Gita 6 Study Questions

Just as those who have climbed the mountain of spiritual awareness through selfless work can then move on to the path of stillness and peace, so those who have mastered the line-by-line questions of chapters 2 and 3 may move on to overarching questions in chapters 6, 11, and 12.

However, just as Brahman awaits the aspirant to shama, or the peace of meditation, so too a written assessment awaits students of World Religions. Thus, we ought to practice a little writing. Please write responses to the following questions in preparation for our next meeting. Reference the text of the Gita where possible. This is a shorter chapter, which will allow you some time for written reflection on these concepts and their discussion in chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Questions:

1. Note throughout that Krishna continues to emphasize the need to master the karma yoga he has been discussing before beginning the practice of meditation. Why is this? Why do you think meditation would prove impossible for one who still acted out of "desire for the fruits of action?"

2. What about the mind makes meditation such a challenge? What is required to master the practice, then?

3. How of why is a life of moderation combined with meditation superior to the life of an ascetic (someone who rejects all pleasure and action in the world)?

4. Arjuna's final questions seem to suggest that he fears failure. Why, according to Krishna, is failure not a problem for the one who seeks with great difficulty to meditate? Do you think this still holds true for one who does not believe in reincarnation?