Bhagavad Gita final exam

[Guest guest]

Here is a Bhagavad Gita final exam. Perhaps it is useful to anyone teaching

or learning Gita, especially on Bhakti Sasti, Bhakti Vaibhava level. I will

send the answers as well in a seperate message

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Bhagavad Gita Final Examination

 

This is an open book test. You may use an open book, open notes, open study

guide, "open anything you can get your hands on." My only requirement is

that you understand your own answers, and that they are in your own words.

Cite verses whenever possible for full credit. You may simply use the

chapter.verse notation when citing verses (ex: 2.12). Hint: Questions are

roughly sequential, i.e. questions about Chapter One come first, Chapter

Eighteen last.

 

 

1)

a) Why didn't Arjun want to fight?

b) How does Krishna respond to each of Arjun's arguments?

 

2) You are asked to speak on Chapter Two of Gita at a funeral. Outline what

you would say.

 

3) Where and why is demigod worship recommended in Bhagavad Gita?

 

4) You are asked to speak on Chapter Four of Gita at a Hindu Convention on

the topic, "Who is the Supreme Godhead?" Outline what you would say.

 

5) How is karma-yoga performed?

 

6) Describe the relationship between chapters Three, Four and Five.

 

7)

a) Define "Renunciation"

b) When can a person accept the order of renounced life (sannyas)?

 

8) The first Six Chapters of Gita progress sequentially upward along the

"yoga-ladder."

a) Which verse describes the topmost position on the yoga ladder?

b) What are the characteristics of the person described in that verse?

 

9) Explain text 7.1

 

10)

a) Why don't we perceive God, if He is everywhere?

b) How can this misperception be surmounted?

c) Identify the impediments to surmounting this misperception.

d) Identify the factors that aid in surmounting this misperception.

 

11) Translate and define

a) Brahman

b) Adhyatma

c) Karma

d) Adhibhuta

e) Adhidaiva

f) Adhiyajna

 

12) If God is all-powerful, is He responsible for allowing bad things to

happen?

 

13) How does Krishna define "mahatma"?

 

14) What is the deficiency in demigod worship?

 

15) What is the subject of

a) 10.8

b) 10.9

c) 10.10-11

 

16) Describe the relationship between Chapters Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten,

Eleven and Twelve.

 

17)

a) The best way to please Krishna

b) The next best way

c) The next best way

d) The next best way

e) The next best way

 

18)

a) Define kshetra-jna and identify its two subtypes.

b) Define kshetra and list its ingredients

c) Define jnana and give four specific examples

d) Define jneya

e) Define praktriti

f) Define purusha and identify its two subtypes

g) Compare the natures of prakriti and purusha

 

19) Identify the five factors involved in the execution of any action.

 

20) Describe the relationship of chapters Thirteen through Seventeen.

 

21) Select one of the following to answer:

a) In 18.54 Krishna establishes that one attains bhakti after he executes

karma-yoga and jnana-yoga to perfection. Does this mean that we should first

practice karma-yoga and jyana-yoga before taking to direct practices of

bhakti-yoga?

 

b) In 18.66 Krishna advises Arjun to give up all other dharmas and surrender

unto Him. Does this indicate that all yogas besides bhakti-yoga are to be

ignored?

 

Extra Credit

* Summarize each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita