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Study Questions: To be USED as they are HELPFUL, NOT to be a burden on you reading.
You should write brief answers to the questions in bold.
These questions are designed to get you thinking and writing (in your margins, on a separate page, in class) about what you read in the Gita. They are given by groups of lines. In general, you should read the questions for a set of lines, then read that section of the text (thinking and annotating as you go), and then write any additional thoughts or answers you come up with after you read.
1. Lines 1-10: In line 3, Krishna advises Arjuna to "arise with a brave heart and destroy the enemy." How might this be taken metaphorically as well as literally? What is Arjuna's real enemy? Why does he need to be brave?
Think about the contrast between Krishna and Arjuna in lines 9-10. Why is Arjuna in despair, yet Krishna is smiling?
2. Lines 11-25. This passage reiterates the classical (Upanishadic) Hindu principles of reincarnation, Atman=Brahman, and maya. As you read, identify these concepts AND how Krishna applies them to Arjuna's unique situation.
Line 18 concludes that Arjuna should fight. How have the ideas of impermanence and the imperishability of the soul led up to this conclusion?
Explain the concept behind "there is neither slayer nor slain."
Why does Krishna explain so eloquently the nature of the Atman in lines 22-25?
3. Verses 26-38. These verses turn on the concepts of Dharma and Karma, but especially it is an appeal to dharma. In what way does Krishna believe Arjuna's dharma should compel him to fight? Do you think this argument is more or less convincing to a "man of action" like Arjuna?
4. Verses 39-53. In this section, Krishna gives more practical (comparatively) advice to Arjuna. Some of the terminology is technical and we can work with that in class.
According to Krishna, why is "singleness of purpose" a better yoga (plan of action) than reading sacred texts?
Verses 47-53 really begin to focus on the idea of nishkama karma. There is more on this in chapter 3. Here, though, how does Krishna explain the benefits of "action without concern for the fruits?"
5. Lines 54-71. These are sometimes called "the heart of the Gita," as they are attempts to paint a picture in the mind of the ideal yogi, the one who follows perfectly the teachings of Krishna in the Gita. Which sections seem clearest to you? Which ones are unclear? Do you think one in particular is helpful as a "target" for correct action?
Line 61 introduces the concept of devotion to Krishna as a way of achieving moksha. Later sections will also deal with this concept. How do you think devotion to a god might help one obtain escape from the selfish desires of life?
62-69 are a reflection on the problem of "attachment." How do the metaphors that end this chapter (lines 69-72) describe freedom from these attachments?
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