Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha BS Handbook

BHAKTI SHASTRI
Question Bank & Assessment Guidelines
Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha
ISKCON Govardhan Ecovillage,
Galtare, Hamrapur Post, Wada Taluka, Palghar District,
Mahrashtra, India– 421303 | www.vidyapitha.in
Bhakti Shastri Students Handbook
BHAKTI SHASTRI
The Bhakti Shastri Course is covered in 6 modules –
Module 1: BG Chapters 1-6 [Karma Yoga]
Module 2: BG Chapters 7-12 [Bhakti Yoga]
Module 3: BG Chapters 13-18 [Jnana Yoga]
Module 4: Nectar of Instruction
Module 5: Sri Isopanishad
Module 6: Nectar of Instruction
Type of Assessment Weightage

1 MCQ Tests 8%
2 Closed-Book Tests 35%
3 Oral Sloka Test 7%
4 Open-book tests 50%
Note: The student needs to score a minimum of 65% in each module for each type of assessment, to
receive BHAKTI SASTRI Degree. Re-exam facility will be provided if needed.
The exams are to ensure the student’s personal study after the completion of a chapter. They are meant
for a revision and recollection (mananam) of the scriptures, and not to induce an unhealthy competitive
spirit or passionate academic study within the students.
• MCQ TESTS are conducted after completion of each of the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita,
which the students need to submit before the next chapter. Each MCQ test has 50 questions.
• OPEN-BOOK TESTS are conducted after completion of each Module of the course. It is a long
essay-type answers test, where students can write the answers as per their understanding &
realizations of the subject matter. The books/materials can be referred while writing the answers.
• CLOSED-BOOK TESTS are conducted after completion of each Module of the course. This is a
memory-based exam with short- & long-answer questions, where the students write the answers
from the memory, without referring to any materials. The exam should be conducted in the presence
of a supervisor/invigilator form ISKCON temple/center from the student’s area/locality.
• SLOKA TESTS are conducted in written form along with the Closed-book Tests, where the
students need to write the Sloka and its paraphrased translation, based on their memory.
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Bhakti Shastri Student Handbook
CLOSED-BOOK EXAMS
Guidelines for Closed-book Exams -
The following is the format of the Closed-book exam for each module –
Section I: Short Answer Questions
• Answer any 10 out of 15 questions
• Each 3 marks – Total 30 marks
• Answer in about 75 words
Section II: Long Answer Questions
• Answer any 2 out of 5 questions
• Each 10 marks – Total 20marks
• Answer in about 250 words
• The Closed-book & Sloka exam are memory-based tests, which should be attempted in the presence
of the invigilator from the ISKCON temple from the locality of participants. Participants should
send an email for exam request to bhaktishastri.bvrc@gmail.com, at least 3-4 days prior to the exam
date.
• The invigilator's email address must be kept in cc (copy) while sending the email. The following
details for the exam should be mentioned in the email –
o Module number
o Day
o Date
o Time (in IST)
• The questions will be sent to the invigilator's email address, 30 minutes before the exam schedule.
• Once the exam time starts, the invigilator will provide the questions to the participant & the
participant should complete writing the exam in the mentioned time duration –
o 90 minutes (for Closed-book Exam)
o 45 minutes (for Sloka Exam)
o Total 135 minutes
• The registered name & email ID must be written on the 1st page of the answersheet & the page
numbers should be mentioned on each page.
• NOTE: Participant should make sure that the answers are visible & any portion of the paper is not
missing out while taking the picture.
o Kindly DO NOT send multiple images or multiple PDF files. Please use applications
like Adobe Scanner, Cam Scanner, PDF maker etc., to make a PDF file.
• The participants should send the single PDF file for answersheet to the invigilator & the same should
be forwarded to bhaktishastri.bvrc@gmail.com, from the invigilator.
• The invigilator’s presence is not required for the Open-book Exams & MCQ (Multiple Choice
Questions) Exams.
• The single PDF file for Open-book Exam answersheet should be prepared as per the guidelines
(mentioned in Open-book Exam section of this Handbook) & that should be sent to
bhaktishastri.bvrc@gmail.com from the registered email ID of the participant.
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OPEN-BOOK EXAMS
Guidelines for Open-book Exams -

• Open-book exams can be attempted before the Closed-book exam or after the completion of each
module. In each exam, the students need to answer 2-3 essays.
• Open-book exams, test the understanding of the students more than their ability to memorize.
• Practical application, personal application, analysis and shastric understanding are some of the
themes on which the Open-book questions are set.
• Answers need to be relevant to the theme of the question. The answer may even negate the question
by presenting relevant arguments. Real life incidents and relevant shastric quotations, analogies,
examples and personal reflections may also be included, as necessary.
• The following are some of the aspects observed in the evaluation of the Open-book essays –
Balanced presentation: PLEASE formula -
• Personal/Practical application
• Lesson
• Example
• Analogy
• Shastric connections
• Elaboration
• The answer could contain one or more of these aspects. Philosophical accuracy, degree of relevance
(of PLEAS) to the question, eloquence, redundancy, number of words, etc.
• Questions for the Open-book tests can be selected from the following question bank.
• In each Open-book test, the student has to write 2-3 essays, each 300 to 600 words, all put together
around 1000 words. (For example, you may write 2 essays of 500 words each, or 3 essays of 350
words each, or one essay of 400 words and another essay of 600 words.)
• The registered name & email ID must be written on the 1st page of the answersheet & the page
numbers should be mentioned on each page.
• NOTE:
• Participant should make sure that the answers are visible & any portion of the paper is not
missing out while taking the picture.
• Kindly DO NOT send multiple images or multiple PDF files. Please use applications like
Adobe Scanner, Cam Scanner, PDF maker etc., to make a PDF file.
• The participants should send the single PDF file for answersheet to bhaktishastri.bvrc@gmail.com.
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Module - 1 to 3
Bhagavad Gita
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CLOSED-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK
CHAPTER 1
Short Answer Questions
1. Write a brief note on Dhritarastra's selfish mentality (1.1)
2. Why was Duryodhana conﬁdent of the support of Bhisma and Drona in the battle? (1.11
3. List and explain the significance of the signs of victory for the Pandavas. (1.14-20)
4. Write a brief note on Lord Krishna's affection for His devotees. (1.21-23)
5. List the six kinds of aggressors. (1.36)
6. What are the consequences of the destruction of a dynasty? (1.39-42)
7. Explain the significance of the following names of Krishna used in this chapter: Acyuta, Govinda,
Madhava, and Hrsikesa. (BG 1.15, 1.21-22, 1.24, 1.32-35, 1.36)
Long Answer Questions

1. State and explain the reasons for Arjuna’s disinclination to fight. (1.28-46)
CHAPTER 2
1. Explain the analogy of the dress of a drowning man. (2.1)
2. Define the 3 phases of understanding the Absolute Truth in relation to the analogy of the sun. (2.2)
3. List the six characteristics of Bhagavan. (2.2)
4. Explain under what circumstances, according to scriptural codes, a teacher is fit to be abandoned.
(2.5)
5. Who is a dhira? (2.13)
6. Write a brief note on equanimity in dualities. (2.14 & 2.38)
7. List the six kinds of transformations the body is subject to. (2.20)
8. Summarize Krishna’s instructions to Arjuna on sakama- karma found in BG 2.31-37.
9. Give the meaning of the phrase “vyavasayatmika buddhi”. (2.40-41)
10. List at least four qualities of a sthita-prajna, as mentioned in BG 2.55-71.
11. How does a sthita-dhir muni regard happiness and distress? (2.56)
12. Explain the analogy of the rivers entering into the ocean. (2.70)

1. Describe the characteristics of spirit soul (atma). (2.11-30)
2. Differentiate between sakama-karma and nishkama-karma.
Explain Nishkama-karma-yoga. (2.31-37 & 38-53)
3. What are the 4 questions of Arjuna about a sthita-prajna (a liberated soul). Briefly write Krishna's
answers to them. (2.54-72)
CHAPTER 3
1. What is the difference between karma yogi & jnana yogi? (3.3)
2. Explain - "A sincere sweeper in the street is far better than the charlatan meditator.” (3.7)
3. Why premature renunciation is discouraged? (3.4- 9)
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4. Describe the cycle of sacrifice. (3.10-16)

5. Explain with examples, "One should not try to imitate the powerful, but simply follow their
instructions”. (3.24)
6. What is the difference between attached worker and detached worker? Elaborate. (3.25-29)
7. Why is a fully Krishna conscious person not obliged to follow the Vedic injunctions? (3.17)
8. Based in BG 3.20-24, identify principles of spiritual leadership and discuss their relevance for you.
9. Explain the analogy of cashier counting millions of dollars. (3.30)
10. Explain the analogy of "milk” with reference to the concept of "lust”. (3.37)

1. Present a summary of Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 3, identifying the main philosophical concepts and
sections of verses, and how they connect.
2. How does lust degrade a person? How to conquer it? (3.37-43)
CHAPTER 4
1. Describe the divine nature of lord Krishna's appearance based on 4.5-10.
2. Explain the analogy Srila Prabhupada gives in 4.6 to explain how the Lord appears in every
millennium in His original transcendental form? (4.6)
3. List the six kinds of avataras. (4.8)
4. List the eight steps from sraddha to prema, in English or Sanskrit. (4.10)
5. List the 12 mahajanas. (4.16)
6. Explain, giving examples for each, the distinction between ‘karma’, ‘akarma’ & ‘vikarma’ in
relation to the practice of Krishna bhakti, as discussed by Sri Krishna in 4.17-18.
7. What is the purpose of sacrifices? What is the effective way to attain spiritual knowledge? (4.30-
42)

1. Present a summary of Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 4, identifying the main philosophical concepts,
2. Discuss three statements from Bhagavad-Gita, chapter 4, that reflect Srila Prabhupada’s mood and
mission.
CHAPTER 5
1. Describe the characteristics of yoga yukta. (5.7-11)
2. Give the explanation of the phrase phalam tyaktva santim apnoti naisthikim. (5.12)
3. Who are the three doers and how? (5.13-16)
4. List the nine gates of the body. (5.13)
5. Explain the analogy of smelling the flower. (5.15)
6. Describe the equal vision of a self-realized person. (5.18)
7. Why is sense enjoyment distressful and how to deal with it? (5.22-23)
8. Write Sloka 5.29 and explain.
1. Present a summary of Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 5, identifying main philosophical concepts and
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2. Explain how a living entity can “live happily within the city of nine gates” as mentioned in BG
5.13 verse and purport.
CHAPTER 6
1. What are the eight practices of ashtanga yoga? (6.3-4)
2. Discuss how does 6.9 inspires you to cultivate friendly Vaishnava dealings.
3. Explain the significance of the story of the sparrow. (6.24)
4. How is the mind both friend and enemy? What is the success formula in yoga? (6.5-6 & 6.26)
5. Explain the analogy of the acute infection which may surpass the efficacy of medicine. (6.34)
6. Why did Arjuna say that ashtanga yoga is impractical and what did Krishna suggest? (33-36)
7. What is the destination of an unsuccessful Yogi? (6.40-45)
8. Who is the topmost Yogi? (6.46-47)

1. Present a summary of Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 6, identifying main philosophical concepts and
2. Describe the characteristics of mind and the art of mind control based on Chapter 6.
CHAPTER 7
1. Define - Jnana and Vijnana. (7.2)
2. Define - Para prakriti &Apara prakriti (7.4-5)
3. How is Krishna all-pervasive (7.8-12)
4. List 6 ways Krishna can be seen in the material world. (7.8-11)
5. Who are the Four Sukritinas & Four Duskritinas? (7.15-16)
6. What is the difference between Kevala bhakti & Misra bhakti? (7.16 & 19)
7. Who can perform determined bhakti? (7.28)

1. Explain the various types of people who surrender and don’t surrender to the Lord with reference
to the Sanskrit terms in 7.15-16.
2. What are the deficiencies in devata-worshipers and their process? Give reference, including
analogies, from Chapter 7 verses 20-23, verses and purports.
CHAPTER 8
1. Give the English meaning of the terms adhibhuta, adhiyajna, adhidaiva, adhyatma, as mentioned
in 8.3-4.
2. Write a brief note on Remembering Krishna at the time of death. (8.5-8)
3. Explain the term yoga-balena. (8.10)
4. Write a few differences between the material and the spiritual worlds. (8.17-22)

1. Explain the principles governing transmigration of the soul with reference to BG 8.5-9 verses and
purports.
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2. Briefly describe the two paths for leaving the body for yogis as described in 8.23-27. What is the
relevance of these paths for devotees?
CHAPTER 9
1. Explain the terms ‘confidential’, ‘more confidential’ and ‘most confidential’ with reference to the
knowledge of Bhagavad-Gita. (9.1)
2. Write the characteristics of knowledge of pure bhakti. (9.2)
3. Write a brief note on Kṛṣṇa’s opulence. (9.4-10)
4. What are the qualities of a mahatma? (9.14)
5. List, in Sanskrit or English, 3 types of those worshiping Krishna in different ways. (9.15)
6. How does Kṛṣṇa deal with an imperfect devotee? (30-31)
7. Explain the analogies:
a. Giving water to the root of a tree. (9.3)
b. High-court judge. (9.9)
c. Diamond in a golden ring. (9.29)
d. Spots that resemble the mark of a rabbit. (9.30)

1. Describe the characteristics of Kevala bhakti with any 2 Slokas.
CHAPTER 10
1. Write any 6 of Krishna's vibhutis. (10.19-40)
2. Why does Arjuna ask Krishna to explain His opulences? (10.17-18)
3. Explain the meaning of the word ‘vibhuti’. (10.19)
4. List and explain any 4 vibhutis that are considered feminine. (10.34)
5. Describe the three puruṣa-avataras (10.20 purport)

1. Give a summary of 10.8-11. (10)
CHAPTER 11
1. Describe some features of the visvarupa or universal form that Arjuna has seen. (11.5-18)
2. How does the universal form differ from other forms of the Lord? (11.5)
3. Describe the features of the kala Rupa are the form of time as seen by Arjuna. (11.19-25)
4. Summarize Arjuna's prayers. (11.35-46)
5. Give evidence establishing that Arjuna's seeing the Universal Form, as described in 11.20-23, was
not a dream.

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2. How did Krishna glorify pure bhakti at the end of chapter 11? (11.52-55)
CHAPTER 12
1. Who are the two classes of transcendentalists? (12.1)
2. Make a quick comparison of the parts of personalists and impersonalists. (12.2-7)
3. Summarize Krishna’s description of the worship of impersonal Absolute Truth. (12.3-4)
4. Explain the analogies of the child completely cared for by his parents and the man who has fallen
in the ocean. (6-7)

1. List the progressive levels of bhakti. (12.8-12)
2. Describe any 10 qualities that endear one to Krishna. (12.13-20)
CHAPTER 13
1. Give and explain the English meanings of the words prakrti, purusa, and jneyam. (1)
2. Explain the analogy of the citizen and his patch of land. (3)
3. List the 11 senses. (6-7)
4. Explain any four aspects of the Supersoul. (13-18)
5. Explain the analogy of how air enters into water, mud and stool etc. compared with living entities.
(33)

1. Define the terms prakriti, purusha, Kshetra, Kshetrajna, jnanam, andjneyam, and briefly describe
the answers that Krishna gave.
2. Elaborate on any five elements of knowledge. (13.8-12)
CHAPTER 14
1. Explain the analogy of scorpion and its laying of egg in piles of rice. (3)
2. Cite symptoms manifested in each of the three modes. (11- 13)
3. What are the respective destinations, at death, of those situated in the modes? (14-15)
4. How to Transcend the material modes? (19-20)
5. Explain the analogy of the living entity compared with gold. (26)
6. Explain the connection between Bhagavad-Gita Chapters 13 and 14.

1. Describe how the 3 modes condition soul? How to recognize the prominence of mode? What are
the results of action done in 3 modes? (5-18)
CHAPTER 15
1. Explain the following analogies:
a. Of the air carrying aromas. (15.8)
b. The handful of dust. (15.13)
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2. Describe how Krishna is our maintainer. (12-15)

3. What do the words ksarah and aksarah refer to? (16)
4. What is the meaning of Purusottama? (18)

1. Write a brief note on the transmigration of the spirit soul. (7-11)
2. Describe the tree of material world and the process of cutting it. (1-6)
3. Explain why Lord Krishna is celebrated both in the world and in the Vedas as that Supreme
Person. (16-18)
CHAPTER 16
1. Give the English meanings of the following words:
a. sampada (1-3)
b. pravrttim and nivrttim (7)
c. anisvaram (8)
d. ugra-karmanah (9)
2. Give two qualities each, relevant for sannyasis and grhasthas, as discussed in the purport 16.1-3.
3. What are the qualities particularly meant for bramacaris (2 qualities) and varnaprasthas (1
quality)? (1-3)
4. What are the three gateways to hell? (21-24)
5. Describe the results of developing the demoniac nature as described in 16.19-20.
6. Describe the results of discarding scriptural injunctions and acting according to one’s own whims.
(23)

1. Describe 5 godly qualities and five demoniac qualities. (1- 4)
CHAPTER 17
1. Describe the foods in 3 modes. (8-10)
2. Describe sacrifices in three modes. (11-13)
3. What are the aspects of the austerity of the body? (14)
4. Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport to 17.15: “One should not speak in such a way as to agitate
the minds of others.” Discuss the significance of this statement in your personal life.
5. Describe the charity in three modes. (20-22)
6. Explain the connection between Bhagavad-Gita Chapters 16 and 17.

CHAPTER 18
1. What are the 3 things that one shouldn't give up? and why? (1-12)
2. Explain the analogy of the soldier killing. (17)
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3. Describe Work in 3 modes. (23- 25)

4. Describe worker in 3 modes. (26-28)
5. Describe intelligence or understanding in 3 modes. (30-32)
6. Describe determination in 3 modes. (33-35)
7. Describe happiness in 3 modes. (36-39)
8. Write the qualities of the 4 varnas. (41-44)
9. List six symptoms of surrender in Sanskrit or English (66)
10. Describe the glory of studying & teaching the Gita. (67-71)

1. How did Krishna establish the glory of Bhakti in this chapter? Write verses 18.65-66. (64-66)
2. Write the realizations of Arjuna and Sanjaya in this chapter. Write 18.78. (72-78)
OPEN-BOOK EXAM QUESTION BANK
Bhagavad Gita Module 1

1. Share your reflections on the character of Lord Krishna in becoming the driver of the chariot of his
own devotee, although he himself is capable of fighting the battle single- handedly. (Ch.1)
2. Analyze Arjuna's character in displaying the noble qualities of compassion, detachment,
responsibility towards society etc., while simultaneously exhibiting a confusion in performing his
prescribed duty. (Ch.1)
3. List three aspects of Prabhupada’s mood and/or mission as revealed in the Preface to Bhagavad-
Gita and comment, in own words, on the importance of these aspects for ISKCON.
4. What did you learn from Arjuna's accepting Krishna as the guru? (Ch.2)
5. Discuss the mature and immature application of the understanding that the soul is eternal and the
body is temporary. (Ch. 2)
6. How will you explain your intelligent friend the need to cultivate detachment to results and
equanimity in dualities? (Ch. 2)
7. Share your reflections on gratitude in relation to the process of offering food to God before eating
oneself. (See 3.11-13)
8. How does verse 3.30 inspire you to perform your duty with responsibility while depending on
Krishna. Give an example.
9. As the pure spiritual knowledge gets lost over generations, what do you think the humanity needs
to do to preserve it? (Ch. 4)
10. Is Krishna partial in creating the 4 castes? Explain. (Ch. 4)
11. What’s the effective process to attain spiritual knowledge? How do you justify the need for
submissiveness and service to guru in acquiring jnana? (Ch. 4)
12. How does the knowledge of the three doers help you not to become proud of your
accomplishments? (Ch.5)
13. Share your reflections on maintaining equal vision towards all living entities, along with some
practical life experiences. (Ch. 5)
14. Explain, in your own words, who is responsible for the suffering of the conditioned living entities
with reference to Sanskrit verses, analogies and purports, from Bhagavad-Gita 4.14; 5.14-15.
15. How would you like to apply the mind control tips given by Krishna in chapter 6?
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16. Share your understanding of the hierarchy of the paths of karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, dhyana-yoga &
bhakti-yoga. (Ch. 6)
17. Establish, in your own words, the superiority of bhakti over the other yoga systems with reference
to verses and purports from Bhagavad-Gita, Chapters 2-6, and comments from Prabhupada’s
lectures. In your answer explain the following:
18. The impracticality of yoga systems, other than bhakti- yoga, in Kali-yuga.
19. How bhakti-yoga contains all the components of the other yoga systems.
20. How bhakti-yoga can be practiced without having practiced other yoga systems.

1. How did Krishna’s words in 7.4-11 increase your remembrance and vision of Krishna in your
day-to-day life?
2. Share your reflections on the four types of sukritinas and dushkritinas that you see in the modern
society. (Ch. 7)
3. "Life is a preparation, and death is an examination" because our consciousness at the time of
death decides our next body. How does your knowledge of 8.5-8 inspire you to improve your way
of living?
4. Explain, in your own words, how the statement "a pure devotee can live anywhere and create the
atmosphere of Vrindavan by his devotional service" reflects Prabhupada’s mood. Give reference
to Bhagavad-Gita 8.14, verse and purport, in your response.
5. If someone says to you "all paths lead to the same goal" what would be your logical answer based
on Chapter 9?
6. How will you explain the simplicity and practicality of Krishna-bhakti to the society based on
Chapter 9?
7. Elaborate on Krishna's quality of forgiveness and compassion with reference to 9.30-31.
8. Explain, in your own words, the proper understanding of devata worship with reference to
appropriate verses, purports & analogies from 3.10-16 & 7.20-23, 9.20-25.
9. Share your reflections on the approaches of Krishna and a devotee towards each other based on
10.8-11.
10. Share your reflections on the descriptions of Vishwarupa and kala Rupa. (Ch. 11)
11. In 11.32 Krishna says that he is the ultimate destroyer as time. Share your understanding on the
temporary nature of everything material.
12. What is your understanding is the greatness of Ananya bhakti in comparison to all other processes
that Krishna described in Bhagavad Gita? (Ch. 12)
13. How do you explain Krishna's accommodative nature based on 12.8-12?
14. What is the significance of cultivating good qualities along with the practice of bhakti? Mention
any three qualities that you wish to cultivate to become dear to Krishna. explain how would you
like to imbibe them in your life. (Ch. 12)
15. Present points, in your own words, relevant for personal application from the formula of Krishna
consciousness given in Bhagavad-Gita 11.55. Give specific reference to the verse and
Prabhupada’s purports in your response.

1. Describe how would you like to cultivate any five elements of knowledge that you prioritize. (Ch.
13)
2. How does chapter-13 inspire you to develop a vision of knowledge while seeing people and
situations in this material world.
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3. How will you try to increase your mode of goodness and reduce you are modes of passion and
ignorance? (Ch. 14)
4. With reference to appropriate verses and purports from Bhagavad Gita chapters 14 to 17, explain
in your own words – (i) The importance of developing the mode of goodness in the practice of
Krishna consciousness, (ii) How Krishna consciousness is independent of the mode of goodness.
5. Ramesh sleeps at 2 a.m., every day and gets up by 8 a.m. He gets irritated easily. He works hard 6
days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. He is very ambitious of becoming project manager in his
company. He spends the weekend in pubs.
- Based on chapter 14, what Practical advice would you give him about the importance of
developing the mode of goodness and what would you suggest him to come to mode of goodness.
6. How does the description of the spiritual world excite you in developing a desire to go there? (Ch.
15)
7. Krishna describes in 15.15 that he gives knowledge remembrance and forgetfulness. Does it mean
that we have no independence? is he responsible for our good and bad deeds and moods? Elaborate.
8. Share a few examples of divine and demoniac tendencies in the modern world. (Ch. 16)
9. Having read the 17th chapter, what steps would you like to take in your personal life regarding your
style of eating, working and donating.
10. Describe Krishna's expertise, sensitivity and accommodativeness as a teacher. How does it inspire
you in teaching others? (Ch. 18)
11. Having read how our work, intelligence and so on are influenced by material gunas, what gradual
steps would you like to take to come to the level of sattva-guna? (Ch. 18)
12. Share your reflections on the glory and simplicity of essential teaching of the Gita in 18.65-66, in
comparison to the other paths that Krishna presented. (Ch. 18)
13. Choose a verse or passage from chapter 18 which you feel enhances your faith and conviction in
Krishna Consciousness and/or Srila Prabhupada.
14. Identify one verse/passage etc. that appears to “speak to you directly” (i.e., seems just relevant to
you, and your current situation, challenges, etc.). Explore and write down one thing you could do
based on this to improve your spiritual life.
SLOKAS FOR MEMORIZATION

Bg. 2.7
कार्पण्यदोषोर्हतस्वभावः
र्ृच्छामि त्ाां धिपसम्मूढचेताः ।
यच्छरेयः स्यामिश्‍चचतां ब्रूमह तन्मे
मिष्यस्तेऽहां िामध िाां त्ाां प्रर्िि् ॥ ७ ॥
kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ
pṛcchāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ
yac chreyaḥ syān niścitaṁ brūhi tan me
śiṣyas te ’haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam
Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this
condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a
soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.
14
Bg. 2.13
दे महनोऽश्िन्यथा दे हे कौिारां यौवनां जरा ।
तथा दे हान्तरप्राश्िधीरस्तत्र न िुह्यमत ॥ १३ ॥
dehino ’smin yathā dehe kaumāraṁ yauvanaṁ jarā
tathā dehāntara-prāptir dhīras tatra na muhyati
As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul
similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.
Bg. 2.20
न जायते मियते वा कदामच-
िायां भूत्ा भमवता वा न भूयः ।
अजो मनत्यः िाश्वतोऽयां र्ुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यिाने िरीरे ॥ २० ॥
na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin
nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ
ajo nityaḥ śāśvato ’yaṁ purāṇo
na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre
For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into
being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval. He is not slain
when the body is slain.
Bg. 2.44
भोगैश्वयपप्रसक्तानाां तयार्हृतचेतसाि् ।
व्यवसायाश्िका बुश्धः सिाधौ न मवधीयते ॥ ४४ ॥
bhogaiśvarya-prasaktānāṁ
tayāpahṛta-cetasām
vyavasāyātmikā buddhiḥ
samādhau na vidhīyate
In the minds of those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are
bewildered by such things, the resolute determination for devotional service to the Supreme Lord does
not take place.
Bg. 3.27
प्रकृतेः मियिाणामन गुणैः किापमण सवपिः ।
अहङ्कारमविूढािा कताप हमिमत िन्यते ॥ २७ ॥
prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni
guṇaiḥkarmāṇi sarvaśaḥ
ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā
kartāham iti manyate
The spirit soul bewildered by the influence of false ego thinks himself the doer of activities that are in
actuality carried out by the three modes of material nature.
Bg. 4.2
एवां र्रम्पराप्रािमििां राजषपयो मवदु ः ।
स कालेनेह िहता योगे नष्टः र्रन्तर् ॥ २ ॥
15
evaṁ paramparā-prāptam
imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
sa kāleneha mahatā
yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa
This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings
understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as
it is, appears to be lost.
Bg. 4.8
र्ररत्राणाय साधुनाां मवनािाय च दु ष्कृताि् ।
धिपसांस्थानाथाप य सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥ ८ ॥
paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge
To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion,
I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.
Bg. 4.9
जन्म किप च िे मदव्यिेवां यो वेमि तत्त्वतः ।
त्यक्त्वा दे हां र्ुनजपन्म नैमत िािेमत सोऽजुपन ॥ ९ ॥
janma karma ca me divyam
evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma
naiti mām eti so ’rjuna
One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the
body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.
Bg. 4.34
तमिश्ध प्रमणर्ातेन र्ररप्रश्चेन सेवया ।
उर्दे क्ष्यश्न्त ते ज्ञानां ज्ञामननस्तत्त्वदमिपनः ॥ ३४ ॥
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render
service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the
truth.
Bg. 5.22
ये मह सांस्पिपजा भोगा दु :खयोनय एव ते ।
आद्यन्तवन्त: कौन्तेय न तेषु रिते बुध: ॥ २२ ॥
ye hi saṁsparśa-jā bhogā
duḥkha-yonaya eva te
ādy-antavantaḥ kaunteya
na teṣu ramate budhaḥ
16
An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the
material senses. O son of Kuntī, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the wise man does
not delight in them.
Bg. 5.29
भोक्तारां यज्ञतर्साां सवपलोकिहेश्वरि् ।
सुहृदां सवपभूतानाां ज्ञात्ा िाां िाश्न्तिृच्छमत ॥ २९ ॥
bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ
sarva-loka-maheśvaram
suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ
jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati
A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and
austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well- wisher of all
living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries.
Bg. 6.47
योमगनािमर् सवेषाां िद्गचतेनान्तरािना ।
श्रधावान्भजते यो िाां स िे युक्ततिो ित: ॥ ४७ ॥
yoginām api sarveṣāṁ
mad-gatenāntar-ātmanā
śraddhāvān bhajate yo māṁ
sa me yukta-tamo mataḥ
And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself and
renders transcendental loving service to Me – he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is
the highest of all. That is My opinion.

Bg. 7.5
अर्रे यमितस्त्वन्याां प्रकृमतां मवश्ध िे र्राि् ।
जीवभूताां िहाबाहो यये दां धायपते जगत् ॥ ५ ॥
apareyam itas tv anyāṁ
prakṛtiṁ viddhi me parām
jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho
yayedaṁdhāryate jagat
Besides these, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the
living entities who are exploiting the resources of this material, inferior nature.
Bg. 7.14
दै वी ह्येषा गुणियी िि िाया दु रत्यया ।
िािेव ये प्रर्द्यन्ते िायािेताां तरश्न्त ते ॥ १४ ॥
daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī
mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante
māyām etāṁ taranti te
17
This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome.
But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.
Bg. 7.19
बहूनाां जन्मनािन्ते ज्ञानवान्माां प्रर्द्यते ।
वासुदेव: सवपमिमत स िहािा सुदुलपभ: ॥ १९ ॥
bahūnāṁ janmanām ante
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ
After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be
the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.
Bg. 8.5
अन्तकाले च िािेव िरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरि् ।
य: प्रयामत स िद्चावां यामत नास्त्यत्र सांिय: ॥ ५ ॥
anta-kāle ca mām eva
smaran muktvā kalevaram
yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ
yāti nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ
And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body remembering Me alone at once attains My nature.
Of this there is no doubt.
Bg. 8.16
आब्रह्मभुवनाल्चोका: र्ुनरावमतपनोऽजुपन ।
िािुर्ेत्य तु कौन्तेय र्ुनजपन्म न मवद्यते ॥ १६ ॥
ā-brahma-bhuvanāl lokāḥ
punar āvartino ’rjuna
mām upetya tu kaunteya
punar janma na vidyate
From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein
repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kuntī, never takes
birth again.
Bg. 9.2
राजमवद्या राजगुह्यां र्मवत्रमिदिुििि् ।
प्रत्यक्षावगिां धर्म्यं सुसुखां कतुपिव्ययि् ॥ २ ॥
rāja-vidyā rāja-guhyaṁ
pavitram idam uttamam
pratyakṣāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ
su-sukhaṁ kartum avyayam
This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and
because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is
everlasting, and it is joyfully performed.
18
Bg. 9.4
िया ततमिदां सवं जगदव्यक्तिूमतपना ।
ित्स्थामन सवपभूतामन न चाहां तेष्ववश्स्थत: ॥ ४ ॥
mayā tatam idaṁ sarvaṁ
jagad avyakta-mūrtinā
mat-sthāni sarva-bhūtāni
na cāhaṁ teṣv avasthitaḥ
By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not
in them.
Bg. 9.14
सततां कीतपयन्तो िाां यतन्तश्च दृढव्रता: ।
निस्यन्तश्च िाां भक्त्चा मनत्ययुक्ता उर्ासते ॥ १४ ॥
satataṁ kīrtayanto māṁ
yatantaś ca dṛḍha-vratāḥ
namasyantaś ca māṁ bhaktyā
nitya-yuktā upāsate
Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these
great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.
Bg. 9.25
याश्न्त दे वव्रता दे वाश्ितॄन्याश्न्त मर्तृव्रता: ।
भूतामन याश्न्त भूतेज्या याश्न्त िद्यामजनोऽमर् िाि् ॥ २५ ॥
yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām
Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors
go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those
who worship Me will live with Me.
Bg. 9.26
र्त्रां र्ुष्पां फलां तोयां यो िे भक्त्चा प्रयच्छमत ।
तदहां भक्त्चुर्हृतिश्चामि प्रयतािन: ॥ २६ ॥
patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ
yo me bhaktyā prayacchati
tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam
aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ
If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.
Bg. 9.27
यत्करोमष यदश्चामस यज्चह
ु ोमष ददामस यत् ।
यिर्स्यमस कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व िदर्पणि् ॥ २७ ॥
yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi
yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam
19
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you
perform – do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to Me.
Bg. 9.29
सिोऽहां सवपभूतेषु न िे िे ष्योऽश्स्त न मप्रय: ।
ये भजश्न्त तु िाां भक्त्चा िमय ते तेषु चाप्यहि् ॥ २९ ॥
samo ’haṁsarva-bhūteṣu
na me dveṣyo ’sti na priyaḥ
ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā
mayi te teṣu cāpy aham
I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in
devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.
Bg. 10.8
अहां सवपस्य प्रभवो िि: सवं प्रवतपते ।
इमत ित्ा भजन्ते िाां बुधा भावसिश्िता: ॥ ८ ॥
ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo
mattaḥsarvaṁpravartate
iti matvā bhajante māṁ
budhā bhāva-samanvitāḥ
I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who
perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.
Bg. 10.9
िश्चचिा िद्गचतप्राणा बोधयन्त: र्रस्परि् ।
कथयन्तश्च िाां मनत्यां तुष्यश्न्त च रिश्न्त च ॥ ९ ॥
mac-cittāmad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca
The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they
derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.
Bg. 10.10
तेषाां सततयुक्तानाां भजताां प्रीमतर्ूवपकि् ।
ददामि बुश्धयोगां तां येन िािुर्याश्न्त ते ॥ १० ॥
teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ
bhajatāṁprīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ
yena mām upayānti te
To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they
can come to Me.
20
Bg. 10.11
तेषािेवानुकम्पाथपिहिज्ञानजां ति: ।
नाियार्म्यािभावस्थो ज्ञानदीर्ेन भास्वता ॥ ११ ॥
teṣām evānukampārtham
aham ajñāna-jaṁ tamaḥ
nāśayāmy ātma-bhāva-stho
jñāna-dīpena bhāsvatā
To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge
the darkness born of ignorance.

Bg. 13.22
र्ुरुष: प्रकृमतस्थो मह भुङ्क्क्ते प्रकृमतजान्गुणान् ।
कारणां गुणसङ्गोऽस्य सदसद्योमनजन्मसु ॥ २२ ॥
puruṣaḥ prakṛti-stho hi
bhuṅkte prakṛti-jān guṇān
kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo ’sya
sad-asad-yoni-janmasu
The living entity in material nature thus follows the ways of life, enjoying the three modes of nature.
This is due to his association with that material nature. Thus, he meets with good and evil among various
species.
Bg. 13.23
उर्द्रष्टानुिन्ता च भताप भोक्ता िहे श्वर: ।
र्रिािेमत चाप्युक्तो दे हेऽश्ििुरुष: र्र: ॥ २३ ॥
upadraṣṭānumantā ca
bhartā bhoktā maheśvaraḥ
paramātmeti cāpy ukto
dehe ’smin puruṣaḥ paraḥ
Yet in this body there is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor,
who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul.
Bg. 14.4
सवपयोमनषु कौन्तेय िूतपय: सम्भवश्न्त या: ।
तासाां ब्रह्म िहद्योमनरहां बीजप्रद: मर्ता ॥ ४ ॥
sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya
mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā
It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material
nature, and that I am the seed-giving father.
21
Bg. 14.26
िाां च योऽव्यमभचारे ण भश्क्तयोगे न सेवते ।
स गुणान्सितीत्यैतान्ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ॥ २६ ॥
māṁ ca yo ’vyabhicāreṇa
bhakti-yogena sevate
sa guṇān samatītyaitān
brahma-bhūyāya kalpate
One who engages in full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes
of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.
Bg. 15.7
ििैवाां िो जीवलोके जीवभूत: सनातन: ।
िन:षष्ठानीश्ियामण प्रकृमतस्थामन कषपमत ॥ ७ ॥
mamaivāṁśo jīva-loke jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ
manaḥ-ṣaṣṭhānīndriyāṇi prakṛti-sthāni karṣati
The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life,
they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.
Bg. 15.15
सवपस्य चाहां हृमद समिमवष्टो
िि: िृमतज्ञाप निर्ोहनां च ।
वेदैश्च सवैरहिेव वेद्यो
वेदान्तकृिे दमवदे व चाहि् ॥ १५ ॥
sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo
mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca
vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham
I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all
the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedānta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.
Bg. 18.54
ब्रह्मभूत: प्रसिािा न िोचमत न काङ्क्षमत ।
सि: सवेषु भूतेषु िद्चश्क्तां लभते र्राि् ॥ ५४ ॥
brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā
na śocati na kāṅkṣati
samaḥsarveṣu bhūteṣu
mad-bhaktiṁ labhate parām
One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully
joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything. He is equally disposed toward every living entity.
In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me.
Bg. 18.55
भक्त्चा िािमभजानामत यावान्यश्चाश्ि तत्त्वत: ।
ततो िाां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्ा मविते तदनन्तरि् ॥ ५५ ॥
22
bhaktyā mām abhijānāti

yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ
tato māṁtattvato jñātvā
viśate tad-anantaram
One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, only by devotional service.
And when one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.
Bg. 18.61
ईश्वर: सवपभूतानाां हृद्दे िेऽजुपन मतष्ठमत ।
भ्राियन्सवप भूतामन यन्चत्रारूढामन िायया ॥ ६१ ॥
īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ
hṛd-deśe ’rjuna tiṣṭhati
bhrāmayan sarva-bhūtāni
yantrārūḍhāni māyayā
The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all
living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.
Bg. 18.65
िन्मना भव िद्चक्तो िद्याजी िाां निस्कुरु ।
िािेवैष्यमस सत्यां ते प्रमतजाने मप्रयोऽमस िे ॥ ६५ ॥
man-manābhava mad-bhakto
mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru
mām evaiṣyasi satyaṁ te
pratijāne priyo ’si me
Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus, you will
come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.
Bg. 18.66
सवपधिाप िररत्यज्य िािेकां िरणां व्रज ।
अहां त्ाां सवपर्ार्ेभ्यो िोक्षमयष्यामि िा िचच
ु : ॥ ६६ ॥
sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁśaraṇaṁvraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi māśucaḥ
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions.
Do not fear.
Bg. 18.78
यत्र योगेश्वर: कृष्णो यत्र र्ाथो धनुधपर: ।
तत्र श्रीमवपजयो भूमतर्ध्ुपवा नीमतिपमतिपि ॥ ७८ ॥
yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo
yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ
tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir
dhruvā nītir matir mama
Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer,
there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.
23
Module - 4
Sri Upadesamrta
(The Nectar of Instruction)
24
Short Answers Questions

1. What are the four levels of intelligence presented in the Purport of Text 1?
2. How to control the urges of the mind and the anger (1P)
3. Describe the three energies of the Supreme Lord. (2P)
4. Write and briefly explain the two meanings of Niyamagraha. (2P)
5. Briefly describe the two aspects of tat-tat-karma-pravartanat. (3)
6. List the nine processes of bhakti (3P)
7. Describe the dadati principle set by Rupa Goswami (4P)
8. How does a madhyama devotee deal with different kinds of devotees? (5)
9. How should one deal with the devotee (kanistha-adhikari) who chants the holy name? (5)
10. Describe the importance of diksha or initiation from a bona fide guru (5P)
11. What are some offensive perceptions while dealing with pure devotees? Explain. (6P)
12. Write Srila Prabhupada’s comments on Gosvami titles in his purport to Text 6.
13. How to cure the jaundice of avidya (ignorance)? Answer based on Text 7.
14. List the three stages in chanting the holy name of the Lord. (7)
15. What is the essence of all advice according to Text 8?
16. What is devotional service in spontaneous love (raga-bhakti)? (8P)
17. Write the gradation of the holy places and describe the glory of the topmost holy place based in
Texts 9 and 11.
18. Define vipralambha-seva. (10)
19. Who is the dear most devotee of Lord Krishna? Briefly describe Her exalted position based on Text
10.
Long Answers Questions

1. Write a brief note on the six urges unfavorable for advancement in bhakti. (NOI 1)
2. What are the six vices that are unfavorable for bhakti? (NOI 2)
3. What are the six virtues favorable for advancement in bhakti? (NOI 3)
4. Write a brief note on the six loving exchanges among devotees. (NOI 4)
5. Describe the qualities of the three types of devotees. (NOI 5)
OPEN-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK
1. How is Upadesamrta a perfect guide in the practice of bhakti? Write your personal understanding.
2. Explain the importance of avoiding 'atyahara' and 'prayasa' in one's practices of devotional service.
How can you avoid these tendencies? Give appropriate reference to Sri Upadesamrta Text 2, verse
and purport, in your response.
3. How does Text 4 inspire you to cultivate friendships with devotees? List some steps you would like
to take to deepen your Vaishnava relationships. What are the possible problems that could arise in
having six loving exchanges with non-devotees?
4. Upadesamrta teaches us that Radhakund is the topmost holy place. So, can all the practicing
devotees reside there? Discuss.
25
5. “Anger can also be used in Krishna consciousness.” Discuss the mature and immature
ways of applying this statement in one’s dealings with devotees.
6. Write 8 pointers for a seminar on how “enthusiasm” is a vital factor for advancement in
bhakti, based on shastric references and your personal reflections.
(1)
vāco vegaṁ manasaḥ krodha-vegaṁ jihvā-vegam udaropastha-vegam
etān vegān yo viṣaheta dhīraḥ sarvām apīmāṁ pṛthivīṁ sa śiṣyāt
A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the
urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified to make disciples all over the world.
(2)
atyāhāraḥ prayāsaś ca prajalpo niyamāgrahaḥ
jana-saṅgaśca laulyaṁca ṣaḍbhir bhaktir vinaśyati
One’s devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too entangled in the following six activities: (1)
eating more than necessary or collecting more funds than required; (2) over- endeavoring for mundane
things that are very difficult to obtain; (3) talking unnecessarily about mundane subject matters; (4)
practicing the scriptural rules and regulations only for the sake of following them and not for the sake
of spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations of the scriptures and working
independently or whimsically; (5) associating with worldly-minded persons who are not interested in
Kṛṣṇa consciousness; and (6) being greedy for mundane achievements.
(3)
utsāhān niścayād dhairyāt tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt
saṅga-tyāgāt sato vṛtteḥ ṣaḍbhir bhaktiḥ prasidhyati
There are six principles favorable to the execution of pure devotional service: (1) being enthusiastic,
(2) endeavoring with confidence, (3) being patient, (4) acting according to regulative principles [such
as śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇam – hearing, chanting and remembering Kṛṣṇa], (5) abandoning
the association of nondevotees, and (6) following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas. These six
principles undoubtedly assure the complete success of pure devotional service.
(4)
dadāti pratigṛhṇāti guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati
bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva ṣaḍ-vidhaṁ prīti-lakṣaṇam
Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring
confidentially, accepting prasāda and offering prasāda are the six symptoms of love shared by one
devotee and another.
26
Module - 5
Sri Isopanisad
27

1. Define the word “Upanisad”.
2. Give reasons why sabda-pramana is a superior means of acquiring knowledge. (Introduction)
3. Write Srila Prabhupada’s comments from the “on living a god-centred life”. (From Mantra 2
Purport)
4. Define karma, akarma and vikarma.
5. Who are the two types of human beings? What is the right utility of human life? (Mantra 3 Purport)
6. Write the qualities of Kanishta, Madhya and Uttama adhikaris. (Mantra 6 Purport)
7. Write a brief note on perfect oneness described in Purport 7.
8. Enumerate the qualities of the Lord mentioned in Mantra 8.
9. How is avidya better than vidya? (Mantra 9)
10. What are the qualities of Veda-vada-ratas? (Mantra 9 Purport)
11. What is the process of culturing knowledge according to Gita? (Purport 10)
12. What are the three avyakta states? (Purport 14)
13. What is the prayer of a devotee in Mantras 15-16?
14. What are the three kinds of realizations of the Lord? Which of them is complete and why?
15. What is the prayer of a devotee at the time of death? (Mantra 17)
16. How does Krishna deal with a devotee who commits mistakes? (Purport 17)
17. What are the different ways in which the Lord protects His devotees? (Purport 18)

1. Write the invocation mantra and its meaning. Describe the completeness of the Lord and His
creation. Why do we experience incompleteness?
2. Write the first mantra and its meaning. Write a brief note on the supreme proprietorship of the Lord
and the need to live according to the Isavasya principle.
3. Who are the killers of soul? What is their destination? How can they be delivered? Answer based on
Mantra 3 and purport.
4. Describe the divine “contradictory” qualities of the Lord described in Mantra 5. How to reconcile
them?
5. Write a brief note on Sambhuti and Asambhuti as described in Mantras 12-14.
1. Describe in your own words, practical ways, and the benefits therein, of applying the Isavasya
principle in: (i) society in general, (ii) ISKCON, (iii) your personal life. Give reference to Sri
Isopanisad Mantras 1-3 and purports in your response.
2. Choose one mantra from 4-8 which, if applied, would enhance your own Krishna consciousness.
Write down a plan for doing this.
3. How would you convey your understanding of the Lord’s “contradictory” qualities to a new comer
who argues that scriptures are confusing?
4. Of all the Vaishnava qualities listed MANTRAS 15-18, choose the 1/2/3 (specify) in which you
feel most challenged. Write down your behaviour/attitudes that demonstrate this.
28
5. Analyze the prayers of a devotee who asks the Lord to remember one’s services. Write your
reflections on the attitude behind such a prayer and the necessity for it.
6. Establish, in your own words, that the Lord has a personal form with appropriate evidence from Sri
Isopanisad verses, purports, analogies and Prabupada’s Sri Isopanisad lectures.
Iso Invocation
oṁ pūrṇam adaḥ pūrṇam idaṁ pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate
pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate
The Personality of Godhead is perfect and complete, and because He is completely perfect, all
emanations from Him, such as this phenomenal world, are perfectly equipped as complete wholes.
Whatever is produced of the Complete Whole is also complete in itself. Because He is the Complete
Whole, even though so many complete units emanate from Him, He remains the complete balance.
Iso 1
īśāvāsyam idaḿsarvaṁ yat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagat
tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam
Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord. One
should therefore accept only those things necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and
one should not accept other things, knowing well to whom they belong.
29
Module - 6
Sri Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu
(Nectar of Devotion)
30

1. What is the concept of mellows or rasa? How is the bhakti rasa different from mundane rasa?
(Preface & Introduction)
2. What is the definition of pure devotional service? (Uttama bhakti) (Preface & Introduction)
3. Explain the meaning of the name: Bhakti-rasa-amrta-sindhu. (Preface & Introduction)
4. How does Rupa Goswami define the objective of the Nectar of Devotion in his invocation? (Preface
& Introduction)
5. Explain the analogy of the volcanoes in the ocean. (Preface & Introduction)
6. Explain the analogy of the sharks. (Preface & Introduction)
7. What should be the mood of a preacher? (Preface & Introduction)
8. How are the characteristics of uttama bhakti related to Shubhada? (Ch 1)
9. What is the definition of sadhana-bhakti? How is it related to bhava-bhakti? (Ch 2)
10. Cite two analogies Rupa Goswami gives in regards to the aim of sadhana-bhakti. (Ch 2)
11. What are the two divisions of sadhana-bhakti? Define each (Ch 2)
12. Who are the 4 kinds of sukritinas? Explain. (Ch 3)
13. Describe the 2 enemies of pure devotional service. What are the five kinds of liberation? (Ch 4)
14. How is pure devotional service not dependent on varnasrama? (Ch 5)
15. What is the role of initiation in the development of pure devotional service? (Ch 5)
16. What are the three most important angas of sadhana-bhakti? (Ch 6)
17. What is the prerequisite for accepting the shelter of a spiritual master? (Ch 7)
18. Explain the analogy of embracing a snake, a tiger or an alligator. (Chapter 7)
19. What are the two kinds of offences? What is their relative importance andwhy? (Ch 8)
20. Explain the three aspects of offering prayers in “Submission”. (Ch 9)
21. What are the 2 types of sakhyam? Give examples for each. (Ch 11)
22. Mention 4 points in regards to the item "reciting Srimad Bhagavatam among devotees". (Ch 12)
23. What are the five most potent forms of devotional service? Why are they considered most potent?
(Ch 13)
24. Explain how varnashrama, jnana and vairagya are not part of sadhana bhakti. What is their relation
with sadhana bhakti? (Ch 14)
25. What is the meaning of raga? What is the difference between ragatmika and raganuga bhakti? (Ch
15)
26. What are the practices of raganuga sadhana bhakti? What are the alternative names for the paths of
vaidhi bhakti and raganuga bhakti? (Ch 16)
27. Explain the two ways by which a devotee may reach the stage of bhava-bhakti. Cite three examples
of persons who achieved bhava-bhakti and explain how they did so. (Ch 17)
28. Define perseverance, pridelessness and āśā-bandha. (Ch 18)
29. What are the nine stages of progress in devotional service? (Ch 19)
30. What gradual path does Rupa Goswami recommend to develop Krsna-prema? (Ch 19)

1. What are the different parts of Rupa Goswami’s book “Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu?” What are the sub-
sections of the first part of the book? How do these relate to the first 19 chapters of the Nectar of
Devotion? (Introduction)
31
2. Explain in detail the definition of pure devotional service, giving the meaning of each of the
Sanskrit words used by Srila Rupa Goswami in the Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu verse 1.1.11
[anyabhilasita sunyam…]. (Introduction)
3. List and explain in Sanskrit and English the six characteristics of pure devotional service. (Ch 1)
4. List the three levels of qualification for pure devotional service and describe the characteristics of
each. (Ch 3)
5. What are the first ten angas of sadhana-bhakti? What is their purpose? (Ch 6)
6. Site ten offences to the arca-vigraha. In general, how can they be counteracted? (Ch 8)
7. Who are the devotees who perfected their lives by perfecting one of the limbs of navadha bhakti?
Name the devotee and the limb of bhakti. Who perfected his life by practicing all the limbs? (Ch
14)
8. List the nine characteristics of a person who has developed ecstatic love for Krishna. (Ch 18)
1. One of your devotee friends (Friend-A) is struggling with problems of lust and greed. One of his
other devotee friends (Friend-B) suggested to him that he should consider practicing some karma
also as he is no longer fit to perform pure devotional service. Based on your understanding of NOD,
how would you investigate if Friend-B’s assessment is right or wrong? How would you explain
your conclusions in a coherent manner to Friend-A?
2. One of your devotee friends has been suffering from some chronic ailments for many years. He
recently approached an astrologer who suggested him to do various types of atonements
(prayascitta) for overcoming his problems. What would be your advice to help him? Please
substantiate with proper sastric quotations.
3. What is your understanding of Bhakti and Varnasrama duties? Are they compatible or
incompatible? Please explain based on your understanding of NOD.
4. One of your devotee friends says that he is interested in only kirtan and not in deity worship. How
would you convince him about the importance of deity worship? Please explain based on your
understanding of NOD.
5. Discuss, in your own words, the practice of claiming members from all sections of the Western
countries in relation to principles established by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī. Give reference śāstric
evidence, and examples from the previous ācāryas from Nectar of Devotion Chapter 5.
6. One of your friends, who relocated to Vrndavan a couple of years back, incidentally happened to
meet you during your recent visit to Vrndavan. He seemed to be associating with the local babajis
there and this became very evident when he started criticizing ISKCON indicating that in ISKCON
Raganuga Bhakti is not taught. How would you clear his misconception?
Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.1.11
anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam |
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānuśīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā ||
When first-class devotional service develops, one must be devoid of all material desires, knowledge
obtained by monistic philosophy, and fruitive action. The devotee must constantly serve Kṛṣṇa
favorably, as Kṛṣṇa desires.
32
sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ tat-paratvena nirmalam |
hṛṣīkeṇa hṛṣīkeśa-sevanaṁ bhaktir ucyate ||
Bhakti, or devotional service, means engaging all our senses in the service of the Lord, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, the master of all the senses. When the spirit soul renders service unto the
Supreme, there are two side effects. One is freed from all material designations, and, simply by being
employed in the service of the Lord, one's senses are purified.
ataḥ śrī-kṛṣṇa-nāmādi na bhaved grāhyaṁ indriyaiḥ |
sevonmukhe hi jihvādau svayam eva sphuraty adaḥ ||
Because Kṛṣṇa's form, qualities, pastimes, etc. are all on the absolute platform, material senses cannot
therefore appreciate them. When a conditioned soul is awakened to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and renders
service by using his tongue to chant the Lord's Holy name and taste the remnants of the Lord's food,
the tongue is purified and one gradually comes to understand who Kṛṣṇa really is. (Originally from
Padma Purāṇa, quoted in Caitanya-caritāmṛta Madhya 17.136)
anāsaktasya viṣayān yathārham upayuñjataḥ |
nirbandhaḥ kṛṣṇa-sambandhe yuktaṁ vairāgyam ucyate ||
When one is not attached to anything but at the same time accepts anything in relation to Kṛṣṇa,
one is rightly situated above possessiveness.
33
REFERENCE BOOKS
• BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS
• NECTAR OF INSTRUCTION
• SRI ISOPANISAD
• NECTAR OF DEVOTION
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Recommended Study Guide:

• GITA SUBODHINI
• NECTAR OF INSTRUCTION SUBODHINI
• SRI ISOPANISAD SUBODHINI
• NECTAR OF INSTRUCTION SUBODHINI
by Gauranga Darshan Das
34

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BHAKTI SHASTRI

Question Bank & Assessment Guidelines

Module 1: BG Chapters 1-6 [Karma Yoga]

Module 2: BG Chapters 7-12 [Bhakti Yoga]

Module 3: BG Chapters 13-18 [Jnana Yoga]

Module 4: Nectar of Instruction

Module 5: Sri Isopanishad

Module 6: Nectar of Instruction

Type of Assessment Weightage

Guidelines for Open-book Exams -

CLOSED-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK

Long Answer Questions

Long Answer Questions

4. Describe the cycle of sacrifice. (3.10-16)

Long Answer Questions

Long Answer Questions

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Long Answer Questions

Long Answer Questions

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Long Answer Questions

Long Answer Questions

2. Describe how Krishna is our maintainer. (12-15)

Long Answer Questions

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Long Answer Questions

3. Describe Work in 3 modes. (23- 25)

Long Answer Questions

OPEN-BOOK EXAM QUESTION BANK

Bhagavad Gita Module 1

Bhagavad Gita Module 2

Bhagavad Gita Module 3

SLOKAS FOR MEMORIZATION

Bhagavad Gita Module 2

Bhagavad Gita Module 3

bhaktyā mām abhijānāti

CLOSED-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK

Short Answers Questions

Long Answers Questions

OPEN-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK

SLOKAS FOR MEMORIZATION

CLOSED-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK

Short Answers Questions

Long Answers Questions

OPEN-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK

SLOKAS FOR MEMORIZATION

CLOSED-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK

Short Answers Questions

Long Answers Questions

OPEN-BOOK EXAMS QUESTION BANK

SLOKAS FOR MEMORIZATION

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