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Chapter 3 · Through References

Chapter 3

Topics covered in Chapter 3: 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. IntroductionActions which are performed without ego, egocentric desires and anxiety for its fruits, with an attitude of offering unto the Lord, become Karma Yoga.Open ↗
  2. Action has a natural tendency to create fresh vāsanās (impressions) which again generate impulses that force one to act more vigorously.Open ↗
  3. 3.3What is the twofold path?Open ↗
  4. 3.6Who is a ‘hypocrite’?Open ↗
  5. 3.8What is meant by ‘Niyataṁ karma’?Open ↗
  6. 3.12Who is a ‘thief’?Open ↗
  7. 3.36The appellation ‘Vārṣṇeya’ (one of the names of Lord Kṛṣṇa) means.Open ↗

Thoughts and Concepts

  1. IntroductionAction and renunciation are not to be practised together, but to be practised Serially.Open ↗
  2. 3.1What prompted Arjuna to ask the question “If it be thought you that ‘Knowledge’ is superior to ‘action’, O Janārdana, why then, do you, O Keśava, engage me in this terrible action?”Open ↗
  3. 3.3Why is it not possible to prescribe a single spiritual path for all people?Open ↗
  4. 3.4How does ignorance express itself?Open ↗
  5. 3.5Why does the Bhagavad Gītā advise a man to act vigorously?Open ↗
  6. 3.7Why does the Lord advise us to act without attachment?Open ↗
  7. 3.7How does Karma Yoga become a technique of Self-Liberation?Open ↗
  8. 3.9What is ‘yajña’?Open ↗
  9. How would you interpret the word ‘deva’ in verse 3.11?Open ↗
  10. 3.13How does Śrī Kṛṣṇa describe those who eat the ‘remnants of the sacrifices ’ and those who ‘cook food only for their own sake’?Open ↗
  11. How would you interpret the words ‘yajña’, ‘rain’ and ‘food’ in verse 3.14?Open ↗
  12. What is the ‘Cosmic wheel of co-operation’? (3.14 and 3.15)Open ↗
  13. 3.16Śrī Kṛṣṇa declares ‘seekers of the senses ’ (indriyārāma) as ‘living in sin’ and ‘living in vain’. Why?Open ↗
  14. 3.17Satisfaction and contentment are the two wheels of the life-chariot.Open ↗
  15. 3.17Who is free from duties?Open ↗
  16. 3.19How would you mathematically define attachment?Open ↗
  17. 3.21Why does the moral rejuvenation of a society depend on the leader of the society?Open ↗
  18. Why does the Lord work? What would be the loss if He were not to work at all? (3.23, 3.24)Open ↗
  19. 3.25What is the difference between the activities of the ‘wise’ and the ‘ignorant’?Open ↗
  20. 3.25When does attachment become a cure for one’s imperfections?Open ↗
  21. 3.26How should a ‘wise man’ guide his generation?Open ↗
  22. 3.27What is the notion of the ignorant man while acting?Open ↗
  23. 3.27Explain how ignorance of the Self manifests in the intellectual and mental zones.Open ↗
  24. 3.28Why is the ‘wise man’ not bound by actions and their results?Open ↗
  25. 3.30What is hope?Open ↗
  26. What is the meaning of ‘vigatajvara’ in verse (3.30)?Open ↗
  27. 3.30Why is the ego considered to be ‘the shadow of the past’?Open ↗
  28. 3.31What is ‘faith’?Open ↗
  29. 3.31How does the term ‘worklessness’ indicate the ‘State of Self-hood’?Open ↗
  30. 3.32Who are doomed to destruction?Open ↗
  31. 3.33“Sadṛśaṁ ceṣṭate svasyāḥ prakṛterjñānavānapi–Even a ‘man of knowledge’ acts in accordance with his own nature.” Explain.Open ↗
  32. 3.33Explain the significance of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s question ‘nigrahaḥ kiṁ kariṣyati– what can restraint do’?Open ↗
  33. 3.34What are one’s internal foes that prevent one from right living?Open ↗
  34. 3.34What is the relation between vāsanās, mind and ego?Open ↗
  35. 3.35Man’s texture of thoughts is determined by his vāsanās.Open ↗
  36. 3.35Distinguish ‘svadharma’ from ‘paradharma’.Open ↗
  37. 3.37What impels man to commit sin even against his wishes?Open ↗
  38. 3.37Define ‘desire’.Open ↗
  39. 3.37“Desire itself, under certain circumstances, gains expression as anger.” Explain.Open ↗
  40. 3.38Śrī Kṛṣṇa uses three examples to illustrate the manner in which desire and anger veil one’s reason and discrimination. What are the three examples and explain their significance.Open ↗
  41. 3.40What are the three seats of desire?Open ↗
  42. 3.43How is desire conquered?Open ↗

Selections for Reflection

  1. Reflection (Introduction.1)Open ↗
  2. Reflection (Introduction.2)Open ↗
  3. Reflection (Introduction.3)Open ↗
  4. 3.1ReflectionOpen ↗
  5. 3.3ReflectionOpen ↗
  6. 3.4ReflectionOpen ↗
  7. 3.26ReflectionOpen ↗
  8. 3.30ReflectionOpen ↗
  9. 3.34ReflectionOpen ↗

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More chapters · Through References

Chapter 4Chapter 4Read teaching →Chapter 5Chapter 5Read teaching →Chapter 6Chapter 6Read teaching →

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