Bhagavad-Gita Lesson Plan

Examining meaning

Kind of Activity:

Group Work

Objective:

To analyze the meaning of text in literary context and cultural context.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.4

Structure:

Have the students pair up with someone they do not know well and tell them to reflect on this quote from Chapter 3: "It is better to do your own duty, however imperfectly, than to assume the duties of another person, however successful." (pg. 21)

What central message is Krishna describing here, and how does it apply to Arjuna's life and choices? Given Krishna's instruction, how might you expect Arjuna to act or respond? What is Arjuna's duty? Ask students to apply this quote and its...