Bhagavad Gita

How does the Bhagavad Gita approach the concept of The Binary Nature of Existence? Does the text’s assertion affirm or depart from your understanding? Explain.

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to consider their response from the Personal Connection Prompt in the context of the text. Krishna leans into dualities and binary divisions in order to explain the difficult and dense concepts of Hinduism to Arjuna. The aim is therefore instructional, with a focus on supporting Arjuna so he can fulfill his dharma and fight in the war against his kinsmen. Invite students to consider whether, in their opinion, Krishna’s examples of binary divisions are specific to Arjuna and his struggles or may be viewed as universal.

Differentiation Suggestion: For an extended in-class discussion with a comparative element, the following question may be added to the above prompt: select one other religious faith and analyze its understanding of duality. What are the similarities between these two doctrines on The Binary Nature of Existence?

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

DEBATE: “Is War Ever Justifiable?”

In this activity, students will argue either for or against the assertion that war is a justifiable action.