Chapter 02 - Sankhya YogaSloka 60 - Consequences of Ignoring Sensory Disciplinewhat is the significance of striving for sensory discipline even if it is challenging?Why is it essential to persevere and not get disheartened when striving to control the sense organs?What are the consequences of letting the sense organs behave without any control or discipline?In what ways does the mind contribute to our status and respect in society?How are the mind and body considered as great treasures given by Ishvara?What are the effects of bad habits such as drinking on both the body and mind?How does continuous sensory enjoyment lead to the ultimate loss of the mind?What role does the mind play in the practice of Nidhidhyasana, and why is its protection crucial?Why is sensory discipline considered a must according to the teachings in this sloka?Sloka 61 - Path to Steadfast knowledgeWhat should a viveki do to attain jñāna nishta?What is the significance of "tāni sarvāṇi saṃyamya" in the context of sensory discipline?How does one become "yuktaḥ" or a person with a controlled mind?What does "matparaḥ" signify in the process of Nidhidhyasana?What are the three sādanas mentioned in the first line of Sloka 61?How is Nidhidhyasana related to sensory discipline and mind control ?Explain the relationship between sense organ control and the firmness of knowledge as described in "vaśhe hi yasyendriyāṇi tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā."Why is sensory discipline considered the first and last step in spirituality based on the notes?How does the analogy of planting a seed relate to the practice of sensory discipline in spiritual life?Until when should Damaha and Shamaha be practiced in spiritual life?What does it mean for sensory discipline to become one's "swabhaava" and why is it important for jñāna nishta?How does Bhagavan’s advice in Sloka 61 summarize the discussion on Damaha from Sloka 58 to 61?What future references to Damaha can we expect in other chapters of the Bhagavad Gita?How is the concept of controlling sense organs emphasized in Advaita philosophy for achieving spiritual goals?What role does the mind play in achieving jñāna nishta as per the teachings in Sloka 61?Sloka 62 - Eight rung fall - Consequences of Uncontrolled SensesHow does Bhagavan transition from discussing Nidhidhyasana to Shamaha in Sloka 62?What is the significance of Shamaha in the context of spiritual practice?Explain the concept of Shamaha or thought discipline.How does Bhagavan describe Shamaha and its role in attaining Jñāna Nishta?Explain why Shamaha, or thought discipline, is considered more challenging than Damaha (sense control).How does one train the mind according to the concept of Shamaha?What are the two ways in which the mind can lose its calmness?How does the association with external sensory objects affect mental peace?What role does memory (chittam) play in maintaining or disturbing mental calmness?What practical steps are suggested to avoid dwelling on past or future thoughts during meditation?What are some practical steps for training the mind?Explain the concept of taking a sankalpa (resolve) during meditation to avoid past and future thoughts. How does this contribute to Shamaha?Why is it necessary to continually practice Shamaha even after initial training?Describe the term "Viṣaya dhyānam" and its implications.What are the observable characteristics of Viṣaya Dhyānam? How does it manifest in daily life?What is the role of discrimination (viveka) in managing Viṣaya Dhyānam effectively?What is the first stage in the progression from Viṣaya dhyānam to saṅgaḥ?Explain the term "saṅgaḥ" and its implications.How should one approach the development of attachment (saṅgaḥ) towards sense objects?How does the development of saṅgaḥ affect one's perception and relationship with sense objects?What does Shankaracharya mean by using the term "Preetihi" in the context of saṅgaḥ?

Chapter 02 - Sankhya YogaSloka 58 (Contd...) - The Exemplary Control of the Senses: The Tortoise AnalogyWhat is the second saadana required for Nidhidhyasana?How does a person prepare for dhyana?What role does Smriti (memory) play during dhyana?Why can the mind lose its calmness during meditation, even without external sensory input?What is Shamaha in the context of mind control?What are the two ways mentioned to protect the mind?How are Damaha and Shamaha related to Nidhidyasana?When does a tortoise withdraw its limbs and head?Does a Jnani always keep their sense organs withdrawn? What must be done for Nidhidhyasanam to be effective?Why is sense control necessary for Nidhidhyasanam?What will Bhagavan continue to discuss in Slokas 59 to 61?Sloka 59 - Gradual Process of Sensory Discipline and Attachment DetachmentWhat was Arjuna’s question in Sloka 54?What does the lakshana of a Sthitha Prajna represent for a seeker?How does a jnani's character influence the sādana for a seeker?Why is Damaha important for attaining jñāna nishta?Once a person attains jñāna nishta, should they let go of Damaha?What are the two types of sādanas mentioned?What is an example of a sādana that becomes one's nature after attaining the goal?How does Damaha transition from sādana to swaroopa?What is the difference between the Damaha of a jñāna nishta and a person striving for jñāna nishta?What happens to the sense objects (viṣayāḥ) for someone practicing Damaha?What is meant by vinivartantē rasavarjam?How does the attachment to sense objects change for someone striving for jñāna nishta?What are the two types of addiction discussed?Why is mental addiction deeper than sensory addiction?What is the significance of renouncing rasavarjam?Why is spiritual anānda considered superior to worldly pleasures?What should be done when there is a conflict between physical renunciation and mental attachment?How should one handle claims that enjoyment and liberation can coexist without discipline?What is the difference between starving and fasting in the context of spiritual practice?Why is sensory discipline crucial for jñāna nishta?What does the sloka say about the attachment to sense objects for a person striving for jñāna nishta?Who knows whether a person has truly removed the value for an object from their mind?Sloka 60 - Consequences of Ignoring Sensory DisciplineWhat does Bhagavan say about the consequences of not having sensory discipline?How does Bhagavan describe the nature of our Indriyas?What is the result of not keeping sensory discipline?What does the term "pramāthīni" refer to in the context of this sloka?How do the sense organs affect even a striving wise man?Explain the analogy Bhagavan uses to describe the powerful sense organs and their effect on the mind.How do the sense organs carry away the mind?What does Bhagavan mean by the sense organs having their own "likes and dislikes"?What is the main enemy that Bhagavan cautions us about?What are the two key takeaways from Bhagavan's warning about the sense organs?What does the term "Indriya Anavasthaane Doshaha" mean?Why is losing the mind considered the greatest loss?How can indulging in sensory pleasures ultimately lead to the destruction of the mind?What is the importance of having a protected and strong mind for performing Nidhidyasana?Why is sensory discipline essential for converting jñāna into jñāna nishta?How do the powerful sense organs forcibly carry away the mind?What is the meaning of "yatataḥ hi kaunteya puruṣasya" in this sloka?How does Bhagavan explain the swabhaava (nature) of the sense organs?Why is it significant that even a learned person can be distracted by the sense organs?What is the importance of persevering in the practice of sensory discipline?How does Bhagavan describe the loss associated with not having sensory discipline?How do the body and mind serve as the greatest gifts by Ishvara?

Chapter 02 - Sankhya YogaSloka 57 - Sthitha Prajna Lakshana 055. Triptihi – Contentment (Mana Niraivu)What is the essence of this sloka?Is a Jnani attached to anything?What does "anabhisnehaḥ" mean?Is the change at physical level or deep mental level?What does "śubha aśubham" mean?What does "na abhinandati na dveṣṭi" mean?Will the jnani rejoice or hate when he faces dharma or adharma?Are we able to take it when we see adharma? Why not?Whose responsibility is to uphold Dharma?What happens if we are victims or where we think we are victims of Adharma?Do we justify if we are on the wrong side of Adharma?How do we treat Dharma & Adharma if there is no attachment?How does a jnani treat Dharma & Adharma?What is the world made of?What does "Dwandatmakam Jagat" mean?What is the highest pair of opposite in this world?Does a jnani have a liking for Dharma and hatred for Adharma?What is other meaning of "na abhinandati na dveṣṭi"?Will a jnani appreciate / praise someone because he brings a sukham situation?Will a jnani criticize / condemn someone because he brings a dukham situation?What does "tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā" mean?What will be established firmly in a jnani?Sloka 58 - Sensory DisciplineWhat is discussed between slokas 58 and 68?Where is Sthitha Prajna upaya given?Why did Bhagavan change the topic?How to attain Jnana?What are the qualifications to attain Jnana?What is the sādana to attain Viveka, Vairagya and Mumukshutvam?What is the first sādana?What does Karma Yōga result in?What is Shravanam?What do we know about ourselves?What does Shastras say about self?What do I think of the self to be?According to shastras do I have any craving, lacking, insecurity, fear, destruction, death etc?According to shastras, am I a samsari or liberated?Why is it that in spite of having that knowledge I still feel myself to be a samsari?Should the knowledge be at a superficial level or should it have gone deeply?When can it go deep?When does a particular emotion or behaviour exhibit itself as swabhaava?How does anger come out of us without much effort?What is the sādana prescribed by shastras for the knowledge to go deep?What is Nidhidhyasana? And is it compulsory?What analogy is used to explain the need for accompanying sādanas along with Nidhidhyasana?What are the 2 other sādanas that need to go along with Nidhidhyasana?How do Damaha and Shamaha help Nidhidyasana to convert our jñāna into jñāna nishta?What are the steps involved in Shravanam?What is the faculty that is used for Nidhidyasana?What needs to be done for the intellect to get deep into the mind?Why do we need to have a relatively calm mind for us to dhyana?What type of mind is unable to perform meditation effectively?Will our mind be calm if there is excitement?Will our mind be calm if there is sorrow?How can we maintain a relatively calm mind for effective Nidhidhyasana?What are the 2 ways by which a mind can lose its calmness?What are the five sense organs that can disturb the mind?How can the mind lose its peace through sensory experiences?How is the jewelry analogy useful in understanding how our mind should be protected from disturbances?Why is it often recommended to meditate early in the morning?What discipline is required to keep the mind calm and conducive for Nidhidhyasana?How does sensory discipline (Damaha) help in maintaining a calm mind?What specific sensory experiences are most likely to disturb the mind?Why does Bhagavan emphasize avoiding certain types of sensory inputs?What is the relationship between sensory discipline and the effectiveness of Nidhidhyasana?

Sloka 55 (Contd...) - Sthitha Prajna Lakshana 01 and 022. Triptihi – Contentment (Mana Niraivu)Does others' behavior impact our happiness?Are we always happy with ourselves?Is there tripti in mind?Are we able to be alone? If not why?Do I have expectations of myself and others?Is my contentment conditional?Who has unconditional contentment?How can a person be contented unconditionally?Is Moksha far away?How far is Moksha?Can Moksha be attained without effort?Are others words or my mind the cause of my sorrow?When can I get a contented mind?Can a person who is atripti give tripti to others?What does "ātmāni eva ātmanā tuṣṭaḥ" mean?Can we use these 2 lakshanas to measure others?On whom should we apply this lakshana?Can we identify a jnani through ochre robes or their way of dressing?Where are the other lakshanas of Jnani given in the Bhagavad Gita?Are there any physical attributes for a jnani?Can we identify a jnani?Sloka 56 - Sthitha Prajna Lakshana 03 and 04How does a Jnani deal with his prarbda (kiṁ prabhāṣheta)?What is Prardbda karma?What is defined by our prarbda karma?What are the 3 types of karma?What type of prarbda gives us a human body?When does a jiva get a deva body?When does a jiva get an animal body?If a human body means punya and papa have kind of come out equally in this birth, what else does this mean?What gives us favorable conditions / comfortable situations in this life?What gives us unfavorable / Anishta situations in this life?Can anyone escape this law?Will a rich person not face any difficult or sorrowful situations at all in life?if shastras say that one will face favorable and unfavorable – easy and difficult situations in life – then why should we study shastras?Does prarbda decide how we face the situations?How was Rama's attitude when he was told he would be crowned tomorrow?How was Rama's attitude when he was told he needed to go to the forest?Should we ask Bhagavan to not give us difficult situations?What is the resistance to pray and avoid difficult situations?Does a jnani not face prarbda?Will a jnani not have physical ailments?Will a jnani not be criticized by others?What disturbs us the most?3. duḥkheṣhv-anudvigna-manāḥ;sukheṣhu vigata-spṛihaḥ – Unperturbed in Difficult situations;Not craving for favourable situations to continueWhat does duḥkheṣhv-anudvigna-manāḥ mean?In what kind of situations is a Jnani's mind unperturbed / not disturbed? What does sukheṣhu vigata-spṛihaḥ mean?In what kind of situations is a Jnani's mind non-craving? Does our mind feel contented after getting what we want or does it get addicted?Do all jnanis become famous?Does a jnani find happiness in what he has got?4. vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhaḥ - Free from attachment, fear, angerWhat does vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhaḥ mean?What is the base of Samsara?What does the desire / attachment manifest as?How is attachment related to fear and anger?Is a jnani attached to anything?Are love and attachment the same?When do we get fear?What sort of fear do we have for our body / health?When do we get anger?What happens if we do not have expectations?What does sthita-dhīr mean?

Sloka 55 - Sthitha Prajna Lakshana 01 and 02Why is the Sthitha Prajna portion important?How does a jnani's characteristics guide / help a spiritual seeker?What does "yāni sthitaprajñasya lakṣaṇāni tāni mumukṣoho sādhanāni"mean?Whose swabhaava becomes a seeker's saadana?Was a Jnani born with this swabhaava?How can this portion help in understanding where we stand in our spiritual journey?Can we use this portion to judge others?What does prajahāti mean?What does a jnani give up / renounce / sacrifice?Where does the desire reside?Will a jnani give up some desires or all desires?What does "ātmany-evātmanā tuṣhṭaḥ" mean?When is a person called Sthitha Prajna?What is he called when a person gets satisfied by himself?What are 2 lakshanas of a Jnani given here?1. Kaama Tyagaha – When all the desires leave the mindCan anyone live without any desire?Why do some people misunderstand and say Gita is not practical?Do all desires get fulfilled?Do we get upset every time a desire is not fulfilled?Are there some desires that do not upset us whether it gets fulfilled or not?How can we classify our desires?On what basis can we classify desires as binding desires and non-binding desires?Which kind of desires hold our mind?Where do desires stem from?Will a desire come from a contented mind?Where does this apurunatvam (incompleteness) come from?What happens when I take the body and mind to be "I"?What happens when I do not see myself as a complete person?Can the body and mind be fulfilled?Is there an end to desires?Will the desires stop flowing in our mind?Is disease a disease or a symptom of incompleteness?What is the cause for me to identify the self with the body and mind?What does the jnani identify the self to be?What happens to the desires in jnani's mind because he identifies with purnatvam?Will there be any binding desires in a jnani?Will desires for Jeevan vishayaha bind a jnani?What does Bhagavan mean by "ALL desires" - binding desires or non-binding desires?What will a jnani's attitude towards life and death?What can we say about a person who does not have any binding desires?Where does the desire reside?Does Atma have any desires?How can we say desire is not related to atma?Do we have any desires in our mind when we are in deep sleep?What happens to the desires when we wake up?Are the desires in the object?If desires are in the object, should they not attract everyone?Can any object in the world give us happiness or sorrow?Can we buy happiness in the shop?What is the difference between giving up and giving up completely?What is our attitude on food when we are fasting?What is our attitude on food when we are starving?What will remain in the mind if we do not give up on a desire completely?What is one who has renounced all binding desires from the mind completely called?2. Triptihi – Contentment (Mana Niraivu)What is the common doubt that people have with regard to desire and happiness?Why do some feel that we get happiness only after we desire, we struggle and we attain that goal / object?What sort of conditions do we have for us to feel contented?What happens with the conditions change?How do others' words affect our mood?Is our physical body considered external or part of our self?Is there a connection between our happiness and external situations?What happens when the connection between our happiness and the external situations are cut?When can I be the reason for contentment?

Sloka 53 - Indication when Jnana Yoga's benefit has been attainedWhat is Jnana yoga?What is Shravanam?What is Mananam?What is Nidhidhyasanam?What is the benefit of Jnana yoga?How will the mind be before Jnana?What does śhruti refer to here?What does vipratipannā mean?How does the mind get confused / disturbed by Karma kaanda of Vedas?What are the various saadanas that people give us?What happens when we listen to the various advice that people give us?How is this related to sloka 42-44?What does "Avyavasa yaatmika buddhihi" mean?How should the mind abide?What does niścalā mean?Where should the mind abide calmly?What does acalā mean?Where should the mind abide firmly?What does "samādhau" mean in this sloka?What does "yōgam" mean in this sloka?How does one feel when one attains Moksha?How should we handle the body and ahankara?If we are not able to handle the body and ahankara as instruments, can we say we have attained the benefit of Jnana?What are the 2 powerful obstacles to knowledge?How is saṃśayaḥ removed?How is viparyaḥ removed?What happens to the mind when doubt is removed?What happens to the mind when habitual error is removed?Summary of Slokas 11-53=======================Bhagavan has summarised the entire vēdic teachingAll the later chapters are expansion of topics covered hereWe should regularly read and we should be in touch with the content of this portionThe benefit that we derive from the later chapters is directly proportional to our familiarity with this portionIf this is very well studied and remembered, we will have a very strong foundation that the later 16 chapters will be very interesting and well assimilatedBhagavan introduced Jñāna as the remedy to Samsara in sloka 11From verse No.12 to 25; Bhagavan gave the ātma jñāna taught ātma lakshanasThen to get that Jñāna, purity of mind is essential and therefore he introduced & explained Karma yōga – purity of mind is nothing but Viveka, Vairagya and Mumukshutvam. This is the vēdic design of lifeThis moksha has to be attained even when we are aliveSloka 54 - Arjuna's questionWill Shastras say something that is not feasible?What does Arjuna want to know?What is the term that Arjuna has coined for Jnani?What does sthitaprajña mean?What is another word that Arjuna uses for Jnani?What does "Samādhis taha" mean?What is another term that Arjuna uses for Jnani in the second line?What does "Sthitadhīḥ mean?What does "kā bhāṣā" mean?What does Arjuna mean when he says he wants to know about characteristics of a Jnani?What does "Kim prabhāṣet" mean?What does "kim āsīt" mean?What does "kiṃ vrajeta" mean?What does Arjuna mean when he wants to know how a Jnani speaks, how does he sit and how does he walk?Why should we interpret those questions as to how a jnani faces prarbda karma, how will he be by himself (when he is alone), how does he deal with other people when using his ahankaara?How does Bhagavan answer these questions?

Sloka 52 (Contd...) - Indication when Karma Yoga can be discontinuedWhat is the indication that Karma yoga can be discontinued?How is the mind split?What is the function of the mind?What is the function of intellect?What is the inherent problem of the intellect?What is the problem that we face because of the delusion?What is the goal of life?What does delusion give us?What does Bhagavan promise us if we do Karma yoga?What will happen to our delusion if we do not live by Karma yoga?What will happen if someone gets money / power / position but without spiritual maturity?What happens when the delusion is removed?What is the first benefit of Karma yoga?What is the first of the qualifications under Saadana Chatushtaya Sampatti?What is Viveka?What is the second benefit of Karma yoga?What is Vairagya?What is the fault in the mind?What is the dosha in Buddhi and what is the Nivrtti?What is the dosha in Manaha and what is the Nivrtti?What does raaga mean in Samskritam?What is the nature of our mind?Where does the mind get attached?Can the mind be unattached at any point in time?When can we get the benefit of Viveka?Can stubbornness be called Vairagya?Can aversion be called Vairagya?Is it ok to be stubborn about good things?Is it ok to have aversion to bad things?Is Vairagya an action?Is Vairagya easy to attain? Can Vairagya be attained through tapas?If Vairagya is an attitude, can we employ it at any point of time?What is the general attitude that we have towards things in this world?Do we see the world to be a bhoga vastu?Why should I see the world as an object created by Bhagavan?What does "Bhogeshu Mohah Tyagaha" mean?What are the 2 purposes for which our sense organs / Indriyas can be used?Is it considered vairagya if we use the sense organs for both transactional purpose as well as for enjoyment?Does anatma give us happiness or sorrow?If we do not enjoy happiness from an anatma, then will it give us sorrow?If Vairagya is the goal, what is the saadana?For what attaining what does Vairagya become the means?When can we stop doing Karma yoga?Should we not go to next saadana (jnana yoga) until we get Viveka and Vairagya?Why should we listen to Shastras?Will we know the roadmap and the goals if we do not listen to shastras?What is the secondary benefit of Vedanta Shravanam?If I have a doubt on whether I have attained Vairagya then can we claim that we have attained Vairagya?Where else is the word "Nirveda" used in Shastras?When do the samskaaraas get created in our mind?What does the samskaaraas create in our mind?What do I realize when I have vairagya on all things that the world offer?Will Karma yoga help in developing vairagya on things that we are yet to experience too?What is the worth of living this life?Is there anything in this life (in this world) that is worthy enough to fulfill us?Are worldly objects required for living or not?What are the 3 benefits of Karma yoga?What should be our attitude on Anitya?What should be our attitude on Nitya Vastu?Is Karma yoga a fixed year course?Can it be fast tracked?Can we get certification in Karma yoga?What happens if we do not get the benefit of karma yoga in this life?

Chapter 02 - Sankhya YogaSloka 51 - Summary of VedantaWhat is the ultimate goal of a human being?What are the 2 sadanaas?Are there multiple paths to moksha?Are the 2 sadanaas independent or linked as steps?What does buddhi-yuktā mean?What is born out of action / karma-jaṁ phalaṁ?What does "tyaktvā" mean?How does a karma yogi renounce papa and punya?What does manīṣhiṇaḥ mean?How does a person become wise?What are the 3 sadanaas in jnana yoga?What is the fruit of moksha?What does janma-bandha-vinirmuktāḥ mean?When does a jiva get freed from the bondage of birth?What does a jnani attain after the body is gone?What does padaṁ gachchhanty mean?What is the adjective that is given for the goal?What does anāmayam mean?How is the goal free from disease?What does āmayam mean?Sloka 52 - Indication when Karma Yoga What is the doubt that a sadaaka will get when practicing ?What can be the indication for me to know that I have completed karma yōga and have become qualified for jñānayōga?How will I know that I have crossed the first step and can get into the second step?What does Mōha kalilaṁ mean?Is there an ashudha and a shudha delusion?What does vyatitariśyati mean?In Where should the mist of delusion need to go beyond?What will a person attain when the mist of delusion goes beyond in the intellect?What does nirvedam mean?Where should one have vairagya on?What does śrōtavyasya śrutasya ca mean?What is the benefit of a person who is living his life according to Karma yoga?Who removes the delusion from our mind?Is the delusion in the mind inherent or acquired?When will Bhagavan not be able to remove the inherent delusion in our mind?What is the common excuse given by people?What do people mean when they say in "today's world"?What are the common things that people do under the excuse of "being smart"?What happens to those people who cheat a bit / skip their duties / gain something extra in this world of samsara?How can the antah karanam be split?What is the function of buddhi (intellect)?What is the function of manas (mind)?Where does the delusion reside?What is the swabhaava of intellect?What sort of Viveka shakti is required?Do all animals have this power of discrimination?Is the intellect capable of having disease?What is the definition of Moham?How does a person in Moham treat that which is good?Are drinks and cigarettes good for health? If not, then why do some people think it does them good?What is the biggest ashuddha that an intellect can get?How does moha affect the intellect?How does a person with Moha treat what is good for him?Will there be competition for anything that is good?What happens to a person's delusion if he lives by Karma yoga?What is a person's biggest strength?Are we able to change other people?Are we able to change our own intellect?What does the deluded intellect take the eternal to be?What does the deluded intellect take the transient to be?What is the wrong discrimination called in Samskritam?What does the avivekaha do to our understanding of atma and anatma?Why do we take the anatma to be permanent?When does money, relations, position, power, fame become our goals?Is it wrong to earn money, relations, position, power, fame? Should they be goals or means?What happens if money becomes the goal of life?When do we resort to Adharma?Will we be able to cross samsara if we keep our means as goal?What does Mrtyocha Mrtyum Gachati mean?