What is the significance of Dhåtaräñöra's saying mämakäù?

Partial to his own sons – Dhrtarashtra refers to only his sons as ‘Kurus’ which shows his specific
position in relation to his nephews, the Pandavas

Why was Dhåtaräñöra fearful?

Kuru-kshetra is a sacred place of pilgrimage from immemorial time of the Vedic age
Kuru-kshetra is a holy place and a place of worship even for heavenly denizens The Supreme
Personality of Godhead is personally present on the Pandavas side . Pandavas are virtuous –
therefore the holy place may influence them.
Dhrtarashtra is fearful about the holy influences on the fate of the battle because:
It may influence his own sons to compromise, or o
He hoped that under the holy influence, the Pandavas may renounce their claim, to avoid
bloodshed

Analogy: Paddy field (Kshetra) – unnecessary weeds taken out, similarly in religious ‘field’ of
Kuru-kshetra in the presence of the ‘father of religion’ Sri Krishna, unwanted plants like
Dhrtarashtra and his son Duryodhana and others would be wiped out

3. How was Saïjaya able to see the Battlefield of Kurukñetra? (1.1)

Sanjaya was the son of Gavalgana. Sanjaya was a Suta. He was the charioteer of 
Dhritarashtra and the first one who narrated the Bhagavad Gita other than Sri Krishna 
himself. He gave a blow-by-blow account of the war to Dhritarashta. 

The magical part of the Mahabharatam tells us that Sanjaya was given divine vision by Veda 
Vyasa and that is how he knew what was going on in the war even though he was always at 
Hastinapur (old delhi), with Dhritarashtra. 

Sanjaya himself says : 

“Having bowed down to thy father (Veda Vyasa), that (wise and high-souled) son of 
Parasara, through whose grace, (through whose boon bestowed onme,) I have obtained 
excellent and celestial apprehension, sight beyond the range of the visual sense, and 
hearing, O king, from great distance, knowledge of other people’s hearts and also of the 
past and the future, a knowledge also of the origin of all persons transgressing the 
ordinances, the delightful power of coursing through the skies, and untouchableness by 
weapons in battles, listen to me in detail as I recite the romantic and highly wonderful battle 
that happened between the Bharatas, a battle that makes one’s hair stand on end” 
 
 
4. What is the significance of Duryodhana's saying dhématä, tava çiñyeëa? (1.3 Lecture)  
O my teacher, behold the great army of the sons of Pāṇḍu, so expertly 
arranged by your i​ ntelligent disciple ​the son of Drupada. 
 
Points out Drona’s mistake (of imparting military secrets to son of Drupada, Dhrstadyumna 
who was born to kill Dronacharya) to make him alert and uncompromising and warns that 
leniency would lead to defeat  
 
Drupada then performed a sacrifice to obtain a son who would kill Droëa. That son was 
Dhåñöadyumna. Dhåñöadyumna later approached Droëäcärya to study the military science, 
and although Droëäcärya knew that Dhåñöadyumna was specifically empowered to kill him, 
he did not hesitate to train him. Such is the liberality of a brähmaëa. The brähmaëa’s liberal 
heart is compared to the sun, which does not withhold its light from the courtyard of 
anyone, even a thief. Similarly, Droëäcärya did not hesitate to impart all his military secrets 
to Dhåñöadyumna.  
 
5. List the vows Bhéma made after the gambling match. (1.4)  
 
Break Duryodhana's thighs and tear Dusasans chest and drink his blood 
 
Bhéma was furious with Dhåtaräñöra’s sons. Before the battle, he took three vows. First, he 
vowed to kill each of Dhåtaräñöra’s one hundred sons. 
 
Second, he vowed to break Duryodhana’s thigh. When Draupadé was being insulted, 
Duryodhana had uncovered his thigh and motioned to Draupadé, saying, “Come and sit on 
my lap! You are fit for my enjoyment.” Bhéma burned with anger and hatred. For thirteen 
years, he had been burning as he waited to destroy the Kauravas. 
 
Third, Bhéma vowed to tear open Duùsasana’s chest, pry out his heart and drink his blood. 
Duùsasana had touched and opened Draupadé’s tied and sanctified hair. For that, Bhéma 
also vowed to rip off his arm. Draupadé had promised to keep her hair untied until she had 
washed it with Duùsasana’s blood. Bhéma later carried that blood upon his hands to 
Draupadé.   
 
6. Why was Duryodhana confident of full support of Bhéñmadeva and Droëä? (1.11)  
 
​ uryodhana clearly felt that the victory of the Kurus depended on the presence of Bhīṣmadeva.
D
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 strip 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 all such affection would now be completely given up by them, as was
customary during the gambling performances.

Second answer can be

If you can recollect about the vow that Bhishma took for his father, he also mentions in his vow that he will
always serve the king of Hastinapura whom ever it may be. So according to that he’s actually fighting for king
Dhritharashtra and hence is forced to support Duryodhana.

And Drona is the Rajaguru of the Kuru dynasty. Its his Dharma to protect the throne. Even if he had to fight
Ashwattama, he would have done it to protect the kuru kingdom.

7. List four signs of victory for the Päëòavas. (1.14-20)

1. Sounding of transcendental conch shells indicated that there was no hope of victory for the other side
because Krsna was on the side of the Pandavas.
2. Whenever and wherever the Lord is present, the Goddess of Fortune is also there with her husband.
These are signs: victory and fortune.
3. The chariot on which both were seated was donated by Agni, this indicates that this chariot was
capable of conquering all sides, wherever it was drawn over the three worlds.
4. The emblem of Hanuman on the flag of Arjuna is another sign of victory

1. Krishna’s personal presence confirms victory Supreme Personality of Godhead is the

charioteer (1.14) – “jayas tu pandu-putranam yesam…” Krishna as Hrsikesha directly controls
the senses of a pure devotee

2.​ Goddess of fortune Whenever and wherever the Lord is present, the goddess of
fortune is also there She never lives without her husband; therefore all fortune is
guaranteed (1.14)

3. Venue Kurukshetra is a holy place (1.1)

4. ​Hanumanji on Arjuna’s flag Hanumanji also helped Lord Rama in gaining victory
(1.20)
 5. Symbol of Vishnu Conchshell is a symbol of Vishnu (1.12* & 1.14) This is indirectly
indicated by Bhisma and Pandavas conchshells

6.​ Transcendental conchshells Krishna and Arjuna’s conchshell mentioned as divya

(transcendental) (1.14)
7. Bhisma’s conchshell to pacify Duryodhana (1.12*)
8. Agnideva’s Chariot given to Arjuna It was capable of conquering all directions (1.14)

9. S​hattering of hearts Conchshells of Pandavas shattered Kauravas hearts (1.19)

Pandavas hearts not shattered – because of confidence in Krishna

8. What is the significance of Hanuman's being on Arjuna’s flag? (1.20 Lecture)

The symbol of ​Hanuman​ on ​Arjuna's flag​ is another sign of victory. It's the second
example as first he cooperated with Lord Rama(Shri Ram) in the battle between Rama
and Ravana. As a result of his continuous support and dedication towards him, Lord
Rama came up victorious.

The emblem of Hanuman on the flag of Arjuna is another sign of victory because
Hanuman cooperated with Lord Rama in the battle between Rama and Ravana, and
Lord Rama emerged victorious. Now both Rama and Hanuman were present on the
chariot of Arjuna to help him. Lord Krsna is Rama Himself, and wherever Lord Rama is,
His eternal servitor Hanuman and His eternal consort Sita, the goddess of fortune, are
present. Therefore, Arjuna had no cause to fear any enemies whatsoever. And above
all, the Lord of the senses, Lord Krsna, was personally present to give him direction.
Thus, all good counsel was available to Arjuna in the matter of executing the battle. In
such auspicious conditions, arranged by the Lord for His eternal devotee, lay the signs
of assured victory.
9. What is the meaning of the word gudakesa?

Arjuna as Gudakesh – one who conquers sleep Gudaka means sleep; sleep also
means ignorance Arjuna conquered sleep & ignorance because of friendship with
Krishna.
​Nature of the devotee :
Cannot forget Krishna even for a moment (Samadhi); even while walking or asleep
condition
o Devotee conquers sleep and ignorance; because of constant Krishna consciousness.
(This is called Samadhi)

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 progressive steps leading toward the destruction of a dynasty.
(1.39-42)

1. Death of Elderly (1.39) Fighting destroys the whole dynasty

2. Family Traditions Stop: Irreligion increases (1.39) With the destruction of dynasty,
the entire family tradition is vanquished, and thus the rest of the family becomes
involved in irreligion

3. Women polluted (1.40) When irreligion is prominent, the women in the family
become polluted Chanakya Pandit says “Women need protection” Why women need
special protection – Because they are o Less intelligent o Not trustworthy o Prone to
degradation How they are protected – By engaging in religious principles, either under
father, husband or son If they are not protected, it leads to adultery and varna-sankara
4. Varna-sankara (unwanted progeny) (1.40*) From degradation of woman comes
unwanted progeny Varna-sankara has three effects o Risk of war and pestilence o
Hellish life For the whole family – Ancestors falldown because pinda-dana stops ▪ For
those who destroy family o All community projects and family welfare acts stop

5. Hellish life for ‘family’ and ‘destroyers of family’ (1.41*)

6. Culture is destroyed – Community projects and family welfare acts stop (1.42)

12. List Arjuna’s arguments for not fighting. (1.27-2.7)

1. Arjuna does not want to kill his relatives
2.Destruction of family traditions
3.Fear of sinful reactions
4.enjoyment: How I would be able to enjoy kingdom after killing my relatives
5. Compassion
6. Indecision

13. List six symptoms of Bhagavän in English or Sanskrit (2.2)

six opulences in full:
1.​ ​Beauty
2​.​ ​Knowledge

3.​ ​Strength

4.​ ​Wealth

5.​ ​Fame &

6.​Renunciation

14. What is the meaning of the phrase kñudraà hådaya - daurbalyaà ?

Kshudram Hrdoya Daurbalyam (petty Weakness of heart) – Refers to false magnanimity shown
to Bhisma and Drona, which Arjuna uses as a justification point to avoid the battle

15. According to scriptural codes, when is a teacher fit to be abandoned ?

​A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana
because of his financial assistance

16. What is the meaning of the ​phrase ​dharma smmuda chetah

​My thinking bewildered regarding righteousness

17. What is the size of soul and what is the symptom of its existence?

Soul is immeasurable (2.18) – It is too small to be measured by any material means Ref.
Svetasvatara Upanisad – 1/10,000th tip of a hair (2.17 purport
Symptom of the soul– Soul is perceived by ‘individual consciousness’ (2.17 purport)

Soul is invisible and inconceivable (2.25) – No human experiements can conceive the soul
The only proof for the soul– Vedic scriptures – Sruti (2.25 purport)

18. List the six kinds of transformations the body is subject to. (2.20)
Body – undergoes 6 changes like birth, growth, sustenance, by-products, dwindling &
death

19. Give the English meaning of​:Anu atma Vibhu Atma

Two kinds of soul (Ref. Katha Upanishad) – Anu (infinitesimal) and Vibhu (infinite)
Supreme Soul knows past, present and future;
individual soul is prone to forgetfulness

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

– The following are not acts of violence:

Sacrificial animal killing by brahmanas – Animal immediately gets a human body
without evolutionary cycle /
Brahmana gets heavenly planets
Ksatriyas fighting on religious principles – Get heavenly planets if killed

21. What is the meaning of the word ksatriya

Literal meaning of Ksatriya (2.31 purport) – One who gives protection from harm (‘ksat’
– hurt / ‘trayate’ – give protection)

22. What is meant by sva - dharma and what are the two types of sva - dharma ?
(2.31)
​Two types of ‘Sva-dharmas’ (Specific duties) – ‘Material’ and ‘spiritual’

Spiritual ‘sva-dharma’ – Attained after liberation

Material ‘sva-dharma’ (Varnashrama-dharma)
o Definition – Duties which are performed in accordance with the religious principles,
according to particular body, to gradually achieve liberation

23. What is the meaning of the phrase svarga - dväram apävåtam ? (2.32)
opening for them the doors of the heavenly planets.

24. Give the English meaning of the phrase pratyaväyaù na vidyate

“No loss or diminution on this path” – Buddhi-yoga has a permanent
effect e.g. Ajamila’s life episode (study purport) Ref. SB 1.5.17 “tyaktva
svadharmam…” (study purport) Christian saying: “What profiteth a man
if he gains the whole world, yet suffers the loss of his eternal soul?”

25. Give the English meaning of the phrase vyavasäyätmikä buddhi

. (2.41)
Intelligence firmly resolved
“Resolute Determination” Knowledge of soul – Whole process
ultimately depends on – perfect knowledge of soul beyond conception of
body, not only theoretically but practically, with no chance of sense
gratification manifested in fruitive activities

26. The Veda s deal mostly with what? (2.45)

 Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the
three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions (c) Why ​Vedas deal
with the 3 modes​ – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on
the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

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

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive

chanting of the holy names
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy
Names
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting
Holy Names

28. What is the meaning of the word prajna?

​Properly situated in perfect knowledge
Or situated in Krishna concious

Arjuna asks four questions as to how to recognize a person

situated in Krishna consciousness (Selfrealized soul) or
‘Sthita-prajna’ (One in divine consciousness)

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

a well-dressed fool cannot be identified unless he speaks, but as soon as he speaks, he
reveals himself at once.

30. What is the meaning of the phrase param drstvä nivartate ? (2.59)

One who has tasted the Lord’s beauty in the course of his advancement such a person loses all
taste of dead material things
31.Who is the example of a mat-paraù given in 2.61?
“Mat-para” ​– It implies all senses and mind are engaged in a
relationship with Krishna e.g. Ambarisa Maharaja (Ref. SB 9.4.18-20)
Ref. Baladeva Vidyabushana who is another ‘mat-para’ devotee
remarks: “Senses can be completely controlled only by strength of
devotional service”
32.List the eight stages of spiritual falldown in English or Sanskrit.
(2.62-63)

33.What is the meaning of the phrase brahma-nirväëam ricchati? (2.72)

‘Nirvana’ – It implies ending the process of materialistic life

Buddhist conception – Only void after completion

Bhagavad-gita / Krishna conscious conception – Actual life begins after the completion
of material life

For the gross materialist it is sufficient to know that one has to end this materialistic
way of life, but for spiritually advanced persons there is another life after materialistic life

Krishna consciousness as equivalent to Brahma-nirvana – If one fortunately becomes

Krishna conscious before ending this life, he at once attains the Stage of
‘Brahma-nirvana’ Such a person is one absolute transcendental plane even in material
world and is as good as being in the spiritual kingdom
34.What is Krishna consciousness sometimes misunderstood as? (3.1)

Krishna consciousness often misused as an excuse to avoid duty or misunderstood to

be inertia (3.1).

Correct understanding is Without being trained in the philosophy of Krishna

consciousness it is not advisable to chant the holy names in a secluded place It only
acquires cheap adoration from the innocent public

35.Give the English meaning of the following

a. tad ekaà vada. (3.2): therefore tell me only one

My intelligence is bewildered by Your equivocal instructions. Therefore,

please tell me decisively​ which will be most beneficial for me.

b. mithyacarah. (3.6): pretender

One who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense
objects certainly deludes himself and is called a​ pretender.

c. karma-yogam asaktaù sa viçiñyate. (3.7)

On the other hand, if a sincere person tries to control the active senses
by the mind and begins ​karma-yoga [in Kṛṣṇa consciousness] without
attachment, he is by far superior.

d. tad-arthaà karma kaunteya mukta-saìgaù. (3.9)

Work done as a sacrifice for Viṣṇu has to be performed; otherwise work
causes bondage in this material world. ​Therefore, O son of Kuntī,
perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way
you will always remain free from bondage.
e. yo bhuìkte stena eva saù. (3.12)

In charge of the various necessities of life, the demigods, being satisfied

by the performance of yajña [sacrifice], will supply all necessities to you.
But he who enjoys such gifts without offering them to the
demigods in return is certainly a thief.

f. annäd bhavanti bhütäni. (3.14)

All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from
rains.​ Rains are produced by performance of yajña [sacrifice], and yajña
is born of prescribed duties.

g. vikarma (3.1​5)

The ​Vedas ​are therefore codes of working directions. Anything

performed without the direction of the ​Vedas​ is called ​vikarma
36.Why is a fully Kåñëa conscious person not obliged to follow the
Vedic injunctions? (3.17)( no duty)
Atma ratir
Atma tripthir
Atma santhusta

Krishna consciousness purifies – Due to Krishna consciousness, all

impiety within is instantly cleansed

Fixed in identity – By clearing of consciousness, one becomes fully

confident of his eternal relationship with the Supreme

Self-illuminated – Then one becomes self-illuminated by the grace of the

Lord

Loses all material interests – Such a person is no longer interested in

material activities and no longer takes pleasure in material elements like
wine, women and similar infatuations

Free from all obligations – Krishna conscious man does not take shelter
of any person, man or demigod; thus free from all obligations

37.Give the English meaning of äcärya. (3.21)

(a) Definition of ‘Acarya’ – An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect

personal behavior

38.Why did Krishna perform prescribed duties? (3.23)

To set example
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)
39.What qualifications are required for beginning practice of Kåñëa
consciousness? (3.26)
Anyone can practice

The only qualification required for Krishna

Consciousness is connection with a pure
devotee of the Lord!
41.Give the English meaning of the phrase nitya-vairiëä. (3.39)

Thus the wise living entity’s pure consciousness becomes covered by

his ​eternal enemy in the form of lust​, which is never satisfied and
which burns like fire.

42.List the three sitting places of lust. (3.40)

Hierarchy of sitting places of lust

Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Anaalogies
2.1 Compassion for the dress of drowning man is senseless,
similarly a man fallen in the ocean of nescience cannot be saved
simply by rescuing his outer dress.

2.2
Absolute truth is realized in three phases of understanding
–Bramhan, Paramätmä, and Bhagavän. This can be explained by
the example of the sunshine, the sun’s surface, and the sun planet.

2.17 Just like the influence of the active principle of medicine is

spread throughout the body, similarly the influence of soul is
spread throughout the body as consciousness, and that is the
proof of the existence of soul.

2.20 Sometimes we don’t find the sun in the sky owing to clouds,
but the light of the sun is always there, which is indicative of the
presence of sun. Similarly, even though one may not be able to see
the soul in the region of heart, one can understand the presence of
the soul by consciousness, which is present in the body.

2.22 As a person puts on new garments, giving up the old ones, the
soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and
useless ones.

2.21 Although the justice of peace awards capital punishment to a

person condemned for murder, the justice of the peace cannot be
blamed because he awards punishments according to the codes of
justice. Similarly, when Kåñëa orders fighting it must be
understood that it is for supreme justice and Arjuna is engaging in
violence on the order of Kåñëa and thus he will not incur sinful
reaction.

2.20 One can understand the presence of the soul simply by the
presence of consciousness. Sometimes we do not find the sun in
the sky owing to clouds or for some other reason, but the light of
the sun is always there, and we are convinced that it is therefore
day-time.

2.21 A surgical operation is meant to cure the patient and not meant
to kill the patient. Similarly, fighting on the order of Kåñëa is for the
benefit of all, and thus there is no possibility of sinful reaction.

2.41 As by watering the root of a tree one can automatically

distribute water to the leaves and branches, so by acting in Kåñëa
consciousness one can render the highest service to everyone,
namely self , family, society , country , humanity, etc.

2.58 The tortoise can at any moment wind up his senses and
exhibit them again at any time for a particular purpose. Similarly
the senses of a Kåñëa-conscious person are used only for some
particular purpose in the service of the Lord and are withdrawn
otherwise.

UNIT 1 BHAGAVAD-GÉTÄ CHAPTERS 1-6

28
2.58 The senses are compared to venomous serpents and the
devotee to a snake charmer. A devotee should be strong like a
snake charmer in controlling his serpent-like senses. He should not
allow his senses to act independently.
2.59 The process of restriction from sense enjoyment by rules and
regulations is something like restricting a diseased person from
certain types of eatables. The patient, however, neither likes such
restrictions nor loses his taste for eatables.

2.67 As a strong wind sweeps away a boat on the water, even one
of the roaming senses on which the mind focuses can carry away a
man’s intelligence.

2.70 As the ocean is always being filled by rivers but remain steady
and not agitated, a person fixed in Kåñëa consciousness remains
undisturbed even amidst the incessant flow of desires.