are controlled,part & parcel of supreme lord(marginal potency of krsna) b) īśvara, which means the controller The position of īśvara, the Supreme Lord, is that of supreme consciousness. The jīvas, or the living entities, being parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord, are also conscious. Both the living entity and material nature are explained as prakṛti, the energy of the Supreme Lord, but one of the two, the jīva, is conscious. The other prakṛti is not conscious. That is the difference. Therefore the jīva-prakṛti is called superior because the jīva has consciousness  c) Prakṛti (material nature)

Prakṛti is always under control, whether inferior or superior. Prakṛti is female, and she is controlled by the Lord just as the activities of a wife are controlled by the husband. Prakṛti is always subordinate, predominated by the Lord, who is the predominator. The living entities and material nature are both predominated, controlled by the Supreme Lord d) time It is eternal & the duration of existence of the whole universe or the manifestation of material nature e) karma (activity) The effects of karma may be very old indeed. We are suffering or enjoying the results of our activities from time immemorial, but we can change the results of our karma, or our activity, and this change depends on the perfection of our knowledge. 6. Briefly explain the root meaning of Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’. Dharma refers to that which is constantly existing with a particular object. We conclude that there is heat and light along with the fire; without heat and light, there is no meaning to the word fire 7. what is the difference between sanatana dharma & the ordinary conception of life? Sanātana-dharma is eternally integral with the living entity, It is the eternal function of the eternal living entities in relationship with the eternal Supreme Lord. Yet man professes to belong to a particular type of faith with reference to particular time and circumstance and thus claims to be a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist or an adherent of any other sect. Such designations are non–sanātana-dharma. CHAPTER -01 1.Why is the Bhagavad Gita the perfect theistic science? Because it is directly spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna . 2.What were dhrtarastra’s points of concern in asking questions to sanjaya? Partial to his own sons – Dhrtarashtra refers to only his sons as ‘Kurus’ which shows his specific position in relation to his nephews, the Pandavas Uses the specific words ‘Dharma-kshetra’ and ‘Kuru-kshetra’

3.what are the 8 signs of duryodhana’s a diplomatic spirit? Duryodhana although mentioned as king, goes to the commander, Points out Drona’s mistake, Mentions great heros equal to Bhima and Arjuna, Mentions heros who are ready to lay down their lives for “me, Praises Bhisma, Asks for everyone’s support for Bhisma,he himself compares with others. 4 what is the significance of arjuna addressing krnsa with following names – govinda,madhava,madhusudana,achyuta,janardana,hrsikesa? Arjuna misuses the name ‘Govinda’ He indicates that Krishna should understand what will satisfy Arjuna’s senses Arjuna addresses Krishna as ‘Madhava’ to indicate: 1 Krishna is the husband of the Goddess of ‘fortune’ 2 Krishna should not cause an action which brings ‘misfortune’ Arjuna addresses Krishna as ‘madhusudana’ to indicate: Krishna is the killer demon madhu , Why don’t you kill the demon like doubt. Arjuna addresses Krishna as ‘Achyuta’ – infallible, addressed so because: The Lord never fails in affection for His devotees – thus engaged in the service of His friend, out of His causeless mercy . Arjuna addresses Krishna as ‘janardana’- O maintainer of the all living entities. Arjuna addresses Krishna as ‘hrsikesa’- director of mind and senses, being the Supersoul of all living entities 5 what is the significance of a krsna addressing arjuna with following names gudakesa,parantapa,son of prtha,dhananjaya? Arjuna as Gudakesh – one who conquers sleep Parantapa as chastiser of enemies Son of prtha –sister of his own father vasudeva Dhananjaya- conquerer of wealth 6 What are the 6 signs of victory for the pandavas? 1. Krishna’s personal presence confirms victory 2. Goddess of fortune 3. The Venue Kurukshetra is a holy place

4. Hanumanji on Arjuna’s flag 5. Transcendental conchshells 6. Shattering of hearts 7 what is significance of krsna appearing on the battle filed as the driver arjuna’s chariot? Being the lord of mind & senses of every living entities the lord serves to his devotee as charioteer.(bhakta-vatsala) 8 list and explain the arguments for not fighting? 1 FEAR OF SINFUL REACTIONS 2 DESTRUCTION OF FAMILY TRADITIONS Arjuna exhibits “blind conception of life” Refuses to fight – He appears to have even forgotten the moral codes of a ksatriya, For Arjuna kingdom is a must for his subsistence because ksatriyas cannot engage themselves in any other occupation Arjuna was fearful did not want to kill his relatives, and even if there was any need to kill them,he desires that Krishna kill them and he should not be involved. Arjuna thinks Fighting will cause family destruction in the following Death of Elderly, Family Traditions Stop: Irreligion increases, Women polluted, Varna-sankara (unwanted progeny), Hellish life for ‘family’ and ‘destroyers of family’, Culture is destroyed. 9 what is the sequence of the degradation of human society ? Explain each stage. 1. Death of Elderly (1.39) Fighting destroys the whole dynasty 2. Family Traditions Stop: Irreligion increases (1.39)  With the destruction of dynasty, the entire family tradition is vanquished, and thus the rest of the family becomes involved in irreligion 3. Women polluted (1.40) When irreligion is prominent, the women in the family become polluted Chanakya Pandit says “Women need protection” Why women need special protection – Because they are Less intelligent & Not trustworthy ,Prone to degradation How they are protected – By engaging in religious principles, either under father, husband or son  If they are not protected, it leads to adultery and varna-sankara 4. Varna-sankara (unwanted progeny) (1.40*)  From degradation of woman comes unwanted progeny ,Varna-sankara has three effects o Risk of war and pestilence o Hellish life , For the

whole family – Ancestors falldown because pinda-dana stops ▪ For those who destroy family o All community projects and family welfare acts stop 5. Hellish life for ‘family’ and ‘destroyers of family’ (1.41*) 6. Culture is destroyed – Community projects and family welfare acts stop. 10 Choose one verse from this section which, if applied, would enhance your own Krishna consciousness. Write down a plan for doing this? Text 1.28 arjuna uvāca dṛṣṭvemaṁ sva-janaṁ kṛṣṇa yuyutsuṁ samupasthitam sīdanti mama gātrāṇi mukhaṁ ca pariśuṣyati Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, seeing my friends and relatives present before me in such a fighting spirit, I feel the limbs of my body quivering and my mouth drying up. Theme of Verse: COMPASSION As Arjuna expresses his compassion towards his kinsmen, friends, realtives he denied not to fight. we face so many situations in daily life as Krishna conscious devotee , our family members are not Krishna conscious, the situation is a kind of familiarity between me & them, if we preach about Krishna conscious there are not ready to accept the philosophy, so I am compassionate towards them, and trying to bring them into Krishna conscious.

CHAPTER -02 1 Explain how krsna systematically counteract each of Arjuna’s arguments for not fighting. Krishna says: Individuality is never lost (2.12) – All living entities are eternal and continue their individuality in future without interruption – Therefore no lamentation for death (2.12) Change of body is as natural as change of boyhood to youth to oldage. Nobody laments for such a natural change No choice but to tolerate such non-permanent dualities (2.14) They arise from sense perception FIFTH Krishna establishes vision of seers of truth and rebukes arjuna (2.16 – 2.18) Soul is eternal / Body is temporary Implies Kauravas cannot escape death even if Arjuna does not kill. 2 What does Srila prabhupada say about arjuna’s compassion spirit? SrilaPrabhupada explains that, on our own, we will always become confused, despite our best endeavors to solve our ownproblems. This confusion is not only Arjuna's dilemma; it is every living entity's situation. Srila Prabhupada states:By nature's own way the complete system of material activities is a source of perplexity for everyone.In every step there is perplexity, and therefore it behooves one to approach a bona fide spiritualmaster who can give one proper guidance for executing the purpose of life. All Vedic literature adviseus to approach a bona fide spiritual master to get free from the perplexities of life, which happenwithout our desire. 3 Difference B/w Aryan & Non Aryan civilization Definition of Aryan – Civilized class of men * One who knows the value of life *Have a civilization based on spiritual realization Non-Aryans Do not know: * The aim of life is Vishnu *What is liberation from material bondage. 4 why one should approach a spiritual master ? To approach a bona fide spiritualmaster who can give one proper guidance for executing the purpose of life. All Vedic literature advise us to approach a bona fide spiritual master to get free from the perplexities of life, which happenwithout our desire. 5 Summarize the main purport BG 2.7 . The purport (essence) of the verse is to “Approach a bona-fide spiritual master (one in bonafide parampara) to come out of material perplexities and for proper guidance to execute the purpose

of life” * A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything *Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone 6 what exactly a panditah lament for? How would a devotee react to death in family? A panditah does not lament for the body. One who knows what is body and soul and does not lament for any stage of the body – Living or dead. 7 summarize sp’s argument against mayavada philosophy in the purport 2.12-13 . Mayavadi may argue: “Individuality exists only in conditioned state” ▪ Refutation – Krishna clearly states individuality of the Lord and the living entities for future also (importance of Krishna’s statement as authoritative – because Krishna cannot be subject to illusion) Mayavadi may argue: “ Individuality is material and not ‘spiritual’ ▪ Refutation – Then how can one distinguish Krishna’s individuality. Krishna confirms His individuality in the past and also in the future. If Krishna is an ordinary conditioned soul, born of four defects, then Bhagavad-gita loses all value Mayavadi argues: “Plurality mentioned in this verse refers to body” ▪ Refutation – But Bodily conception condemned in the previous verse Why would Lord place a conventional proposition on the body again o If “Individuality refers to the Empirical universe” ▪ Refutation: Then there is no need of teaching by the Lord 8 explain krsna’s statement in Bg 2.17, that which pervades the entire body you should know to be indestructible Influence of soul – Pervades entire body Analogy: Like sun pervades entire universe and maintains, similarly light of soul maintains the material body 9 How does krsna describe the nature of soul? Eternally an individual (2.12) identity and part and parcel of the Supreme Soul is unborn (2.21) and does not take birth Soul is indestructable and eternal (2.18) and therefore never dies Soul is immeasurable (2.18) – It is too small to be measured by any material means  Ref. Svetasvatara Upanisad – 1/10,000th tip of a hair (2.17 purport) Soul never undergoes changes  Soul is steady (2.20) – does not undergo six changes like the body  Immutable – (2.21 & 2.25)

o Never changes like matter - Unlike body which goes through six changes (2.25 purport) o Never become God - Soul always remains atomic to Infinite Supreme (2.25 purport)  Cannot be cut, burnt, dried or wet (2.23)  Immovable, unchangeable, everlasting and eternally the same (2.24) . Position of soul  Situated in the region of the heart. 10 In which way violence be beneficial to a man? (a) Unnecessary violence is not encouraged – Cycle of birth and death does not support unnecessary Slaughter, murder and war (b) But violence is an inevitable factor – But at the same time, violence and war are inevitable factors for law and order (e.g. Battle of Kurukshetra is an inevitable event by will of Supreme) 11 why is the soul described as amazing? Soul vs Body – Soul is immortal and body is temporary 12 explain the analogy of the two birds sitting on a tree. Also explain how the jiva bird can get freedom all lamentations? *One of the birds (atomic soul) – is captivated and eating the fruits of the tree * Other bird (Krishna) – simply witnesses the activities of his friend (atomic soul) *Although they are friends one is still the master (Krishna as Supersoul) and the other is Servant (atomic soul) * How to become free from all lamentations – By voluntary surrender unto the master bird or Unto Krishna, the Supreme spiritual master * If somehow one turns his face to Krishna and knows His glories, at once he becomes Free from all anxieties 13 What are two svadharmas of human being & what are their respective goals? Two types of ‘Sva-dharmas’ (Specific duties) – ‘Material’ and ‘spiritual’  Spiritual ‘sva-dharma’ – Attained after liberation  Material ‘sva-dharma’ (Varnashrama-dharma) Definition – Duties which are performed in accordance with the religious principles, According to particular body, to gradually achieve liberation  Must for humanity ▪ Human civilization begins at this point ▪ As long as one is not liberated, these duties are very important to perform.

14 what is vyavasatmika intelligence? Strong faith that Krishna consciousness will elevate one to highest perfection of life – This is called as “Vyavasayatmika Intelligence” Faith means ‘unflinching trust in something sublime’ 15 What is buddhi yoga & what is the benefit of practicing it ? Definition of Buddhi-yoga – This is the practice of devotional service only for the sense gratification of the Lord. Saves one from the greatest danger – “Gliding down to a lower species from human form of life”  Buddhi-yoga provides, at least, surety of human birth and higher elevation in next life. 16 how are karma yoga, jnana yoga & buddhi yoga the same as bhakti yoga? When a person knows the goal of life but is addicted to the fruits of activities, he is acting in karma-yoga. When he knows that the goal is Kṛṣṇa but he takes pleasure in mental speculations to understand Kṛṣṇa, he is acting in jñāna-yoga. And when he knows the goal and seeks Kṛṣṇa completely in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and devotional service, he is acting in bhaktiyoga, or buddhi-yoga, which is the complete yoga. This complete yoga is the highest perfectional stage of life. So, karma yoga, jnana yoga & buddhi yoga the same as bhakti yoga. 17 Why do Vedas describe rituals & sacrifices? What is actual purpose of Vedas? In what activity is the real purpose of Vedas fulfilled? Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate, The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification. Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names ,Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names, Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names. 18 Explain the analogy of the tortoise drawing its limbs within the shell. The tortoise can at any moment wind up its senses and exhibit them again at any time for particular purposes. Similarly, the senses of the Kṛṣṇa conscious persons are used only for some particular purpose in the service of the Lord and are withdrawn otherwise. Arjuna is being taught here to use his senses for the service of the Lord, instead of for his own satisfaction. Keeping the senses always in the service of the Lord is the example set by the analogy of the tortoise, who keeps the senses within. 19 To what is restriction from sense-gratification by rules and regulations compared in the purport to the “higher taste” verse? For whom are such restrictions useful?

The process of restriction from sense enjoyment by rules and regulations is something like restricting a diseased person from certain types of eatables. Restrictions are there for the less intelligent neophytes in the spiritual advancement of life, but such restrictions are only good until one actually has a taste for Kṛṣṇa consciousness. 20 Explain the nature of a person who is situated in pure transcendental consciousness A materially desireless person certainly knows that everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa (īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam), and therefore he does not falsely claim proprietorship over anything. This transcendental knowledge is based on self-realization – namely, knowing perfectly well that every living entity is an eternal part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa in spiritual identity, and that the eternal position of the living entity is therefore never on the level of Kṛṣṇa or greater than Him. This understanding of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the basic principle of real peace. 21 How does one begin to fall? Explain the process and root cause of fall-down? If mind is not on Krishna then it fixes on the sense objects and inevitably drags one into illusion (a) Senses are naturally active – Need real engagement; either in service of Lord or materialism (b) Only way to get out of material puzzle – Krishna consciousness (c) Negative example (Influenced by sense objects) – Even when powerful demigods like Lord Shiva was agitated by Parvati, Kartikeya was born (d) Positive examples (Sense control) – Haridasa Thakura (a young devotee) and Yamunacarya easily overcame all sensual attractions by the power of Krishna consciousness (e) Secret of success in terms of sense control  Higher taste shuns off all material enjoyment  Yukta-vairagya – Use everything in the service of the Lord  Yukta-vairagya offers positive enjoyment e.g. Good eatables – One enjoys life by prasadam. CHAPTER -03 1 Explain how sankhya yoga and buddhi yoga are interconnected as religion and philosophy? Sankhya-yoga or philosophical speculation. Both yogas are interdependent as religion and philosophy , Religion without philosophy is “sentiment / fanaticism”, and Philosophy without Religion is “mental speculation” Sankhya-yoga or philosophical speculation, Defined as the analytical study of the nature of spirit and matter, for whom – This is the subject matter for persons who are inclined to speculate and understand things by experimental knowledge and philosophy.

2 Apart from gaining prosperity, what are the benefits of performing yajna? How is yajna an indirect practice of Krishna consciousness? Benefit of such action in Krishna consciousness  Freedom from reaction  While performing one is in liberated state  Gradual elevation to love of God  Entrance into the kingdom of God The same purpose is served whether one performs ‘prescribed yajnas’ or ‘directly serves Lord Vishnu’ Also, varnashrama institution also aims at satisfying Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna. 3 Explain why a fully Krishna conscious person transcends all sorts of duties. (a) Transcendental consciousness  Everything is performed for the sake of Krishna  No consideration of happiness or distress, profit or gain, victory or defeat  Applying to Arjuna’s case – ‘Fighting for the sake of fighting because Lord desires the battle’ (b) Material consciousness – To act for one’s own sense gratification either in goodness or in passion  Result – One is subject to reaction, good or bad (c) Krishna conscious devotee is beyond obligations – Ref. SB 11.5.41 “devarsi-bhutapta…”  One who is completely surrendered to the activities of Krishna consciousness is no longer obliged to anyone, nor is he a debtor to anyone, as in the ordinary course of activities  No obligation or debts to demigods, sages, people in general, kinsmen, humanity, forefathers 4 Discuss the viability of following instruction and imitating a personality For sense enjoyment one can act in any capacity of the social order, but if one follows the rules and regulations of his particular status, he can make gradual progress in purifying his existence. But he who makes a show of being a yogīwhile actually searching for the objects of sense gratification must be called the greatest cheater, even though he sometimes speaks of philosophy. His knowledge has no value, because the effects of such a sinful man’s knowledge are taken away by the illusory energy of the Lord. Such a pretender’s mind is always impure, and therefore his show of yogic meditation has no value whatsoever. 5 What is the function of the demigods? For whom is worship of the demigods recommended? The demigods are empowered administrators of material affairs. The supply of air, light, water and all other benedictions for maintaining the body and soul of every living entity is entrusted to the demigods, who are innumerable assistants in different parts of the body of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Their pleasures and displeasures are dependent on the performance of yajñas by the human being. For example, the meat-eaters are recommended to worship the goddess Kālī, the ghastly form of material nature, and before the goddess the sacrifice of animals is recommended. 6 How does one develop detachment through the practice of karma-yoga?

 By nature’s law, this human form of life is specifically meant for self-realization, in either of the three ways – namely karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga or bhakti-yoga. There is no necessity of rigidly following the performances of the prescribed yajñas for the transcendentalists who are above vice and virtue; but those who are engaged in sense gratification require purification by the above-mentioned cycle of yajña performances. There are different kinds of activities. Those who are not Kṛṣṇa conscious are certainly engaged in sensory consciousness; therefore they need to execute pious work. The yajña system is planned in such a way that sensory conscious persons may satisfy their desires without becoming entangled in the reaction of sensegratificatory work. 7 How does Bhagavad-gita explain the cycle of the jiva’s full dependence on the Lord? Everyone is dependent on food grains. Grains grow from the earth, but their growth is dependent on rain. Rain comes from the performance of yajnas offered to Indra. The inspiration and direction to perform such yajna comes from the Vedas because the Vedas describe one’s prescribed duties. The followers of the Vedic system, therefore, perform sacrifices to Indra which result in the rain that produces the grains upon which we all depend. The Vedas come directly from Lord Visnu’s breathing. Thus the link is established for an attached materialist—dependence on food ultimately means dependence on Visnu. 8 Define karma, vikarma and akarma Actions that are performed in terms of one's prescribed duties, as mentioned in the revealed scriptures, are called karma. Actions that free one from the cycle of birth and death are called akarma.  Actions that are performed through the misuse of one's freedom and that direct one to the lower life forms are called vikarma. 9 Why do impersonalists cease the practice of fruitive activities? impersonalists cease the practice of fruitive activities because they are very eager to merge one with impersonal Brahman. 10 Why does Krishna strictly perform prescribed duties of varnasrama-dharma? “Although such rules and regulations are for the conditioned souls and not for Lord Krsna, because He descended to establish the principles of religion, He followed the prescribed rules. Otherwise,common men would follow in His footsteps, because He is the greatest authority. From the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is understood that Lord Krsna was performing all the religious duties at home and out of home, as required of a householder.” 11 Briefly explain the consciousness of one who acts under false-ego. This is one of several verses in the Gita that discuss the “doer” (karta). Here Krsna explains that while the foolish conditioned soul thinks himself the doer (the one who is accomplishing the

work), the work is actually being carried out by the modes of material nature (gunas). Srila Prabhupada, however, refers to a more ultimate doer in the purport: “The materialistic person has no knowledge that ultimately he is under the control of Krsna.” 12 Explain the understanding of one who is in the knowledge of the Absolute Truth According to Srimad-Bhagavatam, one who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features—namely Brahman, Paramatma, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead—is called tattva-vit, for he knows also his own factual position in relationship with the Supreme.”The difference is knowledge. The tattva-vit or knower of the Absolute Truth does not think of himself as the qualities he possesses under the modes of nature (gunas) nor does he think he owns the fruits of the work (karma)which are born by his contact with the modes of nature. 13 While speaking about regulated sense enjoyment Srila Prabhupada writes, “There is always a chance of accident, even on the royal road.” What are we being warned about? As long as the material body is there, the necessities of material body are allowed, butunder rules and regulations .Yet one should not rely upon the control of such allowances – sense gratification under regulation may also lead one to go astray. e.g. Sense gratification in married life 14 In what context does Krsna say: “It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly?” Never imitate another’s duties – “It is very dangerous to give up one’s own duty and try to follow someone else’s path” It is far better the discharge ones prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duty perfectly Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous 15 Explain the analogy of the “milk” When and what contact transforms ‘love’ into ‘lust’  Living entity comes in contact with material creation and eternal love for Krishna transformsinto lust, in association with the mode of passion.  Analogy: Milk in contact with sour tamarind transforms into yoghurt 16 What is lust and what are its characteristics according to verses 37-40 Living entity comes in contact with material creation and eternal love for Krishna transforms into lust, in association with the mode of passion is called lust characteristics of lust 1. Born of mode of passion

2. Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) 3. Forces us to act sinfully 4. All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity 5. Covers the living entities pure consciousness 6. lust is never satisfied  Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti) 17 What are the sitting places of lust the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence 18 Explain the hierarchy of bodily functions. How can this knowledge help one curb lust? The arch-enemy of spiritual advancement is lust. One can curb lust by following regulations of religious life (sense control) and by cultivating knowledge of the soul’s real nature. 19 Identify one verse/passage etc. that appears to “speak to you directly” (i.e. seems just relevant to you, and your current situation, challenges, etc). Explore and write down one thing you could do based on this to improve your spiritual life Bg 3.36 arjuna uvāca atha kena prayukto ’yaṁ pāpaṁ carati pūruṣaḥ anicchann api vārṣṇeya balād iva niyojitaḥ THEME: Arjuna’s enquiry – There is some force that pushes one to abandon duty and act sinfully, even against one’s own will. What is that force? We the living entity is in contact with material nature, acts in many sinful ways without hesitation. Sometimes against our own will – we are forced to act even if we don’t want to do it. As even serving in the temple, for sake of temple we are telling so many lies to the devotees & public by selling products against our own will by order of authority. Sometimes I feel am I doing right sitting in the temple, wearing Vaishnava attire. So the conclusion is I got from this verse is to speak truth even though in very rare we can lie for real purpose. So that it will enhance our spiritual life.

Chapter Four 1 Where do the teachings of Bhagavad-gita originate from and how have they reached us?

The teachings of Bhagavad-gita originate from Supreme Personality of Godhead who is beyond the four defects of conditioned human being . They reached us through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings. 2 What is the significance of parampara? How does the disciplic succession become broken? Bhagavad-gītā was never meant for the demonic persons, who would dissipate its value for no one’s benefit and would devise all types of interpretations according to personal whims. As soon as the original purpose was scattered by the motives of the unscrupulous commentators, there arose the need to reestablish the disciplic succession. Five thousand years ago it was detected by the Lord Himself that the disciplic succession was broken, and therefore He declared that the purpose of the Gītā appeared to be lost. 3 The Lord has many agents who are quite competent to vanquish demons, and then what is the purpose of the incarnation of the Lord to protect devotees like Prahlada Maharaja and mother Devaki? In what different ways does he accomplish His mission? the Lord comes because He wants to exchangeloving pastimes with His devotees. This is Krsna’s inner desire. As a devotee wants to satisfy the Lord in all respects,the Lord wants even more to satisfy His devotee. Prabhupada confirms this in his purport 4.8: “Lord Sri Krsna descends for the specific purpose of mitigating the anxieties of the pure devotees, who are very anxious to see Him in His original Vrndavana pastimes. Therefore, the prime purpose of the Krsna avatara is to satisfy His unalloyed devotees." 4 Why are the appearance and disappearance of the Lord compared to the rising and setting of the sun? Lord’s appearance and disappearance are like the sun’s rising, moving before us and then disappearing from our eyesight. When the sun is out of sight, we think that the sun has set, and when the sun is before our eyes, we think that the sun is on the horizon. Actually, the sun is always in its fixed position, but owing to our defective, insufficient senses, we calculate the appearance and disappearance of the sun in the sky. And because Lord Kṛṣṇa’s appearance and disappearance are completely different from that of any ordinary, common living entity, it is evident that He is eternal, blissful knowledge by His internal potency – and He is never contaminated by material nature.

5 Contrast the peculiar nature of the birth of the Lord and that of human beings. The Lord is conscious of all of His previous appearances and disappearances, but a common living entity forgets everything about his past body as soon as he gets another body. He is the Lord of all living entities because He performs wonderful and superhuman activities while He is on this earth. Therefore, the Lord is always the same Absolute Truth and is without differentiation between His form and self, or between His quality and body. 6 How is Krishna the “object of everyone’s realization” according to their desires? Examples of Lord’s reciprocation to object of everyone’s realization: o With Fruitive workers: Lord as Yajnesvara o With Impersonalists: Lord as Brahmajyoti o With Yogis: Mystic powers o With Devotees: 5 primary rasas 7 What is the process of learning from a spiritual master? What are the three aspects in this process? One has to get rid of all three stages of material consciousness: attachment to material life, fear of a spiritual personal identity, and the conception of void that arises from frustration in life. To get free from these three stages of the material concept of life, one has to take complete shelter of the Lord, guided by the bona fide spiritual master, and follow the disciplines and regulative principles of devotional life.  8 How does Srila Prabhupada explain the following 3 obstacles to attaining Krsna: attachment, fear and anger. Different degrees of affliction ‘Raga’: Strong attachment to material life – leads to negligence of spiritual life ‘Bhaya’: Fear of personal spiritual identity – For them merging into impersonal is highest, o Because they are too absorbed in material bodily concept, concept of retaining personality after liberation from matter frightens them o e.g. Analogy: Impersonalists compare living entities to the bubbles in the ocean which merges into the ocean ‘Krodha’: Conception of void resulting from frustration of life o Become angry at all sorts of spiritual speculation out of hopelessness o Takes to intoxications o Accept hallucinations as spiritual vision (c) Solution to get freedom from these three: Take complete shelter of Lord Under the spiritual master’s guidance

Follow disciplines and regulative principles of devotional life 9 What is the purpose of the varnasrama institution? The Lord purpose of the varnasrama institution is the systemtic way to elevate from animal status to human status, and systematically develop Krishna consciousness. 10 On what principle is the varnasrama system organized? varnasrama system organized based on the principle of four varnas & four asramas. varnashrama system also aims at satisfying Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna. 11 What is the purpose of sacrifice? yajna vai visnu” – “Purpose of sacrifice” is pleasure of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna. 12 Why are there different types of sacrifices mentioned in the Vedas? (a) Common aim – To control the senses  Sense gratification is the root cause of material existence (b) Freedom from sinful reaction (c) Gain transcendental knowledge and gradually devotional service (d) One tastes the nectar in this life and the next – Happy in this life and later enters into Supreme eternal atmosphere – Kingdom of God 13 What are the respective destinies of the faithful and the doubtful? The revealed scriptures is a knowledge will promote faithful person to the transcendental platform of spiritual understanding and Men without faith & doubtful in God and His revealed word find no good in this world they will falldown.

Chapter Five 1List and explain 4 reasons why work in devotion or karma-yoga is better than renunciation of work. Path of renouncing all action: Process of Jnana (of spiritual identity) / dry renunciation  One may think that action causes bondage, therefore we should renounce action altogether o but one should know that Jnana (of spiritual identity) or dry renunciation is not Sufficient for liberation from bondage,

o but one must act on the level of status of spirit soul  Action in Krishna Consciousness is different from action on fruitive platform o Action in full knowledge strengthens one’s advancement in real knowledge o Mere renunciation of fruitive action without Krishna Consciousness does not purify the heart Srila Rupa Goswami on ‘renunciation’ (Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu)  Incomplete Renunciation (Phalgu-vairagya) — to renounce things related to Supreme Personality of Godhead thinking them material, with desire for liberation  Complete renunciation (Yukta-vairagya) — implies to know o Everything belongs to the Lord o Use everything in His service o Do not claim proprietorship 2 What is the difference between Vaishnava and Mayavadi sannyasis? Why is this distinction relevant to this section?

The Vaiṣṇava sannyāsīs,who are engaged in devotional service, are happy in the discharge of their transcendental duties, and they have the guarantee of ultimate entrance into the kingdom of God. The Māyāvādī sannyāsīs sometimes fall down from the path of self-realization and again enter into material activities of a philanthropic and altruistic nature, which are nothing but material engagements. 3 How are Sankhya yoga and Karma yoga the same? (Verse 4-5) The real student of Sāṅkhya philosophy finds the root of the material world, Viṣṇu, and then, in perfect knowledge, engages himself in the service of the Lord. Those who do not know the ultimate end say that the purposes of Sāṅkhya and karma-yoga are not

the same, but one who is learned knows the unifying aim in these different processes. Factually, both processes are the same, although superficially one process appears to involve detachment and the other process appears to involve attachment. Detachment from matter and attachment to Kṛṣṇa are one and the same. 4 Why are those who work in devotion dear to everyone? Because a devotee is servant to all, therefore he is dear to all and satisfies all and thus he is always pure in consciousness ▪ Pure consciousness leads to mind and sense control ▪ Mind and senses fixed in Krishna’s service –thus no chance of deviating from Krishna Consciousness. 5 What is the relationship between the soul, material nature and God in terms of action? 1. Soul desires – Lord does not interfere 2. Lord as supersoul sanctions – Those desires that the soul deserves, Lord is the director of the choreography who causes activities to be done through material nature 3. Modes of material nature carry out actions to fulfil those desires, body and actions are choreographed by the modes 6 Explain why the body of a person engaged in Krishna consciousness is compared to a lotus leaf? One should be situated in knowledge, and then do one’s duty with detachment. Such a person will perceive thebody’s actions—it works, it touches, it moves, it does so many things—“but I myself do nothing. I am a soul and I am aloof.” With this realization, one can perform his duty without attachment and then surrender all the results to Krsna.Thus there will be no sinful reactions accrued by his work, just as a lotus leaf sits on the water but is not touched by the water. Lotus leaves have a waxy surface. Water immediately glides off of them. In the same way, reactions “glide off”one performing niskama-karma-yoga. 7 According to Srila Prabhupada what is the highest welfare work? Highest welfare work – To revive the forgetfulness of Krishna being the Supreme enjoyer, proprietor and well-wisher. Who can engage in such welfare  One cannot engage in such first class welfare without being liberated in the Supreme  Therefore only one in full Krishna consciousness can perform such welfare. 8 Give two reasons from this section why advanced transcendentalists have no desire

for material enjoyment? Devotee surrenders results unto Supreme Lord ▪ Person without Krishna Consciousness acts according to material body and Senses ▪ Person in Krishna Consciousness acts according to knowledge that body is Property of Krishna and engage in service of Krishna. 9 Drawing from your study of Bhagavad-gita 1-6, explain the concept of the “doer.” 1.Detachment from material events  One who understands that he is not the material body or senses is not concerned with their satisfaction  He appreciates that he has no direct control over material phenomena, so attachment to them is useless  He is too busy serving the Lord in blissful Krishna consciousness to take to mundane sense-gratification 2. Surrender to Supersoul: Devotionally fixes his consciousness (mind, intelligence, faith and refuge) on Supersoul  And thus one gets fully cleansed of misgivings through complete knowledge attainsliberation (5.17)

10 Explain the “peace formula” given in verse 29. What is the special significance of the word suhådam? GREATEST PEACE FORMULA Lord Krishna is: 1. Bhoktaram yajna-tapasam – Beneficiary of all sacrifices and penances  Offer everything in the Transcendental Service of the Lord 2. Sarva-loka-mahesvaram – Supreme Proprietor of all planets and demigods  No one is greater than Him; Greater than greatest demigods  Krishna is the Supreme Isvara

 The living entity is under illusion in trying to lord over material nature – but is dominated by the material energy 3. Suhrdam sarva-bhutanam – Benefactor and well wisher of all living entities 11 Choose a verse or a passage from this section which reflects Srila Prabhupada’s Mood and Mission. Write a paragraph or two exploring this. Bg 5.29 bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati Srila Prabhupada’s Mood and Mission is to convey the about who is real propreitor ,and make them understand by this verse to whole man kind. Individual attempts at world peace are impossible without first recognizing the real centre of existence by which all people can recognize their brotherhood. That centre is Sri Krishna  Bhoktaram yajna-tapasam – People fight over things they want to enjoy, but a wise person knows that Krishna is the only real enjoyer  Sarva-loka-mahesvaram – People fight to control land but Krishna is the only true owner for all properties and the common ruler of all rulers  Suhrdam sarva-bhutanam – A Krishna conscious person does not divide enemies from friends because he knows that Krishna is the friend of all living beings.