Bhagavad-gita Chapter 2

Question 1

List Arjuna’s arguments for not fighting. (Surrender Unto Me 1.27 – 2.7)

Answer 1

Compassion- Arjuna had deep compassion for those he was going to kill and he didn’t want to kill his loved ones

Enjoyment- Arjuna knew it would be impossible for him to enjoy the kingdom if he won it at the cost of his family members

Destruction of family- with the death of so many great ksatriyas, irreligion would flourish

Fear of sinful rxns- Arjuna thinks that the enjoyment of royal happiness was not worth the suffering he will have to undergoe as a sinful rxn for destroying the family and killing his superiors

Indecision- Arjuna ws not convinced that conquering his enemies was better than being conquered by them.

Question 2

List six symptoms of Bhagavan in English or Sanskrit (2.2)

Answer 2

All riches
All Strength
All fame 
All beauty
All knowledge 
All renunciation

Question 3

What is the meaning of the phrase ksudram hrdaya-daurbalyam? (2.3)

Answer 3

petty weakness of the heart

Question 4

According to scriptural codes, when is a teacher is fit to be abandoned? (2.5)

Answer 4

According to scriptural codes, a teacher who engages in an abominable action and has lost his sense of discrimination is fit to be abandoned.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the phrase dharma-sammūdha-cetāh? (2.7)

Answer 5

I am confused about my duty

Question 6

What is the size of soul and what is the symptom of its existence? (2.17)

Answer 6

one ten-thousandth part of the upper portion of the hair point size.

Question 7

List the six kinds of transformations the body is subject to. (2.20)

Answer 7

It takes its birth from the womb of the mother’s body
Remains for some time
Grows
Produces some effects
Gradually dwindles
At last vanishes into oblivion

Question 8

Give the English meaning of: anu-ātmā and vibhu-ātmā. (2.20)

Answer 8

Anu-atma = Namely the minute particle soul
Vibhu-atma = Supersoul

Question 9

Why is it that the killing of animals in sacrifice not considered an act of violence? (2.31)

Answer 9

The animal sacrificed gets a human life immediately without undergoing the gradual evolutionary process from one form to another.

Question 10

What is the meaning of the word ksatriya? (2.31)

Answer 10

Ksatriya means = One who gives protection from harm

Question 11

What is meant by sva-dharma and what are the two types of sva-dharma? (2.31)

Answer 11

Specific duties
As long as one is not liberated, one has to perform the duties of his particular body in accordance with religious principles in order to achieve liberation( varnasrama dharma)
When one is liberated, one’s sva-dharma – specific duty – becomes spiritual and is not in the material bodily concept. ( sanatan dharma)

Question 12

What is the meaning of the phrase svarga-dvāram apāvrtam? (2.32)

Answer 12

The heavenly door is ‘wide’ open for you

Question 13

Give the English meaning of the phrase pratyavāyah na vidyate. (2.40)

Answer 13

There is no loss or discrimination

Question 14

Give the English meaning of the phrase vyavasāyātmikā buddhi. (2.41)

Answer 14

Fixed intelligence resolute in Krsna Consciousness

Question 15

The Vedas deal mostly with what? (2.45)

Answer 15

The Vedas mainly deal with the subject of the three modes of material nature.

Question 16

How is the purpose of Vedic culture best served? (2.46)

Answer 16

By chanting the holy name of the Lord, as recommended by Lord Caitanya, the deliverer of all fallen souls.

Question 17

What is the meaning of the word prajnā? (2.54)

Answer 17

Sthita-prajnasya = of one who is situated in fixed Krsna
Sthita-prajna = steadfast in intelligence

Question 18

A well-dressed fool cannot be identified unless what? (2.54)

Answer 18

Unless he speaks

But as soon as he speaks, he reveals himself at once.

Question 19

What is the meaning of the phrase param drstvā nivartate? (2.59)

Answer 19

Ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste( developing a higher taste

Question 20

Who is the example of mat-parah given in 2.61?

Answer 20

Maharaja Ambarisa

Question 21

List the eight stages of spiritual falldown in English or Sanskrit. (2.62-63)

Answer 21

Contemplating the object of the senses
Develops attachment for them
Lust develops
Anger arises
Complete delusion
Bewilderment of memory
Intelligence is lost
Falls down again into the material pool

Question 22

What is the meaning of the phrase brahma-nivānan rcchati? (2.72)

Answer 22

Attain the spiritual kingdoms of God