Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita

The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are an invaluable part of the yogic path. This 5000-year-old teaching has profoundly influenced many modern-day thinkers and gives us an understanding of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence. In this special 3-part online series, please join visiting teacher Swami Chidananda, an initiated sanyasi (monk) in the Hari Bhakta Lineage, as he offers wisdom on the essence of Yoga philosophy, the principles of karma and dharma, techniques for focusing the mind, and the metaphors of the warrior and battlefield in the Bhagavad Gita.

These three classes are meant to be taken as a course; this is not a drop-in series so please intend to attend all three sessions. This online series is perfect for those looking to understand the deeper meaning of the Bhagavad Gita and how the teachings relate to our modern-day contemplative yoga practices. 

This event is open to beginner and experienced meditators and yoga practitioners. There is no asana (postural practice) as part of this event. Please bring a notebook if you enjoy taking notes. 

Here is what each session will focus on:

Session 1: Essence of Yoga Philosophy  

Within the yogic tradition, there are many teachings, practices, and teachers that speak about the way to the highest truth. For those new to these ancient teachings, it can feel a bit overwhelming when hearing about the various practices and rituals. 

In the first session, we break down the essence of the Yogic teachings, how they originated, what are the core principles, and how to view the tradition in a more holistic way, which can help us gain a higher understanding of our life purpose. 

The groundwork will be set for further insights into how we can strive to understand our Higher Self. We will begin by defining in detail, the qualities and attributes of Brahman (Supreme Consciousness), Atma (Soul), and Prakriti (Material Nature). We will also cover the underlying factors that cause the separation between Brahman and the Atma, leading us to be in ignorance of our True Self.

Many of us misunderstand karma and how it impacts our lives. We view karma in simple terms such as “good” or “bad,” but in reality the philosophy behind karma is very complex. Karma not only affects how we view the world currently, but also the types of experiences we will have in the future. Karma is classified into three categories, and each of these categories are responsible for all of the various life situations we find ourselves in. By understanding the law of karma we can better deal with the ups and downs that life inevitably brings.

In this lesson, we will learn the philosophy behind the law of karma and how it is responsible for binding us to the material world and making us forget our true nature. We will also speak about the three aspects of karma and how we can break free from the cycle of birth and death through the teachings contained within the Bhagavad Gita.

Session 3: Krishna, Arjuna, and the Meaning of “Duty”  

The majority of people in this world are confused about their duty and purpose in life. In the same way, the great warrior Arjuna, in the Bhagavad Gita, is confused about how to do his duty properly. In this space of confusion, Arjuna turns to help from Krishna, who represents our Higher Self.

The Bhagavad Gita is not just something which happened 5000 years ago on the battlefield, it is a representation of life. Arjuna is each one of us who are in ignorance of our true Self, Krishna represents the Divine Consciousness that is trying to help us remember who we are, and the battlefield represents life, where we work through our limitations and negativity so we can realize once again our True Self.

In this class, we cover the various yoga techniques given in the Bhagavad Gita to help us find clarity and purpose in our duty. We uncover the cause of our confusion and how we can overcome it through the practice of yoga. We will also learn specific meditations practices that can be practiced on a daily basis which are designed to ground us and allow us to internalize the teachings given in the Bhagavad Gita.

Schedule:
Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 | 6pm - 8pm
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 | 6pm - 8pm
Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 | 6pm - 8pm
*all sessions virtual via zoom*

Cost: $200 or $160 on or before February 1st, 2023, or:

 

For more about our 300 Hour Teacher Training CLICK HERE!

To be with Swami in person, be sure to register for his Gita Satsang and OM chanting event in January - click here for more details and to register.