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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. According to Krishna, what happens to those who surrender all selfish attachments to Brahman?

2. What does Krishna say is his true nature?

3. What is adhibhuta?

4. What happens to the one who knows Krishna as his own divine Self?

5. What do the foolish not look beyond?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Krishna say ignorance is destroyed?

2. What does Sri Krishna say about Ajuna's sorrow?

3. What is Krishna's response to Arjuna's complaint that the mind is restless and difficult to control?

4. What are some of the metaphors Krishna gives for his nature in this chapter?

5. What does Arjuna say would be better than killing Dhritarashtra's sons?

6. What are some of the things Krishna says to describe his nature as the Lord?

7. What does Krishna say about those who abstain from action to enjoy sensual pleasures?

8. What does Krishna say about the duality of attraction and aversion?

9. When does Krishna say a spiritual aspirant ascends to a unitive state?

10. What does Krishna tell Arjuna about work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast sannyasa and tyaga, the two forms of renunciation. Which does Krishna say is better? Why? Discuss citing specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

At the beginning of the first chapter, Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to tell him what happened on the field of dharma where his family gathered to fight the Pandavas. The story of the Bhagavad Gita then unfolds for the reader through the mouth of Sanjaya.

How do we understand the story differently because it is narrated by Sanjaya, and not Krishna or Arjuna? How does this choice make the reader feel? In what ways does this narrative device enhance the effect of the story? Discuss citing specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Seeing Arjuna's despair prior to battle, Sri Krishna rebukes him saying such weakness in a time of crisis is unworthy of him. Krishna urges Arjuna to rise up with a brave heart and destroy the enemy.

Describe Arjuna's response in detail. What is the logic of Arjuna's argument? Upon what sources does Arjuna rely to support this argument? To what conclusion does the argument lead? Discuss while citing specific examples.

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