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
Gandhi on the Gita
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“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.”
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)
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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
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
The Teachings in Total…
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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)
st
1
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Teaching
The Distress of Arjuna
46 verses
Arjuna requests Krishna on battlefield
Moves chariot between both sides
nd
2
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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
rd
3
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Teaching (Karma Yoga)
Virtue in Work
43 Verses
Krishna explains performance of “duties” –
actual performance that is practiced.
th
6
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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”)
th
11
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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.
Vocab Words– On final
(write down each word – leave a few lines in-between each for definition)
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1. Dharma
2. Artha
3. Kama
4. Moksha
5. Karma
6. Puja
7. Ahimsa
8. Yoga (3 types)
9. Guru
10. Tilaka
Dharma
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st
1
of the 4 goals in life
Righteousness in religious life; sacredness of
all life
The principle/law that orders the universe
Artha 
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nd
2
of the 4 goals in life
Success in economic life; material prosperity
Achieving widespread fame, gaining wealth
Having an elevated social standing
Kama
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rd
3
of the 4 goals in life
Eros – desire, pleasure of the senses
Mental and intellectual fulfillment of love
Passion – aesthetic enjoyment of life
Moksha 4th of the 4 goals in life
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Liberation from the cycle of rebirth
Freedom from the endless cycle of
reincarnation
Reincarnation – also known as Samsara
(continuos flow)
Karma
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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”
Puja – an expression of honor/worship
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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
Ahimsa - “Do No Harm”
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The avoidance of violence – nonviolence
Kindness to all living things, including animals
Living beings as “unity” – everything is
connected
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
Guru – “The wise ones who have realized the Truth will
impart the Knowledge to you” - Krishna
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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”
Tilaka – a mark on the forehead or other part of body
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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
The 4 Questions of The Gita….
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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?