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UNIT 1 (BG 1-6)

Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 1

  1. What is the significance of Dhṛtarāṣṭra's saying māmakāh? (1.1)
    • Dhrtarastra is referring to his sons, and only them as Kurus
  2. Why was Dhṛtarāṣṭra fearful? (1.1)
    • Dhrtarastra was fearful of the influence of the holy place on the outcome of the battle
  3. How was Sañjaya able to see the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra? (1.1)
    • He was a student of Vyasa and due to his mercy
  4. What is the significance of Duryodhana's saying dhīmatā, tava śiṣyeṇa? (1.3 Lecture)
    • Dhrstadhyumna, son of King Drupada, and enemy of Dronacharya had organised Pandava's army. And he was taught military art by none another than Dronacharya. Duryodhana is trying to instigate Dronacharya by reminding him that he taught his enemy's son and now he is going to fight against him.
  5. List the vows Bhīma made after the gambling match. (1.4, Surrender Unto Me )
    1. kill each of Dhrtarastra’s one hundred sons.
    2. break Duryodhana’s thigh.
    3. tear open Duḥsasana’s chest, pry out his heart and drink his blood
  6. Why was Duryodhana confident of full support of Bhīṣmadeva and Droṇā? (1.11)
    • He was confident of the full support of Bhīṣmadeva and Droṇācārya in the battle because he well knew that they did not even speak a word when Arjuna’s wife Draupadī, in her helpless condition, had appealed to them for justice while she was being forced to appear naked in the presence of all the great generals in the assembly. Although he knew that the two generals had some sort of affection for the Pāṇḍavas, he hoped that these generals would now completely give it up, as they had done during the gambling performances.
  7. List four signs of victory for the Pāṇḍavas. (1.14-20)
    1. Kuruksetra which is a dharma-ksetra
    2. Sound of transcendental sound of conchshells
    3. Krishna was on Pandava's side and Goddess of fortune is present when Krishna is present
    4. Chariot donated by Agnidev which could conquer world from all sides and also had Hanuman on the flag
  8. What is the significance of Hanuman's being on Arjuna’s flag? (1.20 Lecture)
    • Hanumān cooperated with Lord Rāma in the battle between Rāma and Rāvaṇa, and Lord Rāma emerged victorious.
  9. What is the meaning of the word guḍākeśa? (1.24)
    • Guḍākeśa means Arjuna who gives them (ākeśa) the experience of the sweetness of the Lord’s affection just as sugar (guḍā) gives the experience of sweetness. Therefore, Guḍākeśa refers to he who, by bringing Kṛṣṇa under his control, gave Viṣṇu, Brahmā, and śiva the opportunity to experience Kṛṣṇa’s sweetness.
    • Guḍākeśa can also mean the lord (īṣa) of sleep (guḍākā), the controller of the senses
  10. List the six kinds of aggressors. (1.36)
    1. a poison giver
    2. one who sets fire to the house
    3. one who attacks with deadly weapons
    4. one who plunders riches
    5. one who occupies another’s land
    6. one who kidnaps a wife.
  11. List the consequences of destruction of the dynasty. (1.39-42)
    1. Proper conduct of the family i.e. dharma is destroyed
    2. Family is completely filled with adharma
    3. Females of the family are contaminated
    4. When women are spoiled, varnasankara (mixed varnas) arise
    5. Forefathers fall, being deprived of pinda and rituals
    6. Case and family rules are destroyed

Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 2

  1. List Arjuna’s arguments for not fighting. (1.27-2.7)
    1. Compassion (BG 1.28 - 1.29)
    2. Loss of enjoyment without relatives (BG 1.30 - 1.36)
    3. Destruction of family and traditions (BG 1.37 - 1.43)
    4. Fear of unwanted progeny (BG 1.44 - 45)
  2. List the six symptoms of Bhagavān in English or Sanskrit (2.2)
    1. aiśvarya - wealth
    2. vīryasya - strength
    3. yaśasaḥ - fame
    4. śriyaḥ - beauty
    5. jñāna - knowledge
    6. vairāgya - renunciation
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ? (2.3)
    • Petty weakness of the heart
  4. According to scriptural codes, when is a teacher is fit to be abandoned ?( 2.5)
    • According to scriptural codes, a teacher who engages in an abominable action and has lost his sense of discrimination is fit to be abandoned.
  5. What is the meaning of the phrase dharma-sammūḍha-cetāh? (2.7)
    1. bewildered in heart by the religion
  6. What is the size of soul and what is the symptom of its existence? (2.17)
    1. as one ten-thousandth of the upper portion of the hair
  7. List the six kinds of transformations the body is subject to. (2.20)
    1. Birth
    2. Remains for some times
    3. Growth
    4. Produces Offspring / some effects
    5. Gradually dwindles / Old Age
    6. Death
  8. Give the English meaning of: aṇu-ātmā and vibhu-ātmā. (2.20)
    • Anu-atma means individual particle / atomic soul, while Vibhu-atma means the Supersoul - the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.
  9. Why is it that the killing of animals in sacrifice not considered an act of violence? (2.31)
    • killing animals in the sacrificial fire are not at all considered to be acts of violence, because everyone is benefited by the religious principles involved. The animal sacrificed gets a human life immediately without undergoing the gradual evolutionary process from one form to another.
  10. What is the meaning of the word kṣatriya? (2.31)
    • Kṣat means hurt. One who gives protection from harm is called kṣatriya (trāyate – to give protection)
  11. What is meant by sva-dharma and what are the two types of sva-dharma? (2.31)
    • Sva-dharma means specific duties. In the material body while in a non-liberated state, we have to follow varnasrama-dharma, and when liberated those become spiritual.
  12. What is the meaning of the phrase svarga-dvāram apāvṛtam? (2.32)
    • Door of the heavenly planets are wide open
  13. Give the English meaning of the phrase pratyavāyah na vidyate. (2.40)
    • there is no loss or diminution
  14. Give the English meaning of the phrase vyavasāyātmikā buddhi. (2.44)
    • fixed in (resolute) determination to do devotional service to the Lord
  15. The Vedas deal mostly with what? (2.45)
    • how to live and get rid of the material entanglement - the three modes of material nature
  16. How is the purpose of Vedic culture best served? (2.46)
    • revival of Kṛṣṇa consciousness by the individual living entity by chanting of holy name as recommend by Lord Caitanya
  17. What is the meaning of the word prajñā? (2.54)
    • One who is situated in Krishna Conciousness
  18. A well-dressed fool cannot be identified unless what? (2.54)
    • Unless he speaks
  19. What is the meaning of the phrase paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate? (2.59)
    • he ceases sense enjoyment by experiencing far superior experiences
  20. Who is the example of a mat-parah given in 2.61?
    • Mahārāja Ambarīṣa
  21. List the eight stages of spiritual falldown in English or Sanskrit. (2.62-63)
    1. Contemplation of sense objects, which leads to
    2. Attachment that develops into
    3. Lust
    4. If lust unfulfilled, Anger arises leading to
    5. Complete Delusion
    6. Bewilderment of memory
    7. Intelligence is lost
    8. Falls down again into material pool
  22. What is the meaning of the phrase brahma-nirvāṇam ṛcchati? (2.72)
    • One attains the spiritual Kingdom of God

Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 3

  1. What is Kṛṣṇa consciousness sometimes misunderstood as? (3.1)
    • Sometimes Kṛṣṇa consciousness is misunderstood to be inertia
  2. Give the English meaning of the following:
    a. tad ekaṁ vada. (3.2) - therefore please tell me decisively which one will be most beneficial to me
    b. mithyācarāh. (3.6) - pretender
    c. karma-yogam asaktaḥ sa viśiṣyate. (3.7) - devotion without attachment is by far better
    d. tad-arthaṁ karma kaunteya mukta-saṅgaḥ. (3.9) - work for the sake of Him to get liberated from (material) association and remain free from bondage
    e. yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ. (3.12) - he who enjoys without offering them to the demigods in return is certainly a thief
    f. annād bhavanti bhūtāni. (3.14) - material body subsist on the grains
    g. vikarma (3.15) - Anything performed without the direction of the Vedas, or unauthorized or sinful work
  3. Why is a fully Kṛṣṇa conscious person not obliged to follow the Vedic injunctions? (3.17)
    • Due to his being Kṛṣṇa conscious, all impiety within is instantly cleansed, an effect of many, many thousands of yajña performances. By such clearing of consciousness, one becomes fully confident of his eternal position in relationship with the Supreme. His duty thus becomes self-illuminated by the grace of the Lord, and therefore he no longer has any obligations to the Vedic injunctions.
  4. Give the English meaning of ācārya. (3.21)
    • A teacher who follows the principles of śāstra (scripture) and teaches by way of his example and his practices.
  5. Why did Kṛṣṇa perform prescribed duties? (3.23)
    • Krsna followed the prescribed rules because common men would follow in His footsteps as He is the greatest authority. So, although such rules and regulations are for the conditioned souls and not Lord Kṛṣṇa he follows them because He descended to establish the principles of religion.
  6. What qualifications are required for beginning practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness? (3.26)
    • No qualifications
  7. Give the English meaning of the phrase nirāśīr nirmamo. (3.30)
    • without desire of profit and without ownership
  8. Give the English meaning of the phrase nitya-vairiṇā. (3.39)
    • by the eternal enemy
  9. List the three sitting places of lust. (3.40)
    • Mind, senses and intelligence

Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 4

  1. The Gītā was spoken by the Lord to Vivasvān, at least how many years ago? (4.1)
    • at least 120,400,000 years ago
  2. List the six kinds of avatāras. (4.8)
    1. puruṣāvatāras - Karnodakshayi Vishnu (material universe manifests from his pores), Kshirodakshayi Vishnu (resides in each living entity as paramatma), Garbhodakshayi Vishnu (Brahma is born from the lotus coming from Lord’s navel).
    2. guṇāvatāras - Lord Vishnu (Goodness), Lord Brahma (Passion), Lord Shiva (Ignorance).
    3. līlāvatāras - All the Dashavataras and other pastime incarnations.
    4. śakty-āveśa avatāras - Prthu Maharaj, 4 kumaras, narada muni, veda vyas, Srila prabhupada
    5. manvantara-avatāras - Periods of rule of Manus
    6. yugāvatāras - Avatara according to the yugas
  3. List the eight steps from śraddhā to prema. (4.10).
    1. preliminary desire for self-realization
    2. trying to associate with persons who are spiritually elevated
    3. initiation by an elevated spiritual master
    4. execution of devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master
    5. free from all material attachment, attains steadiness in self-realization, and acquires a taste for hearing about the Absolute Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa
    6. attachment for Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which is matured in bhava (preliminary stage of transcendental love of God)
    7. constant engagement in the transcendental loving service of the Lord
    8. the highest perfectional stage of life, Real love for God is called prema
  4. What is a pāṣaṇḍī? (4.12)
    • Anyone who thinks that God and the demigods are on the same level is called an atheist
  5. List the modes predominantly influencing the four divisions of human society. (4.13)
    • Brahmanas - Goodness
    • Ksatriyas - Passion
    • Vaisyas - Passion and Ignorance
    • Sudras - Ignorance
  6. List the 12 mahājanas. (4.16)
    • Brahmā, Śiva, Nārada, Manu, the Kumāras, Kapila, Prahlāda, Bhīṣma, Śukadeva Gosvāmī, Yamarāja, Janaka, and Bali Mahārāja
  7. Matter dovetailed for the cause of the Absolute Truth regains what? (4.24)
    • spiritual quality
  8. Describe a devotee’s attitude to longevity. (4.29)
    • A Kṛṣṇa conscious person, however, being always situated in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, is not bothered about trying to improve his longevity.

Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 5

  1. Give the English meaning of the word pradhāna. (5.10)
    • The material world is a sum total manifestation of the three modes of material nature
  2. Give the English meaning of the phrase phalaṁ tyaktvā śāntim āpnoti naiṣṭhikīm. (5.12)
    • tyaktvā – giving up; śāntim – perfect peace; āpnoti – achieves; naiṣṭhikīm – unflinching;
    • A person achieves unflinching peace by giving up results of all activities (to Krsna).
  3. List the nine gates of the body. (5.13)
    • The body consists of nine gates two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, one mouth, the anus and the genitals.
  4. Give the English meaning of the words vibhu and aṇu. (5.15)
    • The Lord is vibhu, or omniscient, but the living entity is aṇu, or atomic.
  5. Give the English meaning of the phrase paṇḍitāh sama-darśinah. (5.18)
    • paṇḍitāḥ – those who are wise; sama-darśinaḥ – who see with equal vision.
  6. List the eight limbs of aṣṭāìga-yoga. (5.27)
    1. Yama
    2. Niyama
    3. Asana
    4. Pranayama
    5. Pratyahara
    6. Dharana
    7. Dhyana
    8. Samadhi

Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 6

  1. When is the mind the best of friends and when is the mind greatest enemy? (6.6)
    • Controlled/conquered mind is best of friends, and otherwise greatest enemy
  2. Give the English meaning of the words ekākī (6.10) and śucau deśe. (6.11)
    • ekaki - alone and śucau deśe – in a sanctified land
  3. What is the result of extravagance in eating, sleeping, defending, and mating? (6.17)
    • block advancement in the practice of yoga.
  4. Give the English meaning of the term yukta. (6.18)
    • well situated in yoga
  5. Give the English meaning of pratyahara. (6.25)
    • By proper conviction and intelligence one should gradually cease sense activities.
  6. Yogīs who are attracted to what cannot attain the stage of perfection? (6.23)
    • Siddhis (perfections) or By-products of yoga
  7. Describe what happens to an unsuccessful yogī. (41-42)
    • The unsuccessful yogīs are divided into two classes:
      1. one is fallen after very little progress - goes to the higher planets > sent back again to this planet, to take birth in the family of a righteous brāhmaṇa Vaiṣṇava (suci) or of aristocratic merchants(Srimata)
      2. one is fallen after long practice of yoga - birth in a family of transcendentalists who are surely great in wisdom

UNIT 2 (BG 7-12)

Bhagavad-gita Chapter 7

  1. List Krsna's eight material energies in their gross and subtle categories. ( #BG-7-4 )

    1. Gross - Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Ether
    2. Subtle - Mind, Intelligence, Soul

  2. Give the English meaning of the words parā prakrti and aparā prakrti. ( #BG-7-5 )
    - Parā-prakṛti – the superior energy of the Lord i.e. Lord Himself.
    - Aparā-prakṛti – the inferior, material energy of the Lord (matter).

  3. List 6 ways Krsna can be seen in the material world. ( #BG-7-8 and #BG-7-9 )

    1. Taste of water (purity)
    2. Light of the sun and the moon (emanating from brahma-jyoti)
    3. Pranava or the omkara (sound representation of Krsna)
    4. Sound in Ether
    5. Ability in Man
    6. Original fragrance of earth
    7. Heat in fire
    8. Penances of all ascetics
    9. Life of all that lives

  4. Give the English meaning of the terms duskrti and sukrti. ( #BG-7-15 and #BG-7-16 )

    • duskrtinah-The atheistic plan-makers are described herein by the word duskrtina, or "miscreants."
    • sukrtinah - these are adherents of the regulative principles of the scriptures, and they are called sukrtina, or those who obey the rules and regulations of scriptures, the moral and social laws, and are, more or less, devoted to the Supreme Lord.

  5. List, in Sanskrit and English, 4 types who do and don't surrender to Krsna. ( #BG-7-15 and #BG-7-16 )

    1. mūḍha - grossly foolish
    2. narādhama - lowest of mankind
    3. māyayāpahṛta-jñānāḥ - those persons whose erudite knowledge is covered by maya
    4. āsuraṁ bhāvam āśritāḥ - those of demoniac principles

  6. Amongst those who surrender to Krsna, who is most dear, and why? ( #BG-7-17 )

    • The jnani who is enaged in pure devotional service is most dear to Krsna.
    • The devotee who is in full knowledge and is at the same time engaged in devotional service is, the Lord says, the best.
    • He who is situated in pure knowledge of the transcendence of the Supreme Personality of God is so protected in devotional service that material contamination cannot touch him.

  7. Give the English meaning of the terms: hrta-jñānāh ( #BG-7-20 ); antavat tu phalam ( #BG-7-23 )

    • hṛta jñānāḥ – deprived of knowledge;
    • anta-vat tu phalam – perishable fruit; distorted by material desires, their fruits are limited and temporary

  8. With what Sanskrit word does Krsna describe the impersonalists? ( #BG-7-24 )

    • abuddhayaḥ – less intelligent persons;

  9. Define and briefly explain the significance of the terms icchā and dvesa ( #BG-7-27 )

    • icchā – desire; dveṣa – and hate;
    • The real constitutional position of the living entity is that of subordination to the Supreme Lord, who is pure knowledge. When one is deluded into separation from this pure knowledge, he becomes controlled by the illusory energy and cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The illusory energy is manifested in the duality of desire and hate. Due to desire and hate, the ignorant person wants to become one with the Supreme Lord and envies Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Pure devotees, who are not deluded or contaminated by desire and hate, can understand that Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa appears by His internal potencies, but those who are deluded by duality and nescience think that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is created by material energies. This is their misfortune. Such deluded persons, symptomatically, dwell in dualities of dishonor and honor, misery and happiness, woman and man, good and bad, pleasure and pain, etc., These are the dualities of delusion. Those who are so deluded by dualities are completely foolish and therefore cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

  10. Give the English meaning of the terms anta-gatam pāpam and punya-karmanām ( #BG-7-28 )

    • anta-gatam pāpam – completely eradicated of sin
    • puṇya karmaṇām – pious deeds of previous lives;

Bhagavad-gita Chapter 8

  1. Give the English meaning of the phrase mām anusmara yudhya ca. (8.7)

    • mām – Me; anusmara – go on remembering; yudhya – fight; ca – also;
    • carry out your prescribed duty of fighting with your activities dedicated to Me

  2. Give the English meaning of the phrases ananya-cetāh and tasyāham sulabhah. (8.14)

    • ananya-cetāḥ – without deviation of the mind;
    • tasyāham sulabhah – to him I am very easy to achieve;

  3. Give the English meaning of the word duhkhālayam (8.15)

    • duḥkha-ālayam – place of miseries;

  4. List the duration in years of Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali-yugas & a kalpa. (8.17)

    • Satya Yuga - 17,28,000 years
    • Treta Yuga - 12,96,000 years
    • Dvapara Yuga - 864,000 years
    • Kali-Yuga - 432,000 years
    • Manvantara - 306,72,000 years (306.72 million - 71 divya-yugas)
    • Kalpa - 43,20,00,000 years (4.32 billon - 14 manvantaras + 15 sandhyas)

  5. What is Brahma's life span in earthly years? (8.17)

    • 311 trillion and 40 billion earth years (36000 kalpas)

Bhagavad-gita Chapter 9

  1. Give the English meaning of the terms: yogam aisvaram (9.5); udāsina-vat, (9.9); mānusim tanum āsritam (9.11)

    • yogam aiśvaram – inconceivable mystic power;
    • udāsīna-vat – as neutral;
    • mānuṣīm – in a human form; tanum – a body; āśritam – assuming; param

  2. List 4 qualities of a mahātmā. (9.14)

    1. Always chanting Krishna;s glories
    2. Endeavoring with great determination
    3. Bowing down before Krishna
    4. Perpetually worship Krishna with devotion.

  3. List, in Sanskrit or English, 3 types of those worshiping Krsna in different ways. (9.15)

    1. he who worships himself as one with the Supreme Lord
    2. he who concocts some form of the Supreme Lord and worships that
    3. he who accepts the universal form, the viśva-rūpa of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and worships that

  4. Give the English meaning of the phrase vahāmy aham (9.22)
    vahāmi – carry; aham – I.

  5. Give the English meaning of the phrase yajanty avidhi-purvakam (9.23)
    yajanti – they worship; avidhi-pūrvakam – in a wrong way.

  6. Give the English meaning of the phrase bhajate mām ananya-bhāk sādhur eva sa mantavyah (9.30)
    mām – unto Me; ananya-bhāk – without deviation; sādhuḥ – a saint; eva – certainly; saḥ – he; mantavyaḥ – is to be considered;

Bhagavad-gita Chapter 10

  1. Which phrase in text 12 proves that the Supreme is different from the individual soul?

    • ādi-devam – the original Lord; ajam – unborn; vibhum – greatest;
    • He is the originator of everything and everyone.Every demigod and every human being is dependent on Him.

  2. Define the phrases jñāna-dipena (10.11) and ekāmsena sthito jagat (10.42)

    • jñāna – of knowledge; dīpena – with the lamp;
    • eka – by one; aṁśena – part; sthitaḥ – am situated; jagat – universe.
    • shining lamp of knowledge, enlighten this entire universe.

  3. Why does Arjuna ask Krsna to explain His opulences? (10.17-18)

    • Common men, including the demons and atheists, cannot know Kṛṣṇa, because He is guarded by His yoga-māyā energy. Again, these questions are asked by Arjuna for their benefit. The superior devotee is concerned not only for his own understanding but for the understanding of all mankind. So Arjuna, out of his mercy, because he is a Vaiṣṇava, a devotee, is opening for the common man the understanding of the all-pervasiveness of the Supreme Lord.
    • “One can never be satiated even though one continuously hears the transcendental pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, who is glorified by excellent prayers. Those who have entered into a transcendental relationship with Kṛṣṇa relish at every step the descriptions of the pastimes of the Lord.” (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.1.19)

Bhagavad-gita Chapter 11

  1. Why did Arjuna want to see the universal form? (11.3)

    • In order to convince others in the future who may think that Kṛṣṇa is an ordinary person, Arjuna desires to see Him actually in His universal form, to see how He is acting from within the universe, although He is apart from it.
    • Kṛṣṇa also understands that Arjuna wants to see the universal form to set a criterion, for in the future there would be so many imposters who would pose themselves as incarnations of God.

  2. How does the universal form differ from other forms of the Lord? (11.5)

    • As the material nature is manifested and not manifested, similarly this universal form of Kṛṣṇa is manifested and nonmanifested.
    • It is not eternally situated in the spiritual sky like Kṛṣṇa’s other forms.
    • As far as a devotee is concerned, he is not eager to see the universal form, but because Arjuna wanted to see Kṛṣṇa in this way, Kṛṣṇa reveals this form.
    • This universal form is not possible to be seen by any ordinary man. Kṛṣṇa must give one the power to see it.

  3. Define the phrases kalo 'smi loka-ksaya-krt and nimitta-matram bhava (11.32-33)

    • kālaḥ – time; asmi – I am; loka – of the worlds; kṣaya-kṛt – the destroyer;
    • nimitta-mātram – just the cause; bhava – become;
    • Eventually all the brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas and everyone else are devoured like a meal by the Supreme. This form of the Supreme Lord is the all-devouring giant, and here Kṛṣṇa presents Himself in that form of all-devouring time. “Just become an instrument”: nimitta-mātram. This word is also very significant. The whole world is moving according to the plan of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. But anyone who can understand the plan of the Supreme Lord and cultivate Kṛṣṇa consciousness is most intelligent.

Bhagavad-gitã Chapter 12

  1. Define the phrase tesām aham samuddhartā mrtyu-samsāra-sāgarāt (12.7)

    • teṣām – of them; aham – I; samuddhartā – the deliverer; mṛtyu – of death; saṁsāra – in material existence; sāgarāt – from the ocean;
    • Although a man who has fallen in the ocean may struggle very hard and may be very expert in swimming, he cannot save himself. But if someone comes and picks him up from the water, then he is easily rescued. Similarly, the Lord picks up the devotee from this material existence.

  2. List, in Sanskrit or English, 5 qualities that endear a devotee to Krsna. (12.13-19)

    1. Not envious
    2. Kind friend to all living entities
    3. Does not think himself a proprietor - free from false ego
    4. Equal both in happiness and distress
    5. Always satisfied and engaged in devotional service in determination
    6. Mind and intelligence are in agreement with Krishna

UNIT 3 (BG 13-18)

Bhagavad-gitã Chapter 13

  1. Give the English meanings of the words prakåtià, puruña, and jïeyaà. (1)

  1. List five levels of brahma pucchaà pratiñöhä as stated in the Taittiréya Upaniñad (2.5.1) (5)

    1. anna-maya - maya, dependence upon food for existence
    2. prāṇa-maya - one can realize the Absolute Truth in the living symptoms or life forms
    3. jñāna-maya - maya, realization extends beyond the living symptoms to the point of thinking, feeling and willing.
    4. vijñāna-maya - the living entity’s mind and life symptoms are distinguished from the living entity himself.
    5. ānanda-maya, realization of the all-blissful nature.

  2. List the 24 components of this world. (6-7)

    • Panch-maha-bhuta
      1. Earth
      2. Water
      3. Fire
      4. Air
      5. Ether
    • Subtle elements
      6. False Ego
      7. Intelligence
      8. Unmanifested three modes of nature
    • Senses (5 knowledge acquiring, 5 working and mind)
      9. Eyes
      10. Ears
      11. Nose
      12. Tongue
      13. Skin
      14. Voice
      15. Legs
      16. Hands
      17. Anus
      18. Genitals
      19. Mind
    • Objects of senses
      20. Smell
      21. Taste
      22. Form
      23. Touch
      24. Sound

  3. List, in Sanskrit or English, ten of the 20 items of knowledge. (8-12)

    1. Humility
    2. Pridelessness
    3. Nonviolence
    4. Tolerance
    5. Simplicity
    6. Approaching A Bona Fide Spiritual Master
    7. Cleanliness
    8. Steadiness
    9. Self-Control
    10. Renunciation Of The Objects Of Sense Gratification
    11. Absence Of False Ego
    12. The Perception Of The Evil Of Birth, Death, Old Age And Disease
    13. Detachment
    14. Freedom From Entanglement With Children, Wife, Home And The Rest
    15. Even-Mindedness Amid Pleasant And Unpleasant Events
    16. Constant And Unalloyed Devotion To Me
    17. Aspiring To Live In A Solitary Place
    18. Detachment From The General Mass Of People
    19. Accepting The Importance Of Self-Realization
    20. Philosophical Search For The Absolute Truth

Bhagavad-gitã Chapter 14

  1. What is the mahat-tattva? (3)
    The mahat-tattva is the total cause of the total cosmic manifestation; and that total substance of the material cause, in which there are three modes of nature, is sometimes called Brahman.

  2. How do those situated in the mode of goodness become conditioned? (6)
    When a living entity is situated in the mode of goodness he becomes conditioned to feel that he is advanced in knowledge and is better than others. In this way he becomes conditioned. The best examples are the scientist and the philosopher. Each is very proud of his knowledge, and because they generally improve their living conditions, they feel a sort of material happiness. This sense of advanced happiness in conditioned life makes them bound by the mode of goodness of material nature.

  3. The mode of passion is characterized by what? (7)
    The mode of passion is characterized by the attraction between man and woman.

  4. List 3 results of the mode of ignorance. (8)

    1. Madness
    2. Lazy
    3. Sleeps more than required

  5. Those situated in goodness, passion, and ignorance progress in which directions? (18)

    • According to the degree of development of the mode of goodness, the living entity can be transferred to various planets in the upper planetary system.
    • A person is not always pure, but even if he should be purely in the mode of passion, he will simply remain on this earth as a king or a rich man. But because there are mixtures, one can also go down.
    • Beneath the human level there are eight million species of life – birds, beasts, reptiles, trees, etc. – and according to the development of the mode of ignorance, people are brought down to these abominable conditions.

Bhagavad-gitã Chapter 15

  1. Give the English meaning of ürdhva-mülam and adhaù-çäkham. (1)
    ūrdhva-mūlam – with roots above; adhaḥ śākham – branches facing downwards

  2. What do the leaves of the banyan tree refer to? (1)
    The Vedic hymns, meant for elevating oneself, are called the leaves of this tree.

  3. What is the tree of the material world situated on? (1)
    We can see that the trees on the bank reflect upon the water with their branches down and roots up. In other words, the tree of this material world is only a reflection of the real tree of the spiritual world.

  4. This banyan tree is nourished by what? (2)
    As a tree is nourished by water, so this tree is nourished by the three modes of material nature.

  5. Give the English meaning of asaìga-çastreëa. (3-4)
    asaṅga-śastreṇa – by the weapon of detachment;

  6. Give three examples of how Kåñëa maintains this material world. (12 -14)

    1. Splendor of sun, moon and fire comes from Krishna
    2. His energy is sustaining each planet, and these planets are floating in the air, held in the fist of His universal form. Everything becomes palatable by the agency of the Supreme Lord through the influence of the moon.
    3. Fire in the stomach, responsible for hunger and digestion, is His representative. He is the digestive force for all 4 types of foodstuff (Drunk, chewed, licked up or sucked)

  7. What do the words kñaraù and akñaraù refer to? (16)
    world; kṣaraḥ – fallible
    akṣaraḥ – infallible
    In the material world every living entity is fallible, and in the spiritual world every living entity is called infallible.

  8. What does the word puruñottamam refer to? (19)
    the Supreme Personality of Godhead - the best amongst all purusas - in fact He is the only purusa.

Bhagavad-gitã Chapter 16

  1. Give the English meaning of the following words: sampadaà (1-3), pravåtti and nivåtti (7), anéçvaram (8), and ugra-karmäëaù. (9)
    sampadam – the qualities;
    pravṛttim – acting properly;
    nivṛttim – not acting improperly;
    anīśvaram – with no controller;
    ugra-karmāṇaḥ – engaged in painful activities;

  2. Who was the best example of a demoniac man? (16)
    The best example of such a demoniac man was Rāvaṇa.

  3. Give the English meaning of mäm apräpyaiva kaunteya. (20)
    mām – Me; aprāpya – without achieving; eva – certainly; kaunteya – O son of Kuntī;

  4. List the three gates leading to hell. (21)

    1. Lust
    2. Anger
    3. Greed

Bhagavad-gitã Chapter 17

  1. Name the three kinds of faith (2)
    One’s faith may be in a demigod or some created God or some mental concoction.

  2. List the six results of eating food in the mode of goodness. (8)

    1. increase the duration of life
    2. purify one’s existence
    3. give strength
    4. health
    5. happiness
    6. satisfaction

  3. Austerity of the body consists of what eight items? (14)
    Austerity of the body consists in worship of

    1. the Supreme Lord
    2. the brāhmaṇas
    3. the spiritual master
    4. superiors like the father and mother
    5. cleanliness
    6. implicity
    7. celibacy
    8. nonviolence.

  4. Give the English meaning of svädhyäya abhyasanam. (15)
    svādhyāya – of Vedic study; abhyasanam – practice;

  5. List four symptoms of charity in the mode of goodness. (20)

    1. out of duty
    2. without expectation of return
    3. at the proper time and place
    4. to a worthy person

  6. The three words oà tat sat indicate what? (23)
    oṁ – indication of the Supreme; tat – that; sat – eternal;

Bhagavad-gitã Chapter 18

  1. List symptoms of renunciation in the mode of passion. (8) 
    Giving up prescribed duties because they are troublesome or cause bodily discomfort.

  2. List the five causes for the accomplishment of all action. (14)

    1. place of action (the body)
    2. the performer
    3. the various senses
    4. the many different kinds of endeavour
    5. ultimately the Supersoul

  3. List three symptoms of happiness in the mode of goodness. (37)

    1. In the beginning maybe just like poision
    2. At the end is just like nectar
    3. Which awakens one to self-realization

  4. List three symptoms of happiness in the mode of passion. (38)

    1. Appears like nectar at first
    2. Poison at the end
    3. Cause of distress

  5. List five symptoms of happiness in the mode of ignorance (39)

    1. Blind to self-realization
    2. Distress at the beginning
    3. Distress at the end
    4. Arises from sleep and laziness
    5. Delusion of happiness

  6. List nine qualities by which the brähmaëas work. (42)

    1. Peacefulness
    2. Self-Control
    3. Austerity
    4. Purity
    5. Tolerance
    6. Honesty
    7. Knowledge
    8. Wisdom
    9. Religiousness

  7. List six symptoms of surrender in Sanskrit or English (66)

    1. Anukulasya Sankalpa - adapt things favourable to Bhakti
    2. Pratikulasya Varjanam - give up anything that's not favourable for Bhakti
    3. Rakshas - He will protect
    4. Lord will maintain in all situstions
    5. Atma niksepa - depending compeletely on Lord for progress in Bhakti
    6. Karpanya - humility in front of Lord

  8. This confidential knowledge may never be explained to whom? (67)
    This confidential knowledge may never be explained to those who are not austere, or devoted, or engaged in devotional service, nor to one who is envious of Krishna.

Unit 4 (NOD)

Preface

  1. For who is Nectar of Devotion specifically presented? 
    Persons engaged in the Kåñëa consciousness movement

  2. Give the English meaning of the words: rüpänugas, rasa, capala-sukha, bhoga-tyäga and amåta.

  1. What is Lord Caitanya’s universal principle? 
    Anyone who knows the science of Kåñëa and is engaged in the service of the Lord is accepted as being in a higher position than a person born in the family of a brähmaëa.

  2. What is the example Çréla Rüpa Goswämé set for devotees and for humanity in general? 
    He divided the money in a very exemplary manner, which should be followed by devotees in particular and by humanity in general. Fifty percent of his accumulated wealth was distributed to the Kåñëa conscious persons, namely the brähmaëas and the Vaiñëavas; twenty-five percent was distributed to relatives; and twenty-five percent was kept against emergency expenditures and personal difficulties.

  3. Where did Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé first meet Lord Caitanya? 
    Rüpa Gosvämé first met Lord Caitanya at Prayäga (Allahabad, India), and on the Daçäçvamedha bathing ghäöa of that holy city.

Introduction

  1. List the twelve rasas in Sanskrit or English.

    1. neutrality (passive adoration)
    2. servitorship
    3. friendship
    4. parenthood
    5. conjugal love
    6. comedy
    7. compassion
    8. fear
    9. chivalry
    10. ghastliness
    11. wonder
    12. devastation.

  2. Give the English meaning of the terms pravåtti and nirvåtti.

    • pravåtti and nivåtti-positive and negative action
    • pravåtti - activities for achieving a certain goal
    • nivåtti - activities for avoiding some unfavourable circumstance

  3. Give the English meaning of the word anuçélana. 
    cultivation by following the predecessor teachers (acaryas)

  4. What does the term jïäna-karmädi refer to? 
    One should always be guarding against falldowns. This karmädi (fruitive work) consists of activities which are unable to help one attain to pure devotional service.

Chapter 1

  1. List, in Sanskrit or English, the six characteristics of pure devotional service.

    1. Pure devotional service brings immediate relief from all kinds of material distress.
    2. Pure devotional service is the beginning of all auspiciousness.
    3. Pure devotional service automatically puts one in transcendental pleasure.
    4. Pure devotional service is rarely achieved.
    5. Those in pure devotional service deride even the conception of liberation.
    6. Pure devotional service is the only means to attract Kåñëa.

  2. List, in Sanskrit or English, the four effects that are due to sinful activities.

    1. the effect which is not yet fructified
    2. the effect which is lying as seed
    3. the effect which is already mature
    4. the effect which is almost mature.

  3. List four examples Prabhupäda gives of ‘mature’ sinful reactions. 
    It is stated in the Padma Purāṇa that there are four kinds of effects due to sinful activities, which are listed as follows:

    1. the effect which is not yet fructified
    2. the effect which is lying as seed
    3. the effect which is already mature
    4. the effect which is almost mature.
      It is also stated that all these four effects become immediately vanquished for those who surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, and become engaged in His devotional service in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

  4. What does the comparison between mystic perfections and modern scientific improvements indicate? 
    The comparison between mystic perfections and modern scientific improvements indicates that there is no difference between mystic perfection and materialistic perfection. Both are considered naturally existing and unexcelled within this world. Mystic perfections are acquired by fixing one's mind in yoga, but they are ultimately obstructions to achieving the spiritual abode of Lord Viṣṇu. However, for those who desire to perform pure devotional service to the Personality of Godhead, the achievement of these mystic perfections is a waste of time, as they distract from proper worship.

  5. Why does Kåñëa rarely agree to offer a soul devotional service? 
    Because by devotional service the Lord Himself becomes purchased by the devotee.

  6. List the three sources of happiness according to the analysis of Çréla Rüpa Goswämé. 
    there are three kinds of happiness-material, spiritual and devotional. Devotional service and the happiness due to its execution are not possible as long as one is materially affected. If someone has desire for material enjoyment or for becoming one with the Supreme, these are both considered material concepts.

  7. What is the meaning of the words madana-mohana-mohiné. 
    Kåñëa is called Madana-mohana, which means that He is so attractive that He can defeat the attraction of thousands of Cupids. But Rädhäräëé is still more attractive, for She can even attract Kåñëa. Therefore devotees call Her Madanamohana-mohiné—the attractor of the attractor of Cupid.

Chapter 2

  1. Name the three main categories of devotional service.

    1. devotional service in practice
    2. devotional service in ecstasy
    3. devotional service in pure love of Godhead.

  2. List the two types of sädhana-bhakti in both English and Sanskrit.

    1. Vaidhi-bhakti - service according to regulative principles: one has to follow these different regulative principles by the order of the spiritual master or on the strength of authoritative scriptures, and there can be no question of refusal. That is called vaidhi, or regulated. One has to do it without argument.
    2. Rägänugä refers to the point at which, by following the regulative principles, one becomes a little more attached to Kåñëa and executes devotional service out of natural love.

  3. What is the most basic of all regulative principles? 
    Somehow or other always think of Viñëu, without forgetting Him under any circumstances.

  4. What is the benefit of feeding one who preaches the message of the Bhagavad-gétä? 
    Such a preacher is factually a brähmaëa, and thus by feeding him one feeds the Supreme Lord directly.

Chapter 3

  1. List the four examples given of the neophyte devotees who begin devotional service for relief in the matter of their respective self-satisfaction.

    1. those who are distressed
    2. those who are in need of money
    3. those who are inquisitive
    4. those who are wise

  2. Without being elevated to what position can one stick to the principle of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead? 
    Without being elevated to the position of a jïäné, or wise man, one cannot stick to the principle of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Chapter 4

  1. List, in Sanskrit or English, the five kinds of liberation.

    1. to be one with Krishna
    2. to achieve residence on My planet
    3. to have My opulences
    4. to possess bodily features similar to Mine
    5. to gain personal association with Krsna

  2. Liberated persons who have achieved these four stages of liberation may also be promoted where?
    promoted to the Goloka Våndävana planet in the spiritual sky. In other words, those who are already promoted to the Vaikuëöha planets and who possess the four kinds of liberation may also sometimes develop affection for Kåñëa and become promoted to Kåñëaloka.

Chapter 5

  1. What is the mystery of the Vaiñëava (devotional) cult? 
    He simply has to execute the rules and regulations for discharging devotional service, and this is sufficient for his reinstatement.

Chapter 6

  1. List the first 10 of the 64 items of sädhana in English or Sanskrit.

    1. accepting the shelter of the lotus feet of a bona fide spiritual master
    2. becoming initiated by the spiritual master and learning how to discharge devotional service from him
    3. obeying the orders of the spiritual master with faith and devotion
    4. following in the footsteps of great äcäryas (teachers) under the direction of the spiritual master, (5) inquiring from the spiritual master how to
    5. advance in Kåñëa consciousness
    6. being prepared to give up anything material for the satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa
    7. residing in a sacred place of pilgrimage like Dvärakä or Våndävana
    8. accepting only what is necessary, or dealing with the material world only as far as necessary
    9. observing the fasting day on Ekädaçé
    10. worshiping sacred trees like the banyan tree.

  2. Out of the first 20 items of sädhana, which are considered the most important?

    1. namely accepting the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master
    2. taking initiation from him
    3. serving him with respect and reverence

  3. List the five most potent items of sädhana.

    1. namely worshiping the Deity
    2. hearing Çrémad-Bhägavatam
    3. associating among the devotees
    4. saìkértana
    5. living in Mathurä

Chapter 7

  1. What is the crucial point for advancement in spiritual life? 
    Accepting a spiritual master who has conquered the influence of the six sense-gratifying agents is the crucial point for advancement in spiritual life.

  2. Why can the followers of Buddha not be accepted as devotees? 
    Although Lord Buddha is accepted as an incarnation of Kåñëa, the followers of such incarnations are not very advanced in their knowledge of the Vedas. To study the Vedas means to come to
    the conclusion of the supremacy of the Personality of Godhead. Therefore any religious principle which denies the supremacy of the Personality of Godhead is not accepted and is called atheism.

  3. What is the real reason for observing fasting on Ekädaçé?
    The real reason for observing fasting on Ekädaçé is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service.

  4. List the two kinds of nondevotees whose association should be avoided.

    1. worshipers of various demigods
    2. those who are impelled by material desire.

Chapter 8

  1. Define seväparädhaù and nämäparädhaù.

    • seväparädhaù - offenses committed while serving the Lord
    • nämäparädhaù - offenses committed while chanting the holy name of the Lord

  2. How can an offender unto the Lord Himself be delivered? 
    Even an offender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, he can still be delivered simply by taking shelter of the holy names of the Lord

Chapter 9

  1. What is the result of decorating one’s body with sandalwood pulp? 
    The Padma Purāṇa also mentions, “A person whose body is decorated with the pulp of sandalwood with paintings of the holy name of the Lord is delivered from all sinful reactions, and after his death he goes directly to Kṛṣṇaloka to live in association with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

  2. Who are the impersonalists who became devotees after smelling the remnants of flowers and incense in the temple? 
    Four Kumaras - Sanatana, Sanaka, Sanandana and Sanatkumara

  3. Define laulyam and lälasämayé. 
    Laulyam: The excessive eagerness or greed for Krishna consciousness, which is the price to enter into the kingdom of God.
    Lälasämayé: The desire to reach a perfectional stage in spiritual life, which is not just sense gratification but a desire to go to one's natural position.

Tears are the price for such highest perfection.

  1. What is the result of drinking caraëämåta, even for sinful people? 
    Even one who has never done any pious activities – will become eligible to enter into the kingdom of God if he simply drinks the caraṇāmṛta that is kept in the temple.

Chapter 10

  1. Define däya-bhäk. 
    A pure devotee who is prepared to undergo all kinds of tribulations in executing Kṛṣṇa conscious duties becomes lawfully qualified to enter into the transcendental abode.

Chapter 11

  1. Which two of the nine types of devotional service are rarely seen? 
    Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī says that devotional service in friendship and devotional service in self-surrender are two difficult processes.

Chapter 12

  1. A person who keeps Vaiñëava literature at home always has what? 
    It is also said to Nārada Muni, “My dear Nārada, a person who writes Vaiṣṇava literature and keeps such literature at home has Lord Nārāyaṇa always residing in his house.”

  2. What is even higher than the worship of the Lord? 
    In the Padma Purāṇa, there is a nice statement praising the service of the Vaiṣṇavas, or devotees. In that scripture Lord Śiva tells Pārvatī, “My dear Pārvatī, there are different methods of worship, and out of all such methods the worship of the Supreme Person is considered to be the highest. But even higher than the worship of the Lord is the worship of the Lord’s devotees.”

Chapter 13

  1. A small attachment for any one of the five potent items can arouse what, even in a neophyte? 
    Rūpa Gosvāmī has stated that five kinds of devotional activities – namely, residing in Mathurā, worshiping the Deity of the Lord, reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, serving a devotee and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra – are so potent that a small attachment to any one of these five items can arouse devotional ecstasy even in a neophyte.

Chapter 14

  1. List the examples of devotees who achieved perfection by practicing simply one process of nava-vidhä-bhakti.

Chapter 15

  1. Where can spontaneous devotional service easily be seen? 
    Examples of spontaneous devotional service can easily be seen in Kṛṣṇa’s direct associates in Vṛndāvana.

  2. What is the meaning rägä? 
    rägä is spontaneous attraction for something while completely absorbed in thoughts in it, with an intense desire of love.

  3. Define rägätmikä-bhakti and rägänuga-bhakti. 
    Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī has defined rāgānugā-bhakti as spontaneous attraction for something while completely absorbed in thoughts of it, with an intense desire of love. Devotional service executed with such feelings of spontaneous love is called rāgānugā-bhakti.
    Ragatmika Bhakti is spontaneous thirst towards Krishna

Chapter 16

  1. At what stage is it possible to achieve eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the denizens of Vraja? 
    We must always remember, however, that such eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the denizens of Vraja (Våndävana) is not possible unless one is freed from material contamination. In following the regulative principles of devotional service, there is a stage called anartha-nivåtti, which means the disappearance of all material contamination

  2. Define präkåta-sahajiyä. 
    One should not artificially try to establish some relationship. In the premature stage it is sometimes found that a lusty, conditioned person will artificially try to establish some relationship with Kåñëa in
    conjugal love. The result of this is that one becomes präkåta-sahajiyä, or one who takes everything very cheaply.

  3. Briefly describe the two categories of conjugal love.

    1. Keli - directly attached to SPOG
    2. Indirect - relish the conjugal love affairs of the Lord with the gopīs by hearing about those activities

Chapter 17

  1. What is the first symptom of pure love for the Personality of Godhead? 
    Ecstasy is the first symptom of pure love for the Personality of Godhead, and in that stage one is sometimes found shedding tears or shivering.

Chapter 18

  1. List the nine characteristics of a person who has developed ecstatic love for Kåñëa. 
    Rūpa Gosvāmī next describes the characteristics of a person who has actually developed his ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa. The characteristics are as follows:
    1. He is always anxious to utilize his time in the devotional service of the Lord. He does not like to be idle. He wants service always, twenty-four hours a day, without deviation.
    2. He is always reserved and perseverant.
    3. He is always detached from all material attraction.
    4. He does not long for any material respect in return for his activities.
    5. He is always certain that Kṛṣṇa will bestow His mercy upon him.
    6. He is always very eager to serve the Lord faithfully.
    7. He is very much attached to the chanting of the holy names of the Lord.
    8. He is always eager to describe the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
    9. He is very pleased to live in a place where the Lord’s pastimes are performed, e.g., Mathurā, Vṛndāvana or Dvārakā.

Chapter 19

  1. List in Sanskrit or English the two types of prema-bhakti.

    1. Ragña-nuga-bhakti: This type is characterized by a deep love for God and devotion to Him.
    2. Sädhana-bhakti: This type involves the practice of devotional service through the science of Krsna, focusing on the love of God and the joy of serving Him.

  2. List in Sanskrit or English the nine stages from çraddhä to prema.

    1. Shraddha: Faith
    2. Sadhu-sanga: Association with Saints
    3. Bhajana-Kriya: Performance of devotional practices
    4. Anartha Nivrtti: Decreasing of unwanted attachments
    5. Nistha: Steadiness
    6. Ruchi: Taste
    7. Asakti: Attachment
    8. Bhava: Love
    9. Prema: Pure love for God