Questions for Bhaktivaibhava Exam: Cantos 4, 5 and 6

 The Summative Exam will consist of 12 Questions drawn from the question bank below.

You will answer 5 questions, each of around 3-4 paragraphs, (about 400 words) as follows:

Canto 4 - 2 questions from 5

Canto 5 - 1 question from 3

Canto 6 - 2 questions from 4

In your response give references to the specific section of Srimad Bhagavatam discussed and, optionally, previous sections of Srimad Bhagavatam and the Bhaktisastras. 

The exam should be completed within 3 hours

Canto 4

1. Give a brief account of the cursing that went on in the Daksa yajna including the events causing it and its results as described in Canto 4 Chapters 1 and 2.

 

1. Briefly explain the events leading up to Sati’s self immolation, explain what induced her to give up her body and what resulted from it, and as described in Chapters 2-7 of the Fourth Canto.  

1. What significant qualities of the character of Lord Shiva are revealed by his statements, behaviour and others’ reactions to him as described  in Chapters 2-7 of Canto 4?

1. Summarize the pastimes of Dhruva Maharaja, and draw lessons in relation to materially motivated devotional service and the guru disciple relationship, from his activities, as described in Chapters 6-12 of Canto 4.

1. Draw lessons on Varna-ashrama dharma and its misapplication due to material attachment from the pastimes of Dhruva Maharaja and his family, as described in Chapters 6-12 Canto 4.

 

1. Describe the activities of King Vena and his death as caused by the brahmanas as described in Chapters 13-15 of Canto 4.

1. Explain why Prthu Mahraja became angry with, and subsequently milked, the earth planet and discuss his relationship with the demigods in general and specifically Bhumi and Indra as described in Chapters 14-23 of the Fourth Canto.  

1. What guidance can Prthu Mahraja instructions and behaviour offer to ISKCON administrators and leaders in general?

1. Summarize the allegory of Puranjana, and its relation to the attached soul, spoken by Sri Narada Muni in Chapters 25-29 of Canto 4. Discuss how Sri Narada Muni’s preaching strategy to King Pracinibari can be applied in expanding the Krsna conscious movement. 

1. Briefly describe the activities of the Prachetas from their leaving home, their grhastha life and their final perfection as found in the 4th Canto

1. Sri Krsna states in Bhagavad-gita 2.42-44 “Men of small knowledge are very much attached to the flowery words of the Vedas, etc. In the minds of those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are bewildered by such things, the resolute determination for devotional service to the Supreme Lord does not take place.” Discuss how at least two incidents from the 4th Canto illustrating these statements.

Canto 5

1. With reference to Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 5, Chapter 1, draw lessons for the practice of Krsna bhakti from the life of Priyavrata, who, although in the renounced order of life, entered householder life.

1. Cite and explain at least three verses Srila Prabhupada regularly quotes from Lord Rsabhadeva’s teaching to his sons as found in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 5, Chapters 4 and 5.

1. Briefly summarize the activities of Bharata Maharaja, as described in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 5, Chapters 7 to 9, and draw from them lessons relevant for the practice of Krsna bhakti.

1. Summarize and draw lessons from the discussion between Maharaja Rahugana and Jada Bharata and the events leading up to it, as described in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 5, Chapters 10 to 13.

1. Describe aspects of the Cosmology of Srimad Bhagavatam, as described in Canto 5 Chapters 16-26, you find relevant in preaching Krsna consciousness.

1. Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 5 Chapter 26 describes how a sinful man goes to different hells, where he is punished in various ways by the assistants of Yamaraja. Describe some features of these hells and the sins performed which lead one to them. Discuss their relevance for spreading Krsna consciousness.

1. Give an overview of Canto Five, summarising its main sections and how they connect, with some detail of at least 3 significant events therein. Explain the role Canto Five plays in the entire Srimad Bhagavatam. 

Canto 6

1. What did Maharaja Paríksit inquire in the beginning of the 6th Canto and what was

Sukadeva Gosvami’s initial response? Explain why Sukadeva Gosvami narrated the life of Ajamila and the subsequent conversation between the Yamadütas and the Visnudütas and between the Yamadütas and Yamaraja?

1. Discuss the relevance for preaching of the philosophical principles found in the argument between the Yamadütas and the Visnudtas.

1. Describe Sri Narada Muni’s preaching to the three groups of Prajapati Daksa’s children and his reactions and discuss its relevance for Krsna conscious education.

1. Draw general principles relevant for the guru and disciple relationship from Indradeva’s behaviour with Brhaspatl, Lord Brahma and Visvarupa as described in Chapters 7 to 8 of the 6th Canto.

1. Draw at least five important philosophical lessons from the pastimes of Vrtrasura’s appearance, the demigods manufacturing a thunderbolt from Dadhici's bones, the transcendental qualities of Vrtrasura, his glorious death and King Indra’s subsequent affliction by sinful reactions as described Chapters 9 to 13 of the 6th Canto.

1. Describe the past life of Vrtrasura, his llamentation as King Citraketu, how the saints Narada and Angira instructed him and why Mother Párvati cursed him, as described Chapters 14 to 17 of the 6th Canto.

1. 25.Thematic 

1. Draw lessons relevant for preachers from the various encounters of Sri Narada Muni in Cantos Four through Six.

From: https://iskconeducation.org/it/summative-exam/