The Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who does Arjuna ask the questions of life to?

Krishna

Give 2 examples of the questions Arjuna asks Krishna.

Does he have a soul? Does it carry on after death?

What is Atman?

The real self that never dies.

What is the ultimate premise of the Bhagavad Gita?

The immortal soul is more important than the passing world. Signup and view all the answers

What is a basic prerequisite of initiation in Hindu tradition?

All seekers need guidance from a spiritual teacher. Signup and view all the answers

What does Krishna symbolize in relation to Arjuna?

Atman Signup and view all the answers

What does samsara mean?

Rebirth Signup and view all the answers

What does jiva refer to?

Soul Signup and view all the answers

From where does the soul travel?

Life to life Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of dualities of life.

Pleasure and pain; success and failure. Signup and view all the answers

The Gita does not teach an enlightenment based on what?

Knowledge of the scriptures. Signup and view all the answers

What is important in the Gita?

Mystical experience Signup and view all the answers

What is hatha yoga?

Physical postures and exercises. Signup and view all the answers

What does yoga represent?

Evenness or discipline of the mind and detachment from the dualities of life. Signup and view all the answers

What is spiritual wisdom?

Direct experiential knowledge of the immortal self. Signup and view all the answers

What is Arjuna's first question to Krishna?

What difference does spiritual wisdom have on everyday life? Signup and view all the answers

What is Krishna's answer to Arjuna's first question?

Those who are established in wisdom live in continuous awareness that they are not the perishable body, but the atman. Signup and view all the answers

What does sthita-prajna mean?

Wisdom Signup and view all the answers

People with spiritual wisdom see the...self in all because the...is universally present in all.

Same, atman. Signup and view all the answers

What does kama refer to?

Any gratification of the ego. Signup and view all the answers

A self-realized person is not motivated by...?

Personal desires. Signup and view all the answers

Someone following their senses instead of controlling them will lose their...?

Purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What does attachment breed?

Desire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mystics' supreme goal?

Knowing their real nature and union with eternal being. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Questions of Life

Arjuna poses profound questions about existence to Krishna, seeking clarity on spirituality and the soul.
Queries include the nature of the soul and its continuation after death.

Core Concepts

Atman: Represents the true, eternal self that transcends physical death, akin to the soul.
Samsara: The cycle of rebirth that the soul undergoes, indicative of life’s continuous journey.
Jiva: Another term for the soul, emphasizing its individuality through different life forms.

Spiritual Teachings

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the immortal soul (atman) holds greater significance than temporary earthly experiences.
Essential for spiritual seekers is the guidance from a knowledgeable teacher to embark on their path.

Life’s Dualities

Life is characterized by opposing experiences; examples include pleasure versus pain, and success versus failure.
Understanding these dualities is crucial for achieving mental discipline and even-mindedness.

Enlightenment and Wisdom

Spiritual enlightenment is about knowledge acquired through direct experience rather than relying solely on scriptures.
Mystical experiences are central to comprehending the teachings within the Gita.

Practices and Realization

Hatha Yoga: Involves physical exercises and postures to prepare the body for spiritual practices.
Yoga: Encompasses mental discipline, fostering detachment from transient experiences and dualities.
A self-realized individual operates above personal desires, grounded instead in spiritual wisdom.

Personal Growth

Attachment leads to desire, which detracts from one's true purpose and spiritual trajectory.
True yogis perceive the universal atman present in all beings, underscoring the interconnectedness of life.

Ultimate Aim of Mystics

The most significant goal for mystics is to attain a profound understanding of their true nature, achieving union with the eternal essence of being.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita with these flashcards. Learn about Arjuna's questions to Krishna and the profound teachings regarding the soul and self. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of these essential philosophical ideas.