1. The Bhagavad-Gita English 10 Introduction -Objectives:
-Students will understand the main characters in the Bhagavad-Gita
-Students will be able to apply knowledge of prior texts (Illiad/Gilgamesh) to the story of Arjuna and Krishna

2. Gandhi on the Gita
“When disappointment stares me in the face and all alone I see not one ray of light, I go back to the Gita. I find a verse here and a verse there and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming tragedies – and my life has been full of external tragedies – and if they have left no visible scar on me, I owe it all to the teachings of the Gita.”

3. The Bhagavad-Gita: What is it? Meaning = “Song of the Lord”
700 verses in Sanskrit scripture of a Civil War
Story of the Indian Epic, the Mahabharata – The war between two families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas (cousins)
Main Characters:
Arjuna (Pandavas hero)
Lord Krishna (the God Vishnu)

4. Arjuna – finest archer and warrior of the Pandavas: undefeated warrior
1. He is overcome with self-doubt and fear as
he approaches the battle field.
2. Does not want to fight his own kin or his former
Teacher.
3. Krishna gives advice, Arjuna listens and asks
Questions
4.Text is a Philosophical dialogue between Arjuna and
Krishna

5. Lord Krishna ( the God Vishnu)
1. Supreme God of Vaishnavism
2. Explains to Arjuna that he should do his duty and
fight in battle.
3. Teachings: The human soul is immortal – therefore – No one is
actually “slain”.
4. If people live accordingly to their duties, they cannot
be stained by action.
5. Known as “Guru” = the teacher/master

6. The Teachings in Total…
18 Teachings ( we are reading only 5 total)
In poetic form – usually chanted outloud
The writings have influenced Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Herman Hesse, and Robert Oppenheimer to name a few…
Each teaching is a separate “yoga” = (a prayer or hymn that is sung)

7. 1st Teaching The Distress of Arjuna 46 verses
Arjuna requests Krishna on battlefield
Moves chariot between both sides

8. 2nd Teaching –Summary of entire Gita
Book of Doctrines –
72 verses
Introduces Karma (concept of action/deed) – importance of cause and effect.
Yoga and the immortal nature of the soul

9. 3rd Teaching (Karma Yoga)
Virtue in Work
43 Verses
Krishna explains performance of “duties” – actual performance that is practiced.

10. 6th Teaching Religion by Self Restraint 47 verses
- Mastery of mind might be gained
- Techniques to gain mastery of mind
-Absolute reality is an illusion (concept known as “Maya”)

11. 11th Teaching Manifesting of the One and Many 55 verses
Theophany – the appearance of a god/deity in human form – “universal form”
Arjuna wants to find divine meaning of life
The purpose of Beatific Visions – ability to see gods/goddess in living form, among the living.

12. Vocab Words– On final (write down each word – leave a few lines in-between each for definition)
1. Dharma Puja
2. Artha Ahimsa
3. Kama Yoga (3 types)
4. Moksha Guru
5. Karma Tilaka

13. Dharma 1st of the 4 goals in life
Righteousness in religious life; sacredness of all life
The principle/law that orders the universe

14. Artha - 2nd of the 4 goals in life
Success in economic life; material prosperity
Achieving widespread fame, gaining wealth
Having an elevated social standing

15. Kama 3rd of the 4 goals in life
Eros – desire, pleasure of the senses
Mental and intellectual fulfillment of love
Passion – aesthetic enjoyment of life

16. Moksha 4th of the 4 goals in life
Liberation from the cycle of rebirth
Freedom from the endless cycle of reincarnation
Reincarnation – also known as Samsara
(continuos flow)

17. Karma The principle/law of cause and effect meaning: “deed”/ “act”
“If one follows goodness, one will reap goodness.”
“If one follows evil, one will reap evil”

18. Puja – an expression of honor/worship
A religious ritual; an offering to various gods, distinguished individuals, or guests.
Daily puja can take place in varous settings: home, temple ceremonies, large festivals

19. Ahimsa - “Do No Harm” The avoidance of violence – nonviolence
Kindness to all living things, including animals
Living beings as “unity” – everything is connected

20. Yoga- “to unite” “to join”
- The spiritual – mental - physical practice of attaining permanent peace.
Three Types (in 6th teaching/chapter)
1. Karma Yoga: yoga of action
2. Bhakti Yoga: yoga of devotion
3. Jnana Yoga: yoga of knowledge

21. Guru – “The wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart the Knowledge to you” - Krishna
Meaning – “master” or “True teacher”. A respected instructor with saintly qualities.
Enlightens the mind of followers – transmits wisdom from teacher to student
A spiritual advisor; an enlightened master.
One who “dispels the darkness of ignorance”

22. Tilaka – a mark on the forehead or other part of body
Worn daily or for special religious occasions
Created by the smearing of powder or paste on the forehead
Differs from a bindi, but similar – 19 different types of tilak

23. The 4 Questions of The Gita….
1. How can a Hindu warrior be liberated from rebirth?
2. If the soul is immortal, why is it involved in action (which will cause rebirth)?
3. If action is inevitable, how can the soul ever cease to be reborn?
4. How does one know right action from wrong?