The Bhagavad Gita Discussion Questions The Second Teaching is Krishna’s reply to Arjuna’s refusal to fight. Using the text, answer the following questions. Stanzas 1-3: What kind of pity is Arjuna displaying? Why is it not appropriate? Stanza 4-8 Who are Bhishma and Drona? Why is pity a flaw? Why does the Gita have Arjuna torn between two sides (stanza 6) instead of simply taking the wrong side? Stanza 9-10 Characterize Krishna as defined by Arjuna’s description. Stanza 11-15 What does Krishna mean when he says, “You grieve for those beyond grief,/ and you speak words of insight”? Aren’t these contradictions? To what concept introduced in class is Krishna referring when he mentions “childhood, youth and old age”? Stanzas 14 and 15 present what concept presented in class? Stanza 16-26 These stanzas start the reasoning of Krishna and present the first of four arguments laid out in this section of the Gita. What is it? Stanza 27-30 These stanzas present the second of four arguments. What is it? Stanza 31-34 These stanzas present the third of four arguments. What is it?

Stanza 35-38 These stanzas present the fourth of four arguments. What is it? Stanza 39-41 Krishna imparts his spiritual discipline as opposed to what discipline? Stanza 42-44 Who is Krishna describing? Why is it important that he mention these people? How will understanding them help Arjuna? What type of yoga is Krishna presenting? Stanza 49-53 Krishna discusses this type of yoga. What are some of his main points? Stanza 54 Arjuna wants to know how a man who is intent on contemplation will appear. Stanza 55-67 Krishna describes such a man, a sage. What are his characteristics? Stanza 68-72 Krishna uses paradox and simile to convey his point. Identify them.