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Chapter 17 · Through References

Chapter 17

Topics covered in Chapter 17: terms and definitions, thoughts and concepts, and selections for reflection.

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  • Bhagavad-Gītā Through References
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Terms and Definitions

  1. IntroductionFaith is the very foundation and essence of human life. It shapes who we are, directs our choices, fuels our energy, and gives purpose and destination to our determination.Open ↗
  2. 17.10What is ‘yāta-yāmam food’?Open ↗
  3. What are the three categories into which the Lord divides the sāttvic tapas (austerity)? (17.14- 16)Open ↗
  4. 17.14What does the term ‘dvija’ (twice born) mean?Open ↗
  5. 17.14Explain the term ‘brahmacarya’.Open ↗
  6. 17.15Define ‘Svādhyāya’.Open ↗
  7. 17.16What is ‘mouna’?Open ↗

Thoughts and Concepts

  1. 17.1Cite and explain the significance of Arjuna’s question at the beginning of the 17th chapter.Open ↗
  2. 17.3What is the interrelation between ‘faith’ (śraddhā), ‘nature’ (sattva or svabhāva) and ‘gu ṇa’?Open ↗
  3. 17.4Cite and explain the verse wherein the Lord describes the worship of the sāttvic, rājasic and tāmasic śraddhā types.Open ↗
  4. 17.6Why does the Lord condemn the body-mortifying austerities of the āsuric type of men?Open ↗
  5. Is there any interrelation between food and one’s inner nature? (17.8, 17.9)Open ↗
  6. 17.11What are the actions to be avoided and what are the actions to be performed?Open ↗
  7. 17.14What is the nature and purpose of tapas?Open ↗
  8. 17.15Explain the importance of speech that is ‘satyam’ (true), ‘priyam’ (agreeable) and ‘hitam’ (beneficial).Open ↗
  9. 17.16How can one attain serenity of mind?Open ↗
  10. 17.18Why is the tapas (austerity) of the rājasic type of men described as ‘transitory’?Open ↗
  11. 17.23What is ‘nirdeśa’? Why is ‘Om Tat Sat’ a nirdeśa?Open ↗
  12. 17.23Explain in detail the manner in which ‘Om Tat Sat’ acts as nirdeśa.Open ↗
  13. 17.24Cite and explain the verse which explains the usage of the word ‘Om’.Open ↗
  14. 17.25Cite and explain the relevant verse wherein the Lord declares the importance of the term ‘Tat’.Open ↗
  15. Cite the verses which explain the usage of the word ‘Sat’. (17.26, 17.27)Open ↗
  16. 17.27Explain how even acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity which are not sāttvic in the beginning of their performance can be rendered so by the use of ‘Om Tat Sat’.Open ↗
  17. 17.28Explain how sacrifices, austerities and charity done without faith is ‘asat’.Open ↗
  18. Give an overall view of the choice of (1) altar of worship (2) āhāra (food) (3) yajña (sacrifice) (4) tapas (austerity) and Dāna (charity) of the sāttvic, rājasic and tāmasic types of people.Open ↗

Selections for Reflection

  1. 17.4ReflectionOpen ↗
  2. 17.7ReflectionOpen ↗
  3. 17.11ReflectionOpen ↗
  4. 17.14ReflectionOpen ↗
  5. 17.15ReflectionOpen ↗
  6. 17.16ReflectionOpen ↗
  7. 17.19ReflectionOpen ↗
  8. 17.20ReflectionOpen ↗
  9. 17.22ReflectionOpen ↗
  10. 17.23ReflectionOpen ↗
  11. 17.28ReflectionOpen ↗

In the service of GOD Vinod Kumar Email: thevinoshamajoyfullivinggroup@gmail.com

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