- 1. The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, is a profound philosophical dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Written in a poetic form in the Sanskrit language, this revered text explores the complexities of human existence, the nature of duty (dharma), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. During a pivotal moment on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, as Arjuna grapples with his moral dilemmas about fighting against his own relatives and teachers, Krishna imparts timeless wisdom that addresses the struggles of life, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of righteousness. The Gita encompasses various paths to liberation, including devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and disciplined action (karma), urging individuals to seek their own truth while fulfilling their responsibilities. Often regarded as a spiritual and philosophical classic, the Bhagavad Gita has inspired countless scholars, philosophers, and spiritual seekers across the world, transcending cultural and religious boundaries with its universal message of balance, duty, and self-realization.
What is the primary setting of the Bhagavad Gita?
A) A forest hermitage B) The battlefield of Kurukshetra C) The banks of the Ganges river D) A royal palace in Hastinapura
- 2. Who is the divine teacher in the Bhagavad Gita?
A) The sage Vyasa B) Arjuna's father, Pandu C) Lord Shiva D) Lord Krishna
- 3. Who is the disciple receiving the teachings in the Gita?
A) Bhishma B) Arjuna C) Duryodhana D) Yudhishthira
- 4. What is Arjuna's main moral dilemma at the start of the Gita?
A) Choosing a wife B) Whether to renounce the world C) Fighting and killing his relatives and teachers D) Deciding which kingdom to rule
- 5. According to Krishna, the soul (Atman) is:
A) Eternal, indestructible, and immutable B) Born anew with every action C) Temporary and subject to change D) Nonexistent
- 6. What is 'Karma Yoga' as taught in the Gita?
A) The yoga of physical postures B) The yoga of acquiring wealth C) The yoga of selfless action D) The yoga of winning wars
A) The path of artistic expression B) The path of magical powers C) The path of political leadership D) The path of knowledge and wisdom
- 8. What is 'Bhakti Yoga'?
A) The path of scholarly debate B) The path of extreme asceticism C) The path of loving devotion to God D) The path of building temples
- 9. Krishna declares that whenever righteousness declines, he manifests himself:
A) In dreams only B) Only for kings and sages C) Only once at the end of time D) In every age
- 10. What is the 'Brahman' as described in the Gita?
A) A specific god of creation B) The priestly class C) A type of meditation D) The ultimate, impersonal reality
- 11. A stable mind is compared to what in the Gita?
A) A mountain during an earthquake B) A river flowing to the sea C) A lamp in a windless place D) A bird in a cage
- 12. What are the three gunas (qualities) of material nature?
A) Sattva, Rajas, Tamas B) Birth, Life, Death C) Fire, Water, Earth D) Good, Evil, Neutral
- 13. Which guna is characterized by passion, activity, and attachment?
A) Brahman B) Sattva C) Rajas D) Tamas
- 14. What does Krishna promise to those who always remember him with devotion?
A) They will be famous. B) They will become wealthy. C) They will never face difficulties. D) They will come to him.
- 15. In which larger epic is the Bhagavad Gita contained?
A) The Vedas B) The Ramayana C) The Mahabharata D) The Puranas
- 16. How many chapters are in the Bhagavad Gita?
A) 12 B) 7 C) 18 D) 24
- 17. What is Arjuna's role or caste duty (varna)?
A) Brahmin (priest) B) Vaishya (merchant) C) Shudra (laborer) D) Kshatriya (warrior)
- 18. What does Krishna show Arjuna in his universal form (Vishvarupa)?
A) The secrets of the afterlife B) The future kings of the world C) The entire universe and the destruction of warriors D) The location of hidden treasures
- 19. What should one use to cut down the Ashvattha tree?
A) The sword of victory B) The axe of non-attachment C) The arrow of devotion D) The fire of knowledge
- 20. What is described as the 'enemy' of a seeker of knowledge?
A) Poverty B) Ignorant teachers C) Desire D) Other people
- 21. Which term refers to the eternal, indestructible soul?
A) Atman B) Maya C) Prakriti D) Brahman
- 22. What is the ultimate goal of life according to the Gita?
A) Moksha (liberation) B) Raja (kingship) C) Artha (prosperity) D) Kama (pleasure)
- 23. What is the term for the cycle of birth and death?
A) Moksha B) Dharma C) Nirvana D) Samsara
- 24. What must one control to achieve peace of mind?
A) The planets B) The senses C) The weather D) Other people
- 25. What is the term for the illusion that binds the soul to the material world?
A) Dharma B) Maya C) Karma D) Yoga
- 26. What is the supreme, impersonal reality described in the Gita?
A) Ishvara B) Atman C) Brahman D) Prakriti
- 27. Which chapter discusses the distinction between the field (body) and the knower of the field (soul)?
A) Chapter 6 B) Chapter 1 C) Chapter 13 D) Chapter 18
- 28. What is the symbolic meaning of the chariot?
A) The human body B) The path to liberation C) The material world D) The kingdom of Hastinapura
- 29. Who is the composer of the Mahabharata, which includes the Gita?
A) Valmiki B) Vishvamitra C) Vashishtha D) Vyasa
- 30. What is the name of Arjuna's bow?
A) Sharanga B) Gandiva C) Vijaya D) Pinaka
- 31. How many verses are in the Bhagavad Gita?
A) 700 B) 500 C) 1000 D) 1008
- 32. Krishna says the soul is never born and...
A) Never dies B) Is reborn endlessly C) Sleeps between lives D) Merges with God at death
- 33. Which of these is a key virtue of a wise person?
A) Laziness B) Aggression C) Extreme passion D) Equanimity (Samatvam)
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