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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 Krisha say it is not fitting to renounce?

2. Among the luminaries what is Krishna?

3. What does the one Krishna loves live beyond the reach of?

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

5. From what is no creature free from?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to souls who die in each of these states?

2. Describe the three gunas.

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

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

5. What exists without Krishna?

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

7. What are some of the qualities found in living creatures who have their source in Krishna?

8. How do those ruled by each of the gunas worship?

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

10. Who does Krishna say sees truly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Krishna speaks to Arjuna at length about dying and one's conduct at the time of death. How does one's conduct at the time of death influence the destiny of one's soul? How does Krishna say Arjuna's soul may be united with him when Arjuna dies, and what are Krishna's instructions for this? Use 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

The theme of duality arises consistently in the Bhagavad Gita. What is duality and why is it central to Krishna's teaching? Discuss citing specific examples.

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