CLASS 9-10 VALUE EDUCATION OLYMPIAD

Values that would drive the

future of the planet
 17 PARTNERSHIPS
FOR THE GOALS
1 NO
POVERTY

Creating a shared
understanding of
2 ZERO
HUNGER

16 PEACE, JUSTICE
AND STRONG
INSTITUTIONS
achieving the goals
while providing a Equipping people with
right values & skills to
platform for
empower them to Teaching people how
collaboration
build a better to make informed
between different
future. decisions about
stakeholders.
Believing and trusting the sharing and not
process of God and wasting food. Investing

15 LIFE ON
LAND
Preaching the same. in programs like Food
for life. 3 GOOD HEALTH
AND WELL-BEING
Teaching people how
to take care of their
environment,
Making food cycles more respect other
sustainable. cultures and promote
self-care.

14 LIFE BELOW
WATER
4 QUALITY
EDUCATION
Creating an equitable
educational system by

ISKCON & SDGs

Caring for every living bridging the gap through
organism. integration of Values.

OVERVIEW
13 CLIMATE
ACTION 5 GENDER
EQUALITY

Being inclusive and

creating an equal society
Educating the values with acceptance of all
which are intrinsic. living beings.

12 RESPONSIBLE
CONSUMPTION
AND PRODUCTION
6 CLEAN WATER
AND SANITATION
Inner cleanliness
will surely inspire
outer cleanliness.
Creating awareness
regarding GREED.

7 AFFORDABLE AND

11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES CLEAN ENERGY

AND COMMUNITIES Empowering people
Believing in simple to make informed
decisions about their
ways of living,
Teaching how to 8 DECENT WORK
AND ECONOMIC
energy use andnot
create healthier cities
and communities.
10 REDUCED
INEQUALITIES
9 INDUSTRY
INNOVATION AND
GROWTH
over abusing the
same.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Integrating Respect for all and

Distribution of resources
equally, Inspiring people
to do philanthrophy.
ensuring access to better job
opportunities and improved
Not innovating mindlessly
living standards.
but defining it as social
design, a design for need
and necessity.
 Preface
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna
movement, was founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966 in New York City.
It has grown to include 700 significant temples, centers, rural communities, many affiliated
vegetarian restaurants, local meeting groups, and community projects, with millions of
members worldwide.

ISKCON realizes the global agenda and needs to work together toward climate change. ‘Value
Education Olympiad” was launched by ISKCON 10 years ago. It is a certification program for
school students from 5th standard to 12th standard. We have seen the participation of more
than 15 lakh students across the globe.

“Futurethics” – the name says it all. To effect a fundamental change in the world around us and
to build a more ethical society, we start with the children, as they are the future. A value-based
education sets students on the path to building a better community. “Children are like wet
cement; whatever falls on them makes an impression.” The content of the book – Futurethics
has been designed with this vision.

At ISKCON, we have successfully conducted many value education programs based on the
ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. This year our value education program focuses on
making the students sensitive toward environmental change because that’s the need of the
hour. The values have been explained in the following manner –

1. The general analysis of the value

2. Detailed analysis of the value by day-to-day examples and case studies.
3. Analyzing the value in light of the Bhagavad Gita
4. Instances from other scriptures are also given to emphasize the same value
5. Relationship of the value with the environment
6. Environmental case studies.

After the end of each chapter, there is a progress check to help the students understand the
content better and prepare for the final examination.

Integration of the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita into the content has acted as a catalyst in the
development of value-oriented education. Bhagavad Gita explains the art of living in harmony
with nature and delineates the measures to restore harmony in times of discrepancies.

Futurethics, with teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as its roots, values as its trunk, concern for the
environment as its leaves, and environmental sustainability and sensitivity as its fruits, try to
serve all its readers to become more responsible in serving mother nature.
 How to use this book?
Built on the foundation of values, this book integrates various perspectives to address the
environmental concerns of present times. It also focuses on several Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations and how those values can help us progress toward
those goals. This book brings refreshing, relevant, and insightful perspectives from religious
traditions, modern research, recent history, and diverse cultures.

The book’s content begins with a section on “Why Value Education?” followed by three chapters
on three values.

Each chapter explains its value, relevance, and application in the modern context. The different
chapter has interesting elements as follows:

1. Case Studies: mention inspiring real-time examples from recent history around
various environmental initiatives.

2. Spiritual Tales: This column narrates a historical account from various scriptures
(esp Srimad Bhagavatam) around a particular value.

3. Environment Sangam: This section depicts the connection and impact of the
particular value on the environment.

4. Food for Thought: This section invites readers to ponder critically and individually
on specific values or environmental challenges.

5. Amazing Facts and Did you know: These offer a wealth of exciting facts underscoring
the importance of value and environment.

6. Quotes from various traditions: These quotes bring out deeper penetrating truths
and portray their emphasis on the same values.

7. Illustrations: A single picture can speak more than 1000 words. These bring clarity
and spark innovative, critical learning elements for the reader.

8. Value Reflection: This contains various questions based on the chapter’s content
for reflection and further comprehension.

9. A QR Code at the end of each chapter: will direct readers to further online resources
around that value.

10. Answer Key: This answers the questions in the Value Reflection column. Each
student should attempt questions of their own and can check their answers from the
 Answer key.

11. Appendix:

a) Verses from the Bhagavad Gita: Many questions are based on the texts of the
Bhagavad Gita. The verses required to understand and answer the question are
mentioned in the Appendix. The abbreviation BG stands for Bhagavad Gita.

b) References: It includes all the references for texts used in the chapter.

We recommend the reader read the entire chapter and engage with various exercises and
questions. Each chapter can be studied independently as well.
 Table of Contents
Topic Page no.

Why Value Education? 1

Courage and Resillience 4

Self-awareness and Purpose 16

Humility 26

Generosity 36

Answer Key 46

Appendix 48

References 51
WHY
VALUE
EDUCATION? Values are the principles and beliefs
“The Earth is our mother. We can’t compromise
that a person considers necessary. They
with the environment. It is our collective
responsibility to protect it and ensure a healthy guide our decision-making process and,
planet for our future generations.” consequently, our choices and behavior.
- Shri Narendra Modi
Value education is essential for the holistic
growth of an individual and society. It
provides a positive direction to the students to shape their future, helping them become more
responsible and sensible in comprehending their life’s purpose.

Knowledge and skills alone don’t complete the education of a person. Knowledge and skills can
be dangerous without a robust value system. Duryodhana and Arjuna both were experts in skill,
being one of the best fighters alive in the world, yet with altogether different value systems.
Whereas one was guided by selfish interest, envy, greed, and lust, the other was guided by divine
virtues. The result was that Duryodhana ruined his whole dynasty, and Arjuna not only won the
war and became emperor of the entire world but left an eternal legacy of righteousness.

Like every machine with a manual containing

instructions and precautions for using
the device for maximum benefit, Srimad
Bhagavad Gita is regarded as the manual
of life. Undoubtedly, it has been regarded
as the sacred religious text for millions of
devotees worldwide for thousands of years,
yet it goes beyond that. Sri Krishna speaks
“The world is in crisis because of our lack of
ethics and values. Unless we reconnect with
the soul of nature, unless we put our hearts
and souls in the service of the earth, we cannot
expect to bring about a sustainable and
harmonious world.”
- His Holiness Radhanath Swami

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 its purpose, the three kinds of lifestyles,
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors;
nature, work, food habits, time,
we borrow it from our children.”
determination, knowledge, decision
- Native American Proverb
making, mind, meditation, relationships,
dilemma, conflicts and various other
subjects that can help us get (and give)the most of this life.

The wisdom available in Bhagavad Gita

“Environmentalism is not a movement, it’s a
consciousness. When we see ourselves as part
of nature and not separate from it, we naturally
begin to care for and protect the environment.”
- Rukmini Krishna Das
Spiritual Leader, ISKCON
has helped innumerable souls from all
spheres of life in the past and present, and
it contains valuable insights into the world’s
current problems. In this booklet, we have
selected certain portions from the Bhagavad
Gita, specifically around Values that can
empower students to navigate their daily
life from a place of fulfillment and purpose.

These values coming directly from Sri Krishna will be a guiding source of light in the life of
anyone integrating them through practicing.

Values and Environment

In the last 2 million years, greenhouse
“Climate change is not just an environmental
emissions have been the highest. The
issue, it is a moral and ethical issue. It is about
last decade was the warmest on record.
how we treat the planet, each other, and future
Since everything is interconnected in the
generations. We have a responsibility to act,
ecosystem, the consequences of climate to make the changes necessary to ensure a
change now include, among others, sustainable future for all beings.”
water scarcity, intense drought, severe - Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Principal Policy
fires, melting polar ice, rising sea levels,
flooding, catastrophic storms, and declining
biodiversity. The adverse effects on health, capacity to grow food, housing, safety, and work are
already visible and rising.

Based on the sixth assessment report by

“The values that drive our relationship with
the environment determine the future of our
planet. Only when our values and our actions
are in sync with the needs of the environment
can we create a sustainable world for ourselves
and future generations.”
- Anuttama Das, Director, Environment
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), we now know the following:
▶ It is unequivocal that human influence
has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and
land. Widespread and rapid changes in
the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and
biosphere have occurred.

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▶ The scale of recent changes across the
climate system as a whole – and the present
state of many aspects of the climate system
– is unprecedented over many centuries to
many thousands of years.
▶ Human-induced climate change
already affects global weather and climate
extremes in every region. Evidence of
observed changes in extremes such as
heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts,
and tropical cyclones, particularly their attribution to human influence, has strengthened since
the last Assessment Report.
“Environment and development are not
mutually exclusive but integrally connected.
Our commitment to development should not
be at the cost of our environment. Environment
has no substitutes, it needs to be conserved,
nurtured and protected.”
- Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of
Environment, Forest and Climate change

It is beyond doubt that among all species of life, humans have the most significant capacity to
affect mother nature adversely.

Human civilization stands at crossroads, and our present actions will determine the kind of
future that we will leave for ourselves and upcoming generations. Different actions yield
different results. Different choices create different kinds and amounts of impact—our choices
matter.

What dictates those choices? One of the prominent factors is our values, Individually and
collectively as a society.

ISKCONs Value Integration

ISKCON has taken up this initiative to integrate values for the environment and biodiversity for

“The environment is not a commodity to ▶ Encouraging a responsible

be plundered and exploited for profit, but a behaviour
precious heritage to be handed down with care
to future generations.” ▶ Raising awareness about
Environmental conservation

▶ Developing critical thinking skills to analyse complex environmental issues and

make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.

▶ Fostering a sense of responsibility

▶ Promoting positive attitudes

For detailed knowledge, we invite the reader to explore more directly from Bhagavad Gita.

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 COURAGE is
grace
1 under pressure
The World: Leave the Problems
The Gita: Learn from the Problems

Question to ponder
Think of a time when you went through a painful challenge or difficulty. Reflect on how your life
has evolved since that time, and identify three positive things that came from it.

Now think of an uncomfortable situation or problem you are currently facing. Can you reflect
on why you may be experiencing this and what lessons you could learn from it? If you learned
these lessons, how would your life improve?

The Bhagavad-Gita opens with Arjuna, an esteemed and valiant fighter, undergoing an
existential crisis. He requests Krishna, who has taken the humble position of being his driver, to
draw his chariot to the middle of the battlefield. Before plunging into full-scale warfare, Arjuna
wants to witness the formidable fighters assembled to engage in this historic trial of arms.
Seeing his friends, family members, and teachers, he becomes overwhelmed with emotion,
contemplating the suffering and death that will inevitably transpire. Arjuna’s body begins
to tremble; his bow slips from his hand, his skin starts to burn, and, sweating in anxiety, his
mind reels with conflicting thoughts. Completely displaced, he helplessly approaches Krishna
and concedes: “I can’t bear this predicament - I need to leave the battlefield. I must change my
situation.”

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When faced with problems, our instinctive reaction is one of escape. It seems natural and logical
to remove ourselves from the situation, create distance, seek relief, and mitigate immediate
discomfort. When relationships get rocky, it’s easier to turn your back. When situations
demand sacrifice, we bow out and revert to the comfortable alternative. Could every difficulty we
encounter be meant to evolve, edify and elevate our consciousness? Could unwanted impediments
be part of a master plan to usher us into a higher awareness of life? Perhaps challenges appear for
our growth.

In troublesome times, we shouldn’t impulsively clutch for an external fix but rather focus on
nurturing internal growth. In difficulty, we often look up at God as victims and question, “Why
is this happening to me?” Instead, we could look up as seekers and ask, “How can I learn and
grow from this?” Everyone will go through problems, but the wise soul learns to grow through
problems. If we instinctively eject ourselves from the difficult situations we encounter, failing
to learn or evolve from them, the same situations will likely reappear again and again.

In the ensuing dialogue, Krishna encourages Arjuna to embrace his daunting task as a warrior.
On the surface, Arjuna’s arguments for opting out of battle seem credible, indeed even spiritual.
Krishna, however, exposes Arjuna’s weakness and discourages his proposed exit from the
battlefield. Every event and experience appears for a reason. It’s that reason, that lesson, that
teaching, that we must decipher. Krishna assures Arjuna that this situation will provide him
with a unique opportunity to develop his spiritual consciousness. This spiritual consciousness
will provide immunity from the inescapable chaos of material life and simultaneously connect
one to the Supreme Person and eternal reality.

We each have our life path, and every journey is peppered with challenges. Everything we
encounter is meant to rewire our consciousness and renovate our inner world.

“I am now unable to stand here any longer. I am foring myself,

and my mind is reeling. I see only causes of misfortune, O Krishna, killer of the Kesi demon.”

1.30 – Arjuna’s lack of spiritual vision brings fear and dejection.

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 2.9 – Arjuna puts down his bow and decides to retire from the battle.

What can we learn?

Challenges and difficulties in life are opportunities for the growth and evolution of our
consciousness. Rather than seeking external fixes or trying to escape from problems, we should
focus on nurturing courage and resilience to deal with the situations we encounter. Arjuna
initially seeks to escape from his daunting task as a warrior due to overwhelming emotions
and fear of the suffering and death that will result from the impending battle. However, Krishna
encourages him to embrace his duty and face the challenge with courage and resilience, seeing
it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and development. The passage suggests that every
difficulty we encounter is meant to evolve, edify and elevate our consciousness. By developing
these qualities, we can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and development,
ultimately achieving a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

What is courage and resilience?

resilience?
Courage is about confronting fear rationally and ethically and overcoming life’s uncertainties.
It is a way to fulfil one’s potential and achieve growth. It involves challenging gender norms
and empowering oneself and others. With courage, one can face challenges and pursue goals
virtuously, authentically, and justly.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God
goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Bible, Deuteronomy 31:6

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from shocks and maintain its structure and function.
Individuals who value resilience are likely to view challenges as opportunities for growth and
learning rather than as insurmountable barriers. They are also likely to be more persistent in
adversity and have greater confidence. It involves building the capacity to adapt, promoting
positive thinking and coping skills, respecting diversity, and investing in innovation and
technology.

Buddhism teaches-
“The wise are not defeated by difficulties. They remain resilient in the face of obstacles and do not
abandon their goals.” - Dhammapada 23: 319

‘This emphasises the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s

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 Rosa Parks’s Courage for Civil Rights

In the United States, the Civil rights movement of

the 1950s and 1960s were marked by courageous
activists who challenged racism, often at great
personal risk. One example is Rosa Parks, who
refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus to

Environmental Junction
Being courageous is vital for environmental conservation because it means standing up against
harmful practices that damage the environment. Even if it means going against powerful
corporations or government bodies, courageous people are willing to speak up, organise
protests, and take action to draw attention to environmental issues and advocate for change.

Resilience is valuable for environmental and biodiversity conservation because it helps

ecosystems adapt to climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, prevent the extinction
of species, and promote sustainable use of natural resources. It promotes sustainability by
ensuring that ecosystems continue to provide for human needs and support biodiversity, even

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 in changing environmental conditions.
Being brave enough to take action toward reducing our impact on the environment is
crucial. Individuals should be willing to sacrifice and go against social norms to reduce their

Courage and Determination

Saalumarada Thimmakka, an environmentalist

from Karnataka, India, overcame poverty,
illiteracy, and social discrimination to plant
over 8,000 banyan trees along a 4-kilometre
stretch. She was awarded the Padma Shri, one of
the highest civilian awards in India, in 2019 for
her contribution to the field of social work and
environmental conservation.

Plant a tree and share with us your journey of nurturing it. Document this on your

environmental impact. They may consume less, adopt sustainable practices, or push for policy
changes promoting environmental conservation.
Courageous individuals may work to push for policy changes that promote environmental
protection, such as stronger regulations, the use of renewable energy, and advocating against
harmful laws and practices. Motivating others to take action for environmental conservation

Greta the Courageous Girl

In 2019, 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg

gained global attention for her solo strike outside the
Swedish parliament to protest the lack of action on
climate change. She inspired millions of young people

Activity Corner
Calculate your Carbon Footprint

The Carbon Footprint Calculator by Carbon Trust is an online tool designed to help
individuals and organisations estimate their carbon footprint. It uses factors such as
energy usage, transportation, diet, and more, to provide an estimate of the total amount
of greenhouse gases produced as a result of daily activities.

Go to the website below and calculate your carbon footprint. How can you reduce this?

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needs courage. They can set an example through their environmentally-friendly behaviour,
sharing information and resources, and encouraging others to participate in conservation
efforts.
Protecting our Biodiversity
Some conservationists and wildlife biologists must put themselves in dangerous situations
to protect endangered species from threats like poaching or habitat loss. Others may have
to challenge harmful cultural beliefs and traditions that promote using endangered animal
products or hunting rare species. Those who investigate and prosecute illegal wildlife
trafficking may face intimidation and violence, but they must still be brave enough to bring the
perpetrators to justice.

Lastly, some conservationists may need to take bold action to restore ecosystems, such as

Did you know?

Kuki Gallmann, an Italian conservationist, founded the

Laikipia Nature Conservancy, a 90,000-acre wildlife
reserve in Kenya. It is home to endangered species
such as the African wild dog and Grevy’s zebra. In
2017, Gallmann was shot and injured while driving
on the reserve, allegedly by herders who were illegally
grazing their cattle on the land. Despite the attack,
Gallmann remains committed to protecting wildlife

Insight
Having the courage to tackle systemic issues is crucial to achieving Sustainable Development
Goals. It is important to encourage more equality in society. To combat climate change,
people must speak out against harmful practices and support systemic changes that reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting innovation and taking risks is important to develop
sustainable solutions. The courage to take on these challenges empowers individuals and
organisations to achieve a better future for all.

Govardhan Ecovillage, Promotes eco-friendly practices, organic farming, renewable

sustainable energy, waste management, and biodiversity conservation.
community in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12
(Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate

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 Mid-day Meal SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
Program Provides nutritious food to children from low-income

Bhaktivedanta SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Hospital, a healthcare Affordable medical services to the poor and marginalised
facility in Mumbai,

Vrindavan Heritage SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12
Village, a spiritual (Responsible Consumption and Production)
retreat in Uttar

ISKCON Youth SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

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 Activity Corner
How well do you understand the SDGs?
Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya to empower communities,
particularly women, through environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Her approach to environmental conservation involves working with communities to
plant trees in degraded areas, such as forests, riverbanks, and schools. The organisation
seeks to restore ecological balance, increase biodiversity, and combat climate change.
Maathai’s efforts earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

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 Value Reflection
1. What does Arjuna’s body do when he experiences an existential crisis on the battlefield?
It becomes stronger and more resilient
It becomes weaker and more vulnerable
It becomes numb and unresponsive
It becomes invisible

2. What is spiritual consciousness?

The ability to ignore one’s problems and pretend they don’t exist
The ability to escape from reality and seek refuge in fantasy
The ability to connect with the Supreme Person and eternal reality
The ability to control others and dominate the world

3. According to Bhagavad Gita 2.14, what are some reasons for becoming disturbed?
Duality of world
Temporary situations
Nothing is permanent
All of above

4. What is the ultimate purpose of encountering challenges in life?

To make us victims of circumstance
To make us comfortable and happy
To help us learn and evolve and connect with the Supreme Person and eternal reality
To punish us for our mistakes and sins

5. Interestingly, there is advice to not just deal with distress but to deal with happiness as well
in the above verse.(Bhagavad Gita 2.14)
What is the advice of Lord Krishna to deal with the non-permanent phenomenon of the
world?
_________________________________________________

6. How can courage help us to confront fear?

By avoiding fear and pretending it does not exist
By confronting fear irrationally and unethically
By confronting fear rationally and ethically
By ignoring fear and hoping it will go away

7. How has Greta Thurnberg inspired young people worldwide to take action on climate

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 change?
By participating in school strikes
By advocating for policy change
By reducing their carbon footprints
All of the above

8. Based on verses 18.37-39, mark the following kind of happiness with the correct mode
(Goodness, Passion or Ignorance)
Poison in beginning-
Nectar at first-
Delusional in beginning-
Poison in end-
Nectar in the end-
Delusion in the end-

9. What is the role of courage and resilience in the US civil rights movement?
It allowed activists to adapt to changing social conditions
It empowered individuals to challenge racism and advocate for change
It helped ecosystems adapt to climate change
None of the above

10. Which of the following statements about Saalumarada Thimmakka is true?

She planted and nurtured over 8,000 banyan trees along a 4-kilometer stretch of highway.
She was a Swedish climate activist who gained global attention for her solo strike outside
the Swedish parliament.
She refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger.
She worked to push for policy changes that promote environmental protection, such as
using renewable energy.

11. What do some conservationists have to do in order to protect biodiversity?

Encourage harmful cultural beliefs
Promote the use of endangered animal products
Challenge harmful cultural beliefs and traditions
Ignore the risks of habitat loss

12. Which of the following statements is correct?(Bhagavad Gita 6.5-6.6)

Mind is one’s friend.
Mind is one’s enemy.
The mind can be one’s friend as well an enemy.
Mind is neither friend nor enemy

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 13. What do those who investigate and prosecute illegal wildlife trafficking face?
Rewards and recognition
Intimidation and violence
Monetary compensation
A sense of accomplishment

14. What is the name of the wildlife reserve founded by Kuki Gallmann?
Laikipia Wildlife Reserve
African Wild Dog Reserve
Grevy’s Zebra Reserve
Laikipia Nature Conservancy

15. What does Krishna give to Arjuna AFTER giving the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita?(Bhagavad
Gita 18.78)
Choice
Freedom
Independence to take his own decision
All of above

16. Why is it important to promote innovation and take risks?

To achieve sustainable solutions
To confront root causes like inequality and discrimination
To combat climate change
To end poverty

17. Which Sustainable Development Goals did Malala’s advocacy help to advance?
SDG 4
SDG 12
SDG 5
Both a and b

18. What is the aim of the Green Belt Movement’s tree-planting activities?
To make money by selling trees
To restore ecological balance and increase biodiversity
To create more space for urban development
To reduce rainfall and increase desertification

19. You are the CEO of a small start-up that has recently experienced a major setback, such
as a product failure or a significant financial loss. How would you demonstrate resilience
in leading your team through this challenging time?

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 Blaming team members for the setback and seeking new hires.
Ignoring the setback and hoping for a miraculous recovery.
Seeking external funding to cover the losses and stabilise the business.
Demonstrating a positive attitude, analysing the reasons for the setback, and taking
proactive steps to rebound.

20. Imagine you are a high-performing professional who has encountered personal setbacks,
such as a divorce, health issues, or losing a loved one. How would you demonstrate
resilience in maintaining your productivity and focus at work?
Neglecting personal challenges and focusing solely on work responsibilities.
Taking a long-term leave of absence to address personal issues.
Seeking support from colleagues and engaging in self-care practices.
Pushing harder and working longer hours to distract from personal challenges.

21. You are a project manager responsible for a high-stakes project that has experienced
a significant failure, leading to budget overruns and missed deadlines. How would you
demonstrate resilience in recovering from this setback?
Assigning blame to team members responsible for the failure.
Avoiding any analysis of the reasons for the failure.
Disbanding the team and starting fresh with a new project.
Analysing the reasons for the failure, learning from the experience, and motivating the
team to regroup and succeed in future projects.

22. Imagine you’re a supervisor in a large multinational corporation and witness a senior
executive engaging in discriminatory practices. Despite the potential backlash, how would
you demonstrate courage in this situation?
Ignoring discriminatory practices and focusing on personal career growth.
Reporting the senior executive anonymously to avoid potential backlash.
Confronting the senior executive directly and advocating for equality.
Seeking a transfer to another department to avoid involvement in the situation.

23. You are a scientist conducting groundbreaking research that could revolutionise the
medical field. However, during the research process, you discover that the experimental
procedure poses significant risks to human subjects. How would you demonstrate courage
in the face of potentially devastating consequences?
Continuing the research without disclosing the risks to the participants.
Abandoning the research project to avoid potential consequences.
Engaging in open dialogue with a research ethics committee to address the risks.
Concealing the risks and publishing the research to gain recognition.

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 a lack of 2

SELF-AWARENESS
is poison
The World: Act First Ask Later
The Gita: Ask First Act Later

The urge to find pleasure drives everything we do. Capitalising on this universal urge, society
has trained us to seek satisfaction through romance, sports, the arts, education, our professions,
and much more. Yet we’re often left with feelings of dissatisfaction and emptiness. When asked
what surprised him most about humanity, Dalai Lama answered, “Man! Because he sacrifices
his health to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so
anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present, the result being that he does not live
in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die and then dies having never really
lived.” Are we confused?

A wise person clarifies their purpose before deciding where to invest time, resources, and
effort. It seems logical to start with the question, “Why?” Unfortunately, since we live in a
world that is endlessly active, we’re often seized by the powerful current of busyness, neglecting
to question how best to utilise our valuable life on earth. People think, “religion later, spirituality
later, God later - first, get on with life!”

Arjuna seeks the counsel of Krishna, his chariot driver, who should be the one receiving
orders. He inquires about his predicament, purpose, and how happiness can be found. Though
surrounded by intensity, Arjuna makes time to recalibrate his vision. He resolves to ‘Ask first,
act later.’ In response, Krishna reveals something simple but profound – “You are not this body,”
He says, “but an eternal, indestructible spirit soul.” We’re spiritual beings on a human journey!
When our decisions factor in this crucial understanding, it re-routes our entire life trajectory,
as Arjuna will himself experience.

Once,a group of friends visited New York and rented out the penthouse suite on the Hilton’s
80th floor. They dropped off their bags and headed out for a bite of the Big Apple. After exploring
the hot spots, they returned, exhausted, only to find a sign on the hotel’s ground floor that
read, “Lifts out of order!” Cursing and complaining, they reluctantly walked to the staircase and
began their ascent, taking turns telling each other stories to make it a little less painful. Having

16
reached the 70th floor, they turned to one of their friends, who had been unusually quiet, and
asked him to share something. “My story is a complete tragedy,” he said. “We’re about to reach the
80th floor, but I forgot the room key at the reception desk!”

People climb to the peak of academia, top the corporate ladder, reach the heights of social
prestige, and then realise that despite all those ‘successes’ they forgot the key to happiness.
To be happy, we must first realise who we are in the deepest spiritual sense, and then act in
accordance with that knowledge. Curiosity sits within, and existential questions confront all of
us at some point in life. The earlier we ask, the wiser we become, the more purposeful our lives
will be. Einstein reminds us: “Never stop questioning – curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
“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.”

2.7 – Human life is meant for inquiry into one’s real purpose in life.

What can we learn?

The pursuit of pleasure is a fundamental driving force for human behaviour. Society has
encouraged us to seek fulfilment in various aspects of life, such as relationships, education, and
careers. However, we often find ourselves feeling dissatisfied and unfulfilled. The Dalai Lama’s
observation about humanity sacrificing health for wealth and then sacrificing wealth to regain
health highlights the confusion that can arise from the constant busyness and lack of reflection
in our lives. To live a purposeful life, we must clarify our goals and priorities before investing
time and resources. Unfortunately, in our fast-paced world, we tend to neglect introspection
and prioritisation in favour of immediate action. The story of Arjuna seeking guidance from
Krishna illustrates the importance of pausing to recalibrate our vision and consider our deeper
spiritual nature. Climbing the ladder of success can be meaningless without purpose and self-
awareness. It is crucial to ask existential questions and cultivate curiosity to understand our
deepest nature and live purposeful lives.

What is self-awareness and purpose?

purpose?
Self-awareness means knowing yourself better, understanding your thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours and how they impact you and those around you. It is about being in tune with your
strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs and making informed choices. The purpose is having
a clear intention or goal that adds meaning and direction to your life. It could involve achieving
personal goals, chasing career aspirations, or having a compass that guides you towards
fulfilment and happiness.

17
 “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”
- Bible 28:26

This verse highlights the importance of being aware of one’s thoughts, motivations, and biases
and recognizing that trusting in oneself too much can lead to foolish decisions. It emphasises
the value of seeking wisdom and guidance from external sources.

Did you know?

The Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), a mental health

advocacy group in Nigeria, is working towards achieving SDG 3 (Good
Health and Well-being) by promoting mental health awareness and

Environmental Junction
When people are more aware of their values and understand their purpose in life, they are more
likely to care about and appreciate the importance of protecting the environment. They feel
more empowered in decision-making and are driven by personal beliefs and aspirations rather
than external factors like incentives or obligations. This can make them more responsible and

ਮਨ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗ ਜੀਤੁ॥

Did you know?

Haribon Foundation in the Philippines implemented a

program to promote self-awareness and environmental
conservation among local communities. It involves
a series of workshops and outdoor activities to help
participants connect with nature, learn about local
biodiversity, and understand the importance of forest
conservation. It has led to establishing community-
managed forests, now serving as important habitats

promote sustainable behaviour.

People who are unaware of their values and don’t have a clear sense of purpose may focus more
on immediate gratification and may not be concerned about the long-term effects of their

18
actions on the environment. This might result in a lack of interest in environmental concerns,
harmful behaviours like overusing natural resources, producing excess waste, and inaction to

Community Conservation in Costa Rica

Corcovado Foundation in Costa Rica has been

working to protect the Corcovado National Park. The
foundation follows purpose-driven conservation,
empowering and engaging local communities in
conservation efforts. For example, the foundation
has implemented a program to promote sustainable
fishing practices, which has helped reduce the
impact of overfishing on local marine ecosystems
and improved the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Find a local community in your area and determine if environmental conservation

is a part of their purpose. Document your experience on social media and tag us

improve. This can make them vulnerable to societal cues promoting unsustainable behaviour,
such as advertising encouraging excessive consumption.
Self-awareness and a clear purpose in life can positively impact biodiversity conservation.
Individuals will recognize that all life is connected and that biodiversity is crucial for the proper
functioning of ecosystems.

Insight
Self-awareness and purpose are important for achieving sustainable development goals.
These factors impact how people think, behave, and decide about environmental, social, and
economic issues. Individuals with a strong sense of purpose tend to participate in sustainable
practices, like recycling and conserving energy. Additionally, self-awareness can help people
think critically, make ethical choices, and have empathy, leading to a well-rounded approach to
sustainable development.

Individuals who pursue their life goals in accordance with their values and interests experience

Purposeful Education in Rural India

The nonprofit organisation Pratham Education Foundation is working towards

19
 achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing purposeful education to children in
rural India.

How can Pratham Education Foundation engage with parents and the wider

Activity Corner
How well do you understand the SDGs?

The Bishnoi community is a religious sect from the Indian state of Rajasthan. The
community adheres to stringent ecological rules centred on environmental protection
and wildlife conservation. The Bishnois have traditional knowledge of eco-friendly
farming practices and have been involved in initiatives to promote organic farming,
reduce water wastage, and conserve wildlife habitats. The community’s commitment to
conservation has led to the creation of several community-led conservation initiatives,
like protection of the Blackbuck antelope. Their conviction in the sacredness of all living
creatures, and devotion conservation practices have made them a prominent Indian
environmental conservationist organisation.

Which sustainable development goals is the Bishnoi community addressing through

20
Value Reflection
1. What has surprised the Dalai Lama most about humanity?
Their ability to create art
Their desire for pleasure
Their tendency to sacrifice health for money
Their fear of death

2. List at least four transformations that Arjuna experienced after listening to the message of
Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita? (Bhagavad Gita 18.73)
-
-
-
-

3. Why do people often neglect to ponder upon how best to utilise their valuable life on earth?
Because they are too busy
Because they don’t care about their purpose
Because they are already content with their lives
Because they are afraid of answers

4. According to Krishna, what are we in the deepest spiritual sense?

Spiritual beings on human journey
Physical being on spiritual journey
Human beings on human journey
None of the above

5. What is the first step in finding happiness

Seeking Pleasure
Clarifying our purpose
Climbing the corporate ladder
Achieving academic success

6. How does purpose differ from self-awareness?

The purpose is knowing yourself better, while the self awareness is having a clear intention
or goal
Purpose is having a clear intention or goal, while self-awareness is understanding your
thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
Purpose and self-awareness are the same thing

21
 None of the above

7. How can having a clear purpose in life impact an individual’s attitude toward biodiversity
conservation?
It has no impact on an individual’s attitude towards biodiversity conservation.
It can make individuals less concerned about biodiversity conservation.
It can lead to a greater appreciation for biodiversity and motivate individuals to take
action to protect it.

8. Refer to Bhagavad Gita verse 2.7 spoken by Arjuna to answer following question
What can one do in the position of confusion and inability to decide on a course of action?
____________________________________________
____________________________________________

9. What can happen when individuals are unaware of their own values and ideas?
They may modify their behaviour to be more environmentally friendly.
They may become more concerned about the environment.
They may be unaware of how their activities influence the environment and may not be
concerned enough to modify their ways.
All of the above

10. How can self-awareness impact an individual’s understanding of the importance of

protecting the environment?
It can make individuals less understanding of the importance of protecting the
environment.
It can lead to a greater understanding of the importance of protecting the environment.
It does not impact an individual’s understanding of the importance of protecting the
environment.

11. What are the ecological rules that the Bishnoi community adheres to?
Rules related to healthcare practices
Rules related to animal sacrifice
Rules related to environmental protection and wildlife conservation
Rules related to spiritual rituals

12. There are three paths that guarantee failure in any endeavor. Anyone seeking success is
guided to protect herself/himself from these three obstacles.
What are these paths to guaranteed failure?( Bhagavad Gita 16.21-16.22)
a.
b.

22
 c.

13. What is the aim of the Haribon Foundation’s program in the Philippines?
Promoting self-awareness and environmental conservation
Encouraging urbanisation and development
Establishing commercial forests for economic growth
Learning about local politics

14. Based on Bhagavad Gita 6.17, list four things that can bring pain and suffering.
a.
b.
c.
d.

15. What is the impact of the Haribon Foundation’s program on local communities?
It raises awareness about the need to protect local forests
It increases deforestation rates
It has no impact on local communities
It increases the number of tourists

16. Where is the Corcovado National Park located?

Brazil
Costa Rica
Mexico
Sweden

17. What is the relationship between a sense of purpose and pro-environmental behaviours
according to the Zoological Society of London?
There is no relationship between a sense of purpose and pro-environmental behaviours
Individuals with a greater sense of purpose are less likely to engage in pro-environmental
behaviours
Individuals with a greater sense of purpose are more likely to engage in pro-environmental
behaviours
Individuals with a greater sense of purpose are equally likely to engage in pro-
environmental behaviours as those without a sense of purpose

18. What are the three ways the mind can be trained to act as one’s friend instead of
one’s enemy? (Bhagavad Gita 17.16)
a.
b.

23
 c.

19. How can pursuing life goals in accordance with one’s values and interests impact
sustainable development?
It can lead to a less sustainable lifestyle.
It can promote community involvement and responsibility in consumption and
production practices.
It has no impact on sustainable development.
It can promote unsustainable practices.

20. What initiatives has the Bishnoi community been involved in recently
Initiatives to promote the use of pesticides
Initiatives to reduce carbon emissions
Initiatives to build more factories
Initiatives to promote organic farming and conserve wildlife habitats

21. Therefore those who begin to question why they are suffering or where they came from and
where they shall go after death are proper students for understanding Bhagavad Gita. The
sincere student should also have a firm respect for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Such a student was Arjuna. (BG Introduction)
A. Who are the proper students of Bhagavad Gita?
__________________________________
B. Arjuna as a student of Bhagavad Gita had a specific quality. What was that quality?
__________________________________

22. What is the relationship between life satisfaction and sustainable lifestyle?
Higher levels of life satisfaction lead to less sustainable lifestyles.
Lower levels of life satisfaction lead to less sustainable lifestyles.
Higher levels of life satisfaction lead to more sustainable lifestyles.
Life satisfaction has no impact on sustainable lifestyles.

23. Which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is MANI working towards achieving?
SDG 1 - No Poverty
SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 - Quality Education

24. As a leader, how can self-awareness contribute to your effectiveness?

By prioritising personal goals over team objectives.
By avoiding self-reflection and relying on external feedback only.

24
 By understanding your strengths and weaknesses and leveraging them for improved
decision-making.
By disregarding the impact of your behaviour on others.

25. In a team experiencing interpersonal conflicts, how can self-awareness aid in conflict
resolution?
By placing blame solely on others and avoiding self-reflection.
By escalating conflicts to higher authorities for resolution.
Recognising your role in the conflict and taking responsibility for your actions.
By focusing solely on the needs and perspectives of others.

26. How does self-awareness contribute to emotional intelligence?

By suppressing emotions to maintain a professional demeanour.
By ignoring personal emotions and focusing solely on others’ feelings.
By recognising and understanding your own emotions, leading to better self-regulation
and empathy towards others.
By dismissing the importance of emotional intelligence in interpersonal relationships.

27. How can aligning personal purpose with professional goals enhance job satisfaction and
motivation?
By separating personal purpose from professional aspirations.
By disregarding personal values and focusing solely on professional success.
Finding meaning and fulfilment in work that aligns with personal values and passions.
By compartmentalising personal purpose and professional goals without any overlap.

28. How can purpose-driven leadership positively impact an organisation?

By prioritising personal ambitions over organisational objectives.
By avoiding defining a clear vision and mission for the organisation.
Inspiring and engaging employees by aligning their work with a meaningful purpose.
By disregarding the importance of purpose in organisational success.

25
 HUMILITY 3
brings sweetness in words
and softness in behaviour
The World: Believe in Yourself
The Gita: Believe in Krishna

Modern self-development gurus teach us that confidence comes from within. You have to
‘believe in yourself.’ If you’re sure, others will follow; your consciousness creates reality. They tell
us to be optimistic about our abilities, pride ourselves in our strengths, and have the conviction
that anything is possible. This ‘material confidence’ may work in a limited scope for a finite time.
Such confidence, which is rooted in artificial self-assurance, will inevitably dwindle, leading
us to realise that we’re not what we pumped ourselves up to be. In his prime, Muhammed Ali
would proudly assert: “I am the greatest.” Later in life he realised his folly, declaring that he was
the greatest fool for attempting to usurp the Supreme position.

In Chapter Eleven, Arjuna discovers deeper truths about the cosmos. The most striking
is the revelation that Krishna controls everything. Nothing moves without His sanction.
Uncomfortable or reassuring? Limiting or empowering? Depressing or hope-giving? It all depends
on how deeply we’ve understood ourselves, Krishna, and our relationship with Him.

In previous chapters, Krishna imparted His wisdom orally. Now, Krishna switches to a visual
presentation. As He exhibits His Universal Form, Arjuna witnesses how past, present, future,
and the entirety of existence rests within the Supreme Person. He sees how divine plans
inevitably manifest according to the formidable movements of the time. Arjuna realises that
higher powers are functioning way beyond his circle of influence. Struck with wonder and fear
upon seeing the totality of creation and the imminent death of-everyone on the battlefield,
Arjuna requests Krishna to transform back into His unintimidating, original form. At that time,
Krishna encourages Arjuna, “Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are
already put to death by My arrangement, and you can be but an instrument in the fight.”

Arjuna’s confidence is solidified. When we align ourselves with the divine will, transcendental
backup is guaranteed. Real confidence comes from humility. We play our roles, fulfil our
responsibilities, and endeavour with dedication, all the while knowing that we are acting
on a stage that is being directed by higher powers. Despite our inherent limitations, we gain
firm conviction from knowing that the all-powerful will of providence is on our side, which
means anything is possible. One who is ‘quietly confident,’ their surety grounded in humility

26
and dependence, can achieve unimaginable things in this world. Pride, complacency and
hopelessness are not found in their dictionary. Seeing themselves as mere instruments, they
sideline any ego or pride and let the divine magic manifest.

Despite having poor health, no money, no followers, and no specific strategy, Srila Prabhupada
left India and came to the West to share Krishna Consciousness. His superpower was his
unflinching faith in Krishna. Against all odds, despite innumerable trials and tribulations,
he continued on with full faith. He became an instrument of spiritual inspiration, divinely
empowered to spread Krishna Consciousness to every major city throughout the entire world.
Not once did he take personal credit or glorify his own abilities. Instead, he always stressed that
his dependence on divine grace is what triggered all the miracles.

“Therefore get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a
flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasaci,
can be but an instrument in the fight.”
(Bhagavad-Gita 11.33)

– The entire creation is moving under the plan of God.

– The plans of God can be understood through His representatives.

What can we learn?

Real confidence comes from humility and dependence on higher powers rather than artificial
self-assurance or pride. We can achieve unimaginable things in this world by aligning
ourselves with the divine will and seeing ourselves as mere instruments. The example of Srila
Prabhupada, who was divinely empowered to spread Krishna Consciousness throughout the
world through his unflinching faith and dependence on divine grace, illustrates the power of
humility in achieving great things.

What is humility
humility??
Taking a psychological perspective, humility can be defined as “an accurate and honest self-
assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses, and the recognition of the contributions of
others to one’s successes.” This highlights the importance of acknowledging one’s limitations
and the role that others play in our achievements. Philosophically, humility can be seen as a
virtue that emphasises recognising our place in the larger scheme of things and our duty to

27
 Protecting the Amazon in Ecuador

In 2019, the Waorani people won a landmark case

against the Ecuadorian government, which had
planned to auction off their ancestral lands to oil
companies without their consent. Their victory
was due to their deep knowledge of their local
ecosystem and willingness to share it with lawyers
and activists. By approaching the case with
humility and acknowledging Waorani’s expertise,
conservationists and lawyers were able to form a

serve others.
Spiritually, humility can be viewed as a fundamental aspect of a virtuous life. In the Bhagavad
Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that “humility, unpretentiousness, nonviolence, tolerance,
simplicity, respect for spiritual masters, cleanliness, steadiness, self-control, and devotion to

Apatani Cultural Landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, India

The Apatani Cultural Landscape, a rice-growing

region in Arunachal Pradesh, has developed a
unique system of agriculture using wetlands
and forested areas to maintain soil fertility and
biodiversity. Recently the landscape has faced
threats from modernization and unsustainable
land use, but the community is preserving their
traditional agricultural practices and biodiversity.

Me” are among the qualities of a virtuous person. This emphasises the importance of humility
as a foundational quality for living a virtuous and fulfilling life.

Environmental Junction
Humility helps us recognise that we are just one small part of this planet’s interconnected web
of life. This perspective can make us more responsible and compassionate towards planet Earth.
Indigenous communities worldwide have long understood the importance of maintaining
a harmonious relationship with nature. By acknowledging and valuing their knowledge and
practices, we can learn from their wisdom and work together towards a more sustainable future.

28
Rather than simply trying to address individual issues, such as climate change or deforestation,
we can recognise the complex interplay between different ecological systems and work towards

Mawphlang Sacred Grove in Meghalaya, India

The Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a forested area

that has been protected by the Khasi community
for centuries. The grove is considered sacred,
and traditional beliefs prohibit cutting trees or
hunting animals. Recently, the grove has faced
threats from deforestation and encroachment.
Still, the community protects it by combining
traditional beliefs and scientific knowledge as a
biodiversity hotspot and a cultural heritage site.

How can we balance traditional beliefs and scientific knowledge in environmental and

Biodiversity Conservation
Humility can play an essential role in biodiversity conservation by promoting a mindset of
respect and reverence towards nature. It is important to acknowledge that humans are not
the only species with inherent value and that there is much to learn from nature. By doing so,

Okavango Delta in Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most

important wetlands, supporting a diverse range
of wildlife and providing water to over a million
people. In recent years, the delta has faced
threats from climate change, development, and
unsustainable tourism. Conservationists and
local communities have worked together to
develop a plan to protect the delta.

Brainstorming Session:
What role do local communities play in protecting natural resources like the Okavango
Delta, and how can we ensure their participation in conservation efforts?

How can technology and innovation be leveraged to support conservation efforts, what

29
 Humility and the SDGs
Humility is crucial in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By recognising
our limitations and interdependence, we become more willing to work together and collaborate
towards achieving the SDGs. For example, SDG 17 emphasises the importance of partnerships
and collaboration to achieve the other SDGs. Humility encourages us to listen to diverse
perspectives and engage in dialogue, even with those with different opinions or backgrounds.
SDG 1 (No Poverty) can be achieved by recognising our privilege and working towards creating
a more just and equitable society. It can also contribute to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by
encouraging us to listen to and amplify the voices of marginalised communities and work
towards creating more inclusive and equitable systems.

Finally, humility can contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by encouraging us to recognise the
impact that our actions have on the environment and to take responsibility for reducing our
ecological footprint. It can encourage us to listen to indigenous communities and incorporate

North Atlantic Right Whale conservation efforts in Canada

North Atlantic Right Whales are critically

endangered due to human activities like ship
strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
The Canadian government has implemented
measures to protect the whales, including speed
restrictions for ships and closures of fishing
areas during whale migration periods. These
have been met with resistance from members
of the fishing industry, who argue that they
are costly and burdensome. In response,
conservationists have worked to engage with
fishermen and understand their concerns.

Brainstorming Session:
Which SDGs is the Canadian Government targeting through its initiative?

Faith-Based Organisations And Environmental Sustainability

Faith-based organisations (FBOs) are using their influence to push for policies that support
environmental sustainability. That includes advocating for stronger environmental regulations,
promoting renewable energy, and supporting efforts to mitigate climate change. These
organisations are working hard to educate their members and the broader community about
environmental issues and the importance of sustainability.

30
 Western Ghats of India

The Myristica swamp forests are a unique

type of rainforest found only in the Western
Ghats region of India. The forests are home to
various endemic species, but they have faced
threats from deforestation and climate change.
Conservationists have worked to protect
the forests through scientific research and
community involvement.

Many such organisations are also implementing sustainability initiatives within their
operations. They are install renewable energy systems, reduce waste, and promote sustainable
agriculture practices. They are teaming up with each other and with secular organisations to
make an even more significant impact on the environment. Interfaith initiatives are bringing
people from different faiths together to work towards a common goal of protecting the
environment and promoting sustainability. They are divesting from fossil fuels and investing in

Activity Corner
How well do you understand the SDGs?

GreenFaith is a global interfaith environmental organisation that works with religious

institutions and leaders to address climate change. Founded in 1992, it brings together
people from different religions to work towards a common goal of environmental
stewardship and social justice. GreenFaith provides training and resources to FBOs
on integrating environmental sustainability into their practices and has developed
certification programs for houses of worship and religious schools that meet specific
environmental standards.

The partnership of GreenFaith with Interfaith Rainforest Initiative has mobilised faith
communities to protect tropical rainforests and the rights of indigenous people who
depend upon them. One of their notable successes was the creation of the Amazon
Interfaith Declaration on Climate change, signed by over 3,000 religious leaders from
around the world. The declaration calls for urgent action to address climate change and
protect the Amazon.

31
 Value Reflection
1. According to the psychological perspective, what is the definition of humility?
The recognition of one’s strengths and weaknesses only
The denial of one’s limitations
An accurate and honest self-assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses, and the
recognition of the contributions of others to one’s successes
None of the above

2. For Arjuna to be a courageous warrior and act an instrument of divine will, he is instructed
to give up one particular thing. What is that?(BG 2.3)
________________________________

3. What does the philosophical perspective say about humility?

It emphasises recognizing our place in the larger scheme of things and our duty to serve
others
It emphasises self-importance and egoism
It emphasises recognition of one’s own superiority over others
None of the above

4. According to Bhagavad Gita 15.20, What are the two weaknesses of heart?
a.
b.

5. According to Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, what are some qualities of a virtuous
person?
Humility, pretentiousness, violence, intolerance, complexity, disrespect for spiritual
masters, uncleanliness, instability, lack of self-control, and devotion to Me
Humility, unpretentiousness, nonviolence, tolerance, simplicity, respect for spiritual
masters, cleanliness, steadiness, self-control, and devotion to Me
Humility, complexity, violence, intolerance, pretentiousness, disrespect for spiritual
masters, uncleanliness, instability, lack of self-control, and devotion to Me
None of the above

6. How can humility be understood as a virtue?

It involves denying one’s limitations and being self-absorbed
It involves acknowledging our limitations, recognizing the contributions of others, and
having a sense of reverence for our place in the world
It involves recognizing only one’s strengths and achievements, not those of others.

32
 None of the above

7. BG Introduction:
Material consciousness has two psychic divisions. One is that I am the creator, and the other
is that I am the enjoyer. But actually the Supreme Lord is both the creator and the enjoyer,
and the living entity, being part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, is neither the creator nor
the enjoyer, but a cooperator.
A. There are two misconceptions of a living entity in material consciousness. What are
they?
___________________________________________
B. What is the actual position of a living entity?
____________________________________________

8. How can humility promote biodiversity conservation?

By ignoring the knowledge and practices of indigenous communities
By prioritising individual issues over a comprehensive understanding of ecological
systems
By promoting a mindset of respect and reverence toward nature
By valuing humans as the only species with inherent value

9. How can humility contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
By prioritising individual interests over partnerships and collaboration
By ignoring the perspectives of marginalised communities
By recognizing our limitations and interdependence and promoting collaboration
By ignoring the impact of our actions on the environment

10. When the living entity does not cooperate with higher nature but instead acts whimsically,
what is the result?(Bhagavad Gita Introduction)
______________________________

11. How can humility contribute to achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty)?

By recognizing our privilege and working towards creating a more just and equitable
society
By ignoring the voices of marginalised communities
By prioritising individual interests over partnerships and collaboration
By ignoring the impact of our actions on the environment

12. According to Bhagavad Gita 13.8-12, the first result of true knowledge is _________

13. How can humility contribute to achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action)?

33
 By ignoring the impact of our actions on the environment
By listening to indigenous communities and incorporating their traditional knowledge
and practices
By prioritising individual interests over partnerships and collaboration
By ignoring the perspectives of marginalised communities

14. What is the role of faith-based organisations in promoting environmental sustainability?

Advocating for weaker environmental regulations
Promoting unsustainable energy sources
Pushing for policies that support environmental sustainability
Ignoring environmental issues and their impact

15. What is meant by humility? Choose the right answer(BG 13.8-12)

Weakness of heart
Inability to take action
Freedom from anxiety to have satisfaction of being honoured by others
To work timidly

16. What are some of the initiatives taken by faith-based organisations towards sustainability?
Supporting deforestation
Installing renewable energy systems
Promoting unsustainable agriculture practices
Wasting resources

17. How are faith-based organisations making a bigger impact on the environment?
By ignoring environmental issues
By competing with each other
By teaming up with secular organisations
By promoting fossil fuel extraction

18. What are interfaith initiatives doing to promote sustainability?

Investing in fossil fuel companies
Divesting from renewable energy
Divesting from fossil fuels and investing in sustainable companies
Ignoring the impact of climate change

19. In a real-life leadership scenario, how does humility contribute to effective leadership and
team dynamics?
It fosters arrogance and a dictatorial leadership style.
It promotes collaboration and empowers team members.

34
 It leads to poor decision-making and a lack of direction.
It encourages micromanagement and control over subordinates.

20. How does practising humility in conflict resolution contribute to positive outcomes in
interpersonal relationships?
It fuels resentment and prolongs conflicts.
It promotes understanding and facilitates compromise.
It encourages stubbornness and refusal to find common ground.
It leads to avoidance of conflicts and lack of resolution.

21. In personal and professional development, how does embracing humility contribute to
continuous learning and growth?
It promotes complacency and hinders progress.
It encourages openness to feedback and self-improvement.
It leads to arrogance and resistance to change.
It limits opportunities for advancement and skill development.

22. How does humility enhance teamwork and collaboration in real-life work environments?
It fosters individualism and undermines collective efforts.
It promotes a supportive and inclusive work culture.
It leads to conflicts and competition among team members.
It encourages favouritism and biassed decision-making.

23. In the face of success and recognition, how does practising humility contribute to
maintaining genuine relationships and personal growth?
It promotes self-centeredness and entitlement.
It encourages gratitude and acknowledges the contributions of others.
It leads to a fear of success and self-sabotage.

35
 the law of
prosperity is 4

GENEROSITY
Activity Corner
Your ‘To-Be’ List

The World: Make a ‘To-Do’ List

The Gita: Make a ‘To-Be’ List

Think of someone you genuinely admire. Now ask yourself – “What do I appreciate in this
person? Why are they so attractive?” When we do this, one simple fact is highlighted again and
again. We are drawn to people because of their qualities and personality. More impressive than
their achievements and activities, is the character that such success is founded upon. People
may acknowledge us for what we do, but they invariably remember us for who we are.

In an endlessly busy world, we often focus on getting things done- having a ‘to-do’ list. After
all, that’s what the world sees and what people applaud us for. Yet there is something more to
consider. What character have we cultivated? What qualities have we imbibed? What goodness do
we exude? When we die, people won’t highlight the percentage we got in an exam, our position
in the rankings or the number of people who followed us on Facebook. They definitely won’t
eulogise the price of our home, car, or clothes. The things that can be counted, don’t always
count; and the things that really count, can’t always be counted.

36
Having shown the entirety of the cosmos to Arjuna, in Gita’s next installment, Chapter Twelve,
Krishna sheds some light on the inner world. He describes the charming character of an
outstanding spiritualist which endears them to everyone. In our dealings with the Divine, the
external offerings will never be that impressive… What unique gifts can infinitesimal beings
offer to the Supreme Creator? Yet, the purity of character and depth of devotion that a devotee
exudes immediately attracts Divine attention, for Krishna is ever-interested in loving exchange
based on pure selflessness.

Martin Luther King longed for the day when people “Would not be judged by the colour of their
skin-, but by the content of their character.” In spiritual circles this is promoted. Alongside our ‘to-
do’ lists which make us productive and efficient, we’d do well to create a ‘to-be’ list, reminding
ourselves of-the inner quality of-our life and character. Thus, throughout the Bhagavad-Gita,
Krishna re-emphasises the qualities of highly successful spiritualists. He mentions tolerance,
peacefulness, compassion, fearlessness, and forgiveness to name but a few.

It can be a struggle to imbibe such qualities in the practicality of daily life when situations seem
to demand other responses. Don’t the peaceful have to be passionate at times? Don’t the tolerant
have to assert authority to resolve specific issues? Don’t we all have to sometimes be fearful for the
sake of survival?

Such spiritual qualities are offered as a framework to guide our decisions, responses and
wanderings in this complicated world. When deciding any course of action, the spiritualist
remembers the cardinal principles they live by. However, one must have the wisdom to
intelligently and appropriately apply such principles in any given situation. We may have a
stereotyped image of how humble, tolerant and peaceful spiritualists conduct themselves, but
these qualities go much deeper than the surface. The immediate acts we see with our eyes may
not always reveal the true nature of someone’s character; we have to appreciate the motivation
and consciousness behind those acts.

“He by whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anyone, who is
equipoised in happiness and distress, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me.”
(Bhagavad-Gita 12.15)

12.13-20 – Qualities which endear one to Krishna and upgrade one’s quality of life.

What can we learn?

Qualities and character traits important for a successful spiritualist, such as compassion,
forgiveness, and selflessness stem from generosity. Generosity can be seen as an aspect of
selflessness, where one is willing to give and share with others without expecting anything in
return. It can also be seen as a manifestation of compassion, where one is motivated by a desire
to alleviate the suffering of others. It is important to cultivate positive qualities and character
traits to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

37
 What is generosity
generosity??
Generosity promotes positivity and builds trust and relationships. Aristotle defines it as doing
good things for others without expecting anything in return. From a psychological perspective,
generosity is a behaviour that involves caring for others, being empathetic, and promoting
positive emotions and relationships. Sociologists define generosity as a way to build trust
and reciprocity among individuals and communities, which helps create social cohesion and
strengthen networks.

Buddhism also preaches-

“May all beings be happy and secure, may they be happy-minded.
Let no one deceive or despise another anywhere
Let no one wish harm to another, in anger or in hate.”

Amrita Devi Bishnoi, a Kind Environmentalist in India

The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award is an

annual award given to individuals or communities who
demonstrate exceptional kindness and commitment to
protecting wildlife in India. The award is named after Amrita
Devi Bishnoi, a 17th-century environmentalist who sacrificed
her life to protect Khejri trees, which are sacred to the Bishnoi

Environmental Junction
Generosity can encourage people to do things good for the planet, like recycling, using eco-
friendly products, and sustainable agriculture. When people feel a sense of generosity towards
nature, they want to take care of it by reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources.
It can bring people together to work towards environmental goals, like protecting habitats,

Jane Goodall Institute and Wildlife Conservation

The Jane Goodall Institute is a nonprofit organisation that

focuses on wildlife conservation, environmental education,
and humanitarian issues. Founded by primatologist and
anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall, the institute’s programs
emphasise the importance of generosity and compassion
towards all living beings. Their community-centered approach
to conservation has successfully protected chimpanzee habitats

38
reducing pollution, and protecting biodiversity.
Without generosity, people may not engage in environmentally friendly behaviour, as it
is connected to positive emotions like compassion and empathy. Individuals may not feel
responsible for protecting the environment, leading to harmful activities. This could result in

Reintroducing Endangered Specie with Community Generosity

The Kihansi Spray Toad Conservation Project is

a collaborative effort between the government of
Tanzania, international organisations, and local
communities to protect the critically endangered
Kihansi spray toad. The project has successfully
reintroduced the toad to its natural habitat, which
was destroyed by a hydropower dam. The local
communities are trained to collect and care for the
toads crucial to the project’s success. They have
been provided with sustainable livelihoods through
ecotourism and other conservation-related activities.

Activity Corner: Find out if your region has any endangered species. What can you do to
protect it? Share your experience on social media and tag us #Greengen

increased environmental degradation, including pollution and deforestation which could have

Tree-planting Festival in India

Van Mahotsav is an annual tree-planting festival in

India initiated in 1950 by the then-Indian Minister of
Agriculture, Kulapati Dr. K.M. Munshi. The festival is
celebrated in the first week of July every year. It aims
to promote generosity towards nature by planting
trees and raising awareness about the importance of
forests for biodiversity and the environment.

long-term impacts on the planet’s health.

Generosity can contribute to biodiversity conservation by supporting conservation efforts such
as volunteering and participating in citizen science projects.

39
 Did you know?

The Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihoods

Improvement Project in Nepal was implemented by
the Government of Nepal with support from the World
Bank. Kindness towards the environment is key to the
project, which involves community-led conservation
efforts and sustainable agricultural practices that
support rural communities, and promote biodiversity

Insight
Generosity can help achieve sustainable development goals. It can promote empathy and
compassion towards impoverished people, leading lead to increased support for poverty
reduction efforts.

Gross National Happiness Index

Bhutan’s government has implemented the Gross National

Happiness Index to measure progress and development. It
prioritises people’s well-being over economic growth and
emphasises generosity, empathy, and compassion towards
all beings, including the environment. It has been successful

Generosity can contribute to quality education by promoting a safe and caring learning
environment that helps students feel valued. It can increase support to eliminate gender-based

The Generosity Factory

The Generosity Factory is an organisation in Australia that promotes generosity to achieve

SDGs, including poverty reduction, quality education, and climate action. Their programs
focus on encouraging acts of generosity in communities and promoting sustainable

Activity Corner
Hug a Tree today!

40
The Chipko Movement, a nonviolent environmental movement in the 1970s that
originated in Uttarakhand in India, was led by women who hugged trees to prevent
them from being cut down. It is a landmark in the history of Indian environmentalism.

Find a tree near you and hug it tight. Share your experience with pictures on social
media and tag us #Greengen

41
 Value Reflection
1. What reveals the true nature of someone’s character?
Their immediate acts seen with the eyes
Their titles and salaries
Their material possessions
Their social media following

2. What should we do when faced with complicated situations?

React impulsively without thinking
Remember the cardinal principles we live by
Prioritise material possessions over spiritual values
Stereotype the behaviour of spiritualists

3. According to chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita what should one do to attain the supreme
goal?
Practise yoga
Perform external offerings to the Divine
Cultivate purity of Character and depth of devotion
Accumulate material possessions

4. Kindness can be shown in various ways. For kindness to be expressed through one’s speech,
speech needs to be: (Tick all the correct answers, can be more than one) (Bhagavad Gita 17.15)
Untruthful
Pleasing
Harsh
Beneficial to others
Making fun of others
Not agitating others

5. Which of the following is NOT a way to define kindness?

Doing good things for others without expecting anything in return
Building trust and reciprocity among individuals and communities
Promoting negativity and conflict
Caring for others and being empathetic

6. According to Aristotle, what is the main characteristic of Kindness?

Being generous
Being empathetic

42
 Doing good things for others without expecting anything in return
Promoting positive emotions and relationships

7. How can kindness encourage people to engage in environmentally friendly behaviour?

By promoting positive emotions such as compassion and empathy
By discouraging conservation awareness and sustainable practices
By increasing carbon emissions and pollution
By encouraging harmful activities towards wildlife

8. What are eco-friendly products?( There can be more than one correct answer)
Environmentally sustainable products
Products that increase carbon emissions and pollution
Products that do not harm the environment
Products that promote unsustainable livelihoods

9. What is the Jane Goodall Institute known for?

Encouraging harmful activities toward wildlife
Humanitarian issues and medical research
Promoting unsustainable livelihoods
Wildlife conservation and environmental education

10. How can the absence of kindness affect conservation efforts?

It can lead to decreased support for conservation efforts
It can lead to increased habitat destruction
It can lead to increased awareness and understanding of biodiversity
It can lead to increased funding for conservation projects

11. Refer to verse 16.1-4

Among the following qualities pick and put in the right column
Compassion, ignorance, gentleness, harshness, modesty, simplicity,arrogance, self-control,
forgiveness, pride

43
 12. What is the Biodiversity and Conservation and Rural livelihoods Improvement Project?
A project in Nepal that aims to promote biodiversity conservation while improving the
livelihoods of rural communities
A project in India that aims to protect marine biodiversity
A project in Brazil that aims to conserve rainforests
A project in Canada that aims to protect polar bears

13. Which of the following sustainable development goals can kindness help achieve?
Increased natural disasters
Balancing Gender ratio
Poverty reduction
Unsafe learning environments

14. What is the Gross National Happiness Index?

A measure of progress and development that prioritises economic growth over people’s
well-being.
A measure of progress and development that prioritises people’s well-being over
economic growth.
A measure of carbon emissions in Bhutan
An organisation that promotes sustainable behaviours

15. The demoniac wants to make a show of religion and advancement in spiritual science,
although they do not follow the principles. They are always arrogant or proud of possessing
some type of education or so much wealth. They desire to be worshipped by others, and
demand respectability, although they do not command respect. Over trifles, they become
very angry and speak harshly, not gently. They do not know what should and should not
be done. They do everything whimsically, according to their desire, and do not recognize
authority.
The above section from Bhagavad Gita describes characteristics unfavourable for progress
and success. Based on this description, list 5 characteristics favourable to genuine growth
in life.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

16. How can kindness contribute to achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger?

By donating food to a local food bank
By advocating for policies that address the root causes of hunger

44
 By volunteering at a community garden
All of the above

17. How can kindness contribute to achieving SDG 4: Quality Education?

By donating books and school supplies to students in need
By volunteering as a tutor or mentor for students
By advocating for policies that improve access to education for marginalized communities
All of the above

18. You are the CEO of a successful company and want to incorporate generosity into your
corporate social responsibility efforts. How would you identify and support causes aligned
with your company’s values? Outline a strategic approach to leveraging your company’s
resources for maximum impact in the community.

19. As an HR professional, how would you demonstrate generosity in supporting the

professional development of your employees? Describe specific initiatives or programs you
would implement to provide growth opportunities, mentorship, and training.

20. You work in customer service for a company known for its exceptional service. How would
you demonstrate generosity in your interactions with customers? Provide examples of
how you would go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations and create a positive
and memorable experience.

21. Which of the following actions aligns with the value of generosity in business ethics?
Engaging in deceptive practices to maximize profits at the expense of customers.
Respecting and valuing stakeholders’ interests and maintaining transparency in business
operations.
Exploiting employees and disregarding their rights for personal gain.
Manipulating market conditions to eliminate competition and monopolize the industry.

22. How can a leader demonstrate generosity in a professional setting?

Prioritizing personal ambitions and success over the well-being of team members.
Micromanaging and controlling team members’ actions without providing support.
Supporting and empowering team members by providing mentorship and growth
opportunities.

45
 Answer Key

Courage and Resilience

1. C 10. A
2. B 11. C
3. D 12. C
4. C 13. B
5. - 14. D
6. C 15. C
7. D 16. A
8. Ignorance, goodness, passion, passion, 17. D
goodness, ignorance 18. B
9. B

Self-awareness and Purpose

1. C 15. A
2. - Arjuna became free from doubts, - 16. B
firm in knowledge and wisdom, - free 17. C
from all attachments and peaceful, - He 18. -By practising regularity in one’s
surrendered himself completely to Lord spiritual practices and duties
Krishna and accepted His instructions - By controlling the senses and avoiding
without any reservation. sense gratification
3. A - By developing detachment and self-
4. A discipline
5. B 19. B
6. B 20. D
7. C 21. A. The proper students of Bhagavad
8. - Gita are those who begin to question why
9. C they are suffering or where they came
10. B from and where they shall go after death.
11. C B. Arjuna, as a student of Bhagavad Gita,
12. Attachment to sense enjoyment, had the specific quality of having a firm
attachment to material opulence, respect for the Supreme Personality of
confusion regarding spiritual life Godhead.
13. A 22. C
14.Unregulated habits of- eating, 23. C
sleeping, recreation and work

46
 Humility
1. C the creator and the enjoyer.
2. Arjuna is instructed to give up 8. C
his degrading impotence and petty 9. C
weakness of heart. 10. When the living entity acts
3. A whimsically and does not cooperate with
4. a. Desire to lord it over material higher nature, the result is frustration
nature; b. Attachment to matter and the and misery.
possession of matter 11. A
5. B 12. humility
6. B 13. B
7. A. “I am creator” ; “I am enjoyer” 14. C
B. The actual position of a living entity is 15. C
that they are neither the creator nor the 16. B
enjoyer, but a cooperator, being part and 17. C
parcel of the Supreme Lord who is both 18. C

Generosity
1. A Demoniac- ignorance, harshness,
2. B arrogance, pride
3. C 12. A
4. B, D, F 13. C
5. C 14. B
6. C 15. Humility, obedience to authority,
7. A knowledge of what should be done and
8. A,C what should not be done, control over
9. D anger and speech, compassion for others
10. A 16. D
11. Divine- Compassion, gentleness, 17. D
modesty, self-control, forgiveness

47
 Appendix
Bhagvad Gita Verses

BG Introduction -
This cooperation will actually help us, just as food taken by the stomach will help all other parts of
the body. If the fingers of the hand think that they should take the food themselves instead of giving
it to the stomach, then they will be frustrated. The central figure of creation and of enjoyment is the
Supreme Lord, and the living entities are cooperators. By cooperation they enjoy.

BG. 2.3 -
O son of Påthä, do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not become you. Give up such
petty weakness of heart and arise, O chastiser of the enemy.

BG. 2.7 -
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.

BG. 2.14 -
O son of Kunté, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance
in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They
arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being
disturbed.

BG 6.5 -
One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend
of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.

BG 6.6 -
I am the original fragrance of the earth, and I am the heat in fire. I am the life of all that lives, and I
am the penances of all ascetics.

BG 6.17 -
He who is regulated in his habits of eating, sleeping, recreation and work can mitigate all material
pains by practising the yoga system

48
BG 13.8-12 purport -
The beginning of knowledge, therefore, is amänitva, humility. One should be humble and know
that he is subordinate to the Supreme Lord.

BG 13.8-12 purport -
Humility means that one should not be anxious to have the satisfaction of being honored by others.
The material conception of life makes us very eager to receive honor from others, but from the
point of view of a man in perfect knowledge—who knows that he is not this body—anything, honor
or dishonor, pertaining to this body is useless. One should not be hankering after this material
deception.

BG 15.20 purport -
The most important thing one has to surmount is weakness of the heart. The first falldown is caused
by the desire to lord it over material nature. Thus one gives up the transcendental loving service of
the Supreme Lord. The second weakness of the heart is that as one increases the propensity to lord
it over material nature, he becomes attached to matter and the possession of matter. The problems
of material existence are due to these weaknesses of the heart.

BG 16.1-3 -
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Fearlessness; purification of one’s existence; cultivation
of spiritual knowledge; charity; self-control; performance of sacrifice; study of the Vedas; austerity;
simplicity; nonviolence; truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation; tranquillity; aversion to
faultfinding; compassion for all living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness; modesty;
steady determination; vigour; forgiveness; fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and
from the passion for honor-these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men
endowed with divine nature.

BG 16.4 -
Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness and ignorance-these qualities belong to those of
demoniac nature, O son of Påthä.

BG 16.21 -
There are three gates leading to this hell-lust, anger and greed. Every sane man should give these
up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.

BG 16.22 -
The man who has escaped these three gates of hell, O son of Kunté, performs acts conducive to self-
realisation and thus gradually attains the supreme destination.

49
 BG 17.15 -
Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not
agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature.

BG 17.16 -
And satisfaction, simplicity, gravity, self-control and purification of one’s existence are the
austerities of the mind.

BG 17.16 purport -
To make the mind austere is to detach it from sense gratification. It should be so trained that it can
always think of doing good for others. The best training for the mind is gravity in thought.

BG 18.37 -
That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which
awakens one to self-realisation is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.

BG 18.38 -
That happiness which is derived from contact of the senses with their objects and which appears
like nectar at first but poison at the end is said to be of the nature of passion.

BG 18.39 -
And that happiness which is blind to self-realisation, which is delusion from beginning to end and
which arises from sleep, laziness and illusion is said to be of the nature of ignorance.

BG 18.63 -
Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more confidential. Deliberate on this fully, and then
do what you wish to do.

BG 18.73 -
Arjuna said: My dear Kåñëa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory
by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your
instructions.

BG 18.78 -
Wherever there is Kåñëa, 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.

50
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Self-awareness and Purpose

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Humility
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Generosity
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 Credits
Book Copy
“Based on Gita3 © 2022 by S.B. Keshava Swami, used with permission.”

Book Conceptualisation
Dr. Suruchi Mittar
Ms. Kuhu Ganguli

Scripture English Copy

Premanjana Das

Hindi Translation
Vishnu Svarupa Das

Copy and Editing

Aditi Agrawal (First author)
Vartika Nijhawan

Design Team
Overall design conceptualisation
Ms. Pooja Kohli(Design Head)

Illustrations
Tiara Mehrotra

Book Layout Formatting and Graphics

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Gita3: http://gita3.keshavaswami.com/