1. How would you characterize the early Vedic
religion (think about nature of gods, relation with humans, way and goal of
worship, worship specialists and organization of human society)? Which aspects
did Buddha and Mahåv¥ra Jina react against?
2. What are the major metaphysical
innovations of the early and late Upanishads? Illustrate with selected passages
from the Ka†ha Upani∑ad
that illustrate these major trends.
3. Outline the main goal of Patañjali's Yoga
against its philosophical background and describe the technique proposed to
reach it.
4. Where does Ía∫kara fit into the
classical system of orthodox (åstika) philosophies (darßana) and what is his philosophical contribution generally characterized
as?
5. Define briefly the three ways to liberation as
presented in Bhagavad G¥tå and
indicate how each of them is a response to the new religious challenges.
1. Make a comparative overview of
early Vedic religion and the message of the Upani∑ads.
2. Make a comparative overview of Yoga and
Ía∫kara’s Vedånta.
3. Explain with examples from the text how the
G¥tå can be seen as a mastersynthesis of old ideals (Brahminical
orthodoxy of sacrifice, asceticism, Såµkhya-Yoga) and new ones
(Ahiµså, theism)
Content analysis:
1. What is the main question around
which this Upani∑ad evolves?
2. What, would you say, is the use of
the framestory? What would be different if the Upani∑ad would merely
expose its theory without reference to Naciketas?
3. Whence Yama's hesitation to
disclose his secret lore? How does Naciketas qualify to hear the secret?
4. Can you abstract from the text what
Yama's message is? (has several parts)
5. Analyse Yama's arguments: how does
he go about bringing his message? (Give a detailed analysis of chapters 2-6)
6. Which parts are culture-specific,
which ones seem to be of more universal appeal?
7. Does it seem a worthwhile message
to you? What are its strengths, where does it leave you dissatisfied?
Historical situating:
8. How does this text relate to the Vedic
Saµhitås for credentials?
9. Where does this text's message differ from early
Vedic ideas?
2. Questions to help you interpret passages
from the G¥tå:
1. Why is Arjuna reluctant to fight (1.31, 1.34-7,
1.40-6, 2.5-6)
2. What does Krishˆa say about renunciation?
(3.4, 3.8, 5.1-3, 18.7-9)
3. What does Kri∑ha say about ritual activity?
(2.42-6, 3.10-16, 9.20-1)
4. What does Krishˆa say about freedom to
choose one’s role in life? (3.25-6), 3.29, 3.35, 16.23-4, 18.10, 18.47,
18.60)
5. How does Krishˆa recommend to act in the
world? (3.18-20, 3.30-1, 5.13ff, 13.8-9, 14.22-5)
6. What does Krishˆa say about devotion (bhakti) and about his devotees? (7.20-1, 7.23, 9.20-32,
10.9, 12.14-20, 14.26, 18.55-6)
1. Speculate on the cause of the development of
Indic religion: do you find the theory of orthogenetic evolution most
plausible? How about the theory of a k∑atriya reformation? Or the
absorption of non-Indo-Aryan substrate? How might modern agendas hijack these
explanations?
2. Which philosophical system discussed appeals
personally most to you? Why?
3. Do you agree with Gandhi’s interpretation of the G¥tå as preaching non-violent resistance, or do you think it can be used as endorsing terrorism for a just cause? Cite passages from the text to support your argument.