Chapters 4-6

The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran

  I am only posting one of the questions I had for each chapter, but I am bringing the other questions to class for discussion.

Chapter 4: Wisdom in Action

-Krishna: “The wise see that there is action in the midst of in action and in action in the midst of action. Their consciousness is unified, and every act is done with complete awareness. / The awakened sages call a person wise when all his undertakings are free from anxiety about results; all his selfish desires have been consumed in the fire of knowledge. . . . Their security is unaffected by the results of their action; even while acting, they really do nothing at all. Free from expectations and from all sense of possession, with mind and body firmly controlled by the Self, they do not incur sin by the performance of physical action.” (v. 18-21)

                              -18: How does one pursue / apply this?                                  -19: Why is this “wise”?

                             -20: How does one do both action and inaction?                 -21: What sin? What type?

Chapter 5: Renounce & Rejoice

-Krishna: “Self-realization is (the wise’s) only goal” (v. 28).

               What else do they do? And, do they do anything else?

               Are they allowed to get married or have a job once they have accomplished this? Or, does this become their lifestyle, such as with a Catholic priest or nun?

 

Chapter 6: The Practice of Meditation

-Krishna: “The infinite joy of touching Brahman is easily attained by those who are free from the burden of evil and established within themselves” (v. 28).

               What form does “evil” take in their religion?

(con't next post Ch. 7-9 for whole assignment of reading)