prativa.s@srisriuniversity.edu.

in

SRI SRI UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMEENT OF YOGIC SCIENCE
2nd INTERNAL EXAMINATION
2019-2022
Subject: Essence of Bhagavad Gita for Personality Development (BS-CT301)

Time: 1 Hour Full Marks - 15

(Section A is compulsory & answer any 2 questions from Section B.)

SECTION: A
1. Answer the following questions in brief (5X1 = 5 Marks)
a. What is the concept of jñāna and jñāna yoga as described in Bhagavad GĪtā?
Ans - Jnana yoga is one of the four classical schools of yoga - Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action)
and Dhyana (meditation), each offering a path to moksha (spiritual liberation) and self-
realization. Sanskrit for "knowledge" or "wisdom," Jnana is the intellectual path of scriptures and
self-study, considered to be one of the most direct and yet challenging means of spiritual
development.
b. What is the concept of Paramātmā?
Ans - In Hindu philosophy, Paramatman is the universal or eternal Soul. It is one of two types of
souls - the other being jiva-atma, which is the individual soul or self. The term comes from the
Sanskrit parama, meaning “highest” or “supreme,” and atman, meaning “Self,” “Soul” or
“individual spirit.” In English, it is roughly translated to mean “Supreme Self” or "the Self
beyond."
Practicing yoga can unite jiva-atman with Paramatman by helping the practitioner become more
aware of oneness with the universe.

c. Name the three guṇas with their nature.

Ans - Sattva: harmony, light, purity and peace
 Rajas: passion, motion, greed, restlessness, sensual plesure

Tamas: inertia, darkness, inactivity, delusion

d. ‘yuktahara-viharasya….’, complete it with the meaning.

Ans - yuktahara-viharasya/yukta-cestasya karmasu/yukta-svapnavabodhasya/yogo bhavati
duhkha-ha - He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working and recreation can
mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.
e. ‘nainam chindanti śastrāṇi….’, complete it with the meaning.
Ans - nainam chindanti sastrani/nainam dahati pavakah/na cainam kledayanty apo/na sosayati
marutah - The soul can never be cut into pieces by any weapon, nor can he be burned by fire, nor
moistened by water, nor withered by the wind.

SECTION: B
Answer any 2 of the following questions (5X2 = 10 Marks)
2. What are the different characteristic marks of sthitaprajña?

3. Describe the concept and importance of dhyāna yoga in Bhagavad GĪtā.

Dhyana Yoga – the Path of Meditation, or Astanga Yoga – the Path of the Eightfold Mystic
Processes. When we refer to Yoga as a system of physical exercises, we actually mean this
particular Yoga. The purpose of this Yoga is to connect one’s consciousness to the Supreme
Consciousness by controlling one’s body, mind and senses. There are 8 progressive stages of
self-control: namely, yama (don’ts), niyamas (do’s), asana (postures), pranayama (breath
control), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and
samadhi (trance).

Importance of Meditation –
Reduces Stress
Meditation helps you rest physically and mentally while having a positive effect on your entire
nervous system.
Slows Aging
Studies have shown that the regular practice of meditation can slow the aging process. People
who meditate usually live longer than those of people who have never tried meditation.
Positive Thinking and Emotional Stability
Meditation is a powerful and natural treatment for people who suffer from depression and
anxiety.
Improves Health
Meditation will improve your health by strengthening your immune system, reducing your blood
pressure, and lowering cholesterol levels.
Better Sleep
Meditation dramatically improves the quality of your sleep, and it is one of the most powerful
natural treatments for insomnia.
Happiness
People who meditate are less stressed, healthier, sleep better, and have a more positive outlook
on life. Simply put, meditation makes you a happier person!
Focused Attention
One of the most important elements of meditation is focusing on your practice. It will help you
free your mind from distractions that might disrupt your meditation. Try focusing your attention
on a specific object,like a candle flame, an image, a mantra, or your breathing.

4. What is the concept and classification of āhāra as per Bhagavad GĪtā.

Sattwic food

“Promoting life, sattwa, strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction, which are flavorful,
smooth, firm, and hearty: such foods are dear to the sattwic” (17:8).

Ayus–food that actually increases the span of life.

Sattwa–food that increases the quality of sattwa, which also implies food that promotes
virtue–both in the sense of strength and in the sense of goodness.

Bala–food that imparts strength to the body and mind.

Arogya–food that strengthens the immune system so the body can resist or rid itself of
disease.

Sukha–food which is easy for the body to digest and which produces ease and comfort in
the body.

Priti–food that truly satisfies the body nutritionally, and therefore the mind.

Rasyas–food which has abundant good flavor, that has plenty of taste.
Snigdhas–food which contains sufficient oil, which is smooth and pleasant to eat.

Sthiras–food which is substantial.

Hridyas–food which is hearty–satisfying and pleasant-feeling in the stomach.

Result –
Cheerfulness & purity,

Moral & spiritual strength for steady mentality even in great distress.

Deep meditation, mental poise & nervous equilibrium

Easily assimilated & absorbed

Juicy, soft & pleasant to taste for nourishment

Highly conducive to health.

Rajasic food

“Pungent, sour, salty, excessively hot, harsh, astringent, and scorching: such are the
foods desired by the rajasic, causing pain, misery, and sickness” (17:9).

Kata–food that is extremely acrid, pungent, or sharp–that is virtually caustic to the

mouth.

Amla–food that is very acidic, sour, or vinegary.

Lavana–food that is very salty or briny (containing pickle-type fluid).

Atyushna–food that is excessively hot.

Tikshna–food that is harsh, fiery, and acid–especially in the stomach.

Raksha–food that is astringent, and also rough and dry, the kind of things that cut the roof
of your mouth or even your esophagus as it goes down.

Vidahinas–food that is burning and scorching.

Result –

o Duhkha–pain and discomfort or stress.

o Shoka–misery: that regret so many feel and which makes anti-acid

manufacturers rich, and which contributes to ulcers.
 o Amaya–sickness in the sense of malfunction and disease produced by the harm
it does to the body.

Tamasic food

“Stale, tasteless, putrid, rotten, and left-over, the leavings of others, as well as the
impure, is the food which is dear to the tamasic” (17:10).

Yatayamam–food that is leftover, stale, and even spoiled.

Gatarasam–food that is tasteless, devoid of flavor.

Puti–food that is putrid, stinking, and fetid.

Uchchistam–food that has been eaten on by another person.