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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Krishna say Arjuna needs in order to see what he desires to see?

2. What do those who strive resolutely on the path to yoga see?

3. Through what does Krishna say he nourishes all plants?

4. Where does Krishna say Brahman dwells?

5. What word best describes rajas?

Short Essay Questions

1. With what kind of person is Krishna in love?

2. What instructions does Krishna give Arjuna at the beginning of this chapter?

3. What is the difference between the two kinds of renunciation?

4. What does Krishna explain to Arjuna in this chapter?

5. Who does Krishna say are the most established in yoga?

6. Who does Krishna say sees truly?

7. How does Krishna enable Arjuna to see his immortal nature?

8. Describe those with demonic tendencies.

9. What is the relationship between Purusha and prakriti?

10. Describe the three gunas.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Toward the end of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna shifts his attention to those souls with "demonic tendencies."

1) Describe the attitudes of souls of this nature. How are they different from the attitudes Krishna has previously promoted?

2) Discuss what Krishna teaches concerning the destiny of souls of demonic nature.

3) What are the "three gates" to self-destruction? How may these be avoided?

Use specific examples for all the above.

Essay Topic 2

Krishna tells Arjuna that the gunas come from him, and although he is not in them, he enjoys their play. Write an essay discussing the following:

Part 1) What is the guna sattva? What are some examples of a sattvic attitude? What are some examples of sattvic action? What do souls possessing a primarily sattvic nature worship?

Part 2) What is the guna rajas? What are some examples of a rajastic attitude? What are some examples of rajastic action? What do souls possessing a primarily rajastic nature worship?

Part 3) What is the guna tamas? What are some examples of a tamasic attitude? What are some examples of tamasic action? What do souls possessing a primarily tamasic nature worship?

Part 4) What is the destiny of souls which are guided by sattva, rajas, and tamas respectively?

Part 5) Can the gunas be transcended?

Use specific examples from the text for all of the above.

Essay Topic 3

"Awakened sages call a person wise when all his undertakings are free from anxiety about results; all selfish desires are consumed in the fire of knowledge." What does this statement of Krishna's mean? Why should one not care about the outcome of his actions? What is the "fire of knowledge?" Is this theme central to Krishna's teaching? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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