Science Of Bhagavad Gita Online Course

Course Instructor                Tarun Hari Das

Course Begin Date               04/02/22

Course Frequency               Once a week.  Every Friday

Course Time                           7:00pm - 9:00pm

Course Length                       8 Weeks

The course consists of eight sessions delivered on a weekly basis.

In this course we consider the Bhagavad Gita chapter by chapter. We establish the main themes it pursues and identify the significance of this famous scripture.

For each session we provide an English translation of the chapters under consideration and discuss their significance. We clarify Sanskrit terms and look at traditional commentaries on the Gita, particularly those of Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya.

We will also reflect on the scientific, sociological, ethical and moral relevance of the Gita to the modern world.

Our course is divided into seven areas of study. Each session looks at the role of the Bhagavad Gita within the Mahabharata, its status within the Vedic tradition, and the views of contemporary scholars. The sessions are based on a progressive reading of the text, taking each chapter in turn.

Session One: Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita 

In this first session we will consider the position of the Bhagavad Gita within the Mahabharata and its status within the Hindu tradition. We look briefly at the views of contemporary scholars. We will then read through the first chapter and consider Arjuna’s refusal to fight, which prompts Krishna to begin his teaching.

Session Two: Karma Yoga 

In this session we will read through Chapter 2 and consider Krishna’s initial responses to Arjuna’s objections. We then concentrate on the idea of a Karma Yoga, which Krishna offers as a direct response to Arjuna’s fear of sin. Karma Yoga shows how a person can fulfil social obligations while trying to attain the highest spiritual goals. We will continue to look at Karma Yoga in Chapter 3 where it is specifically explained.

Session Three: Karma Yoga and Dhyana Yoga 

Krishna continues his discussion of Karma Yoga in Chapter 4 and 5. He then moves on to an explanation of dhyana or meditation in the sixth chapter. This meditational yoga leads to direct perception of the inner self, the atman (or soul). This realisation leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Session Four: The Way of Bhakti 

The final verse of Chapter 6 marks a dramatic turn in Krishna’s teaching as he introduces the idea of a Supreme Deity. This Supreme Deity creates and controls the world and delivers those who are devoted to him. This is another central idea in Hinduism and it is here that we find one of its clearest expositions. In Chapters, 7, 8, and 9 of the Bhagavad Gita we consider monotheism and devotion to God as a spiritual path.

Session Five: Revelation of the Divine Nature 

Vishva Rupa – Krishna’s Universal Form

We come to the middle chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. Here, Krishna not only teaches Arjuna about the nature of the Supreme Deity but reveals himself to be that Deity. Responding to Arjuna’s prayer he reveals his divine identity as that which is all things and pervades the entire creation. We will read through Chapters 10, 11, and 12 and consider the revelation of Krishna’s Vishva Rupa (universal form) and the concluding teachings on the way of bhakti (devotion).

 Session Six: A Variety of Topics 

In this session we will read through Chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16. After the great revelation of the divine in Chapter 11 and the emphasis placed on devotion to God, the Bhagavad Gita now covers topics that serve to reinforce the teachings that have gone before. A theme running through these later chapters is the emphasis on Samkhya ideas. In this session we consider the ways in which Krishna employs concepts derived from the Samkhya system.

 Session Seven: Analysis based on the Gunas and Conclusion 

We conclude our reading of the Bhagavad Gita by considering Chapters 17 and 18. Here again we find many ideas, including an exploration of the way the three gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) can be identified within this world. The Bhagavad Gita ends its teachings by revisiting the main ideas it has presented earlier, finally concluding with a further emphasis on the importance of devotion and the power of divine grace in saving the devotee from rebirth.

Why should you do this course? 

Srimad Bhagavad Gita teaches you how to handle that knowledge. It not only inculcates in you, the right and unbiased perspective of observing and knowing your own self as well as the entire creation but also teaches you how to handle that knowledge acquired through such observance.

Human Life Is Full Of Battles: Never Shirk In fear – Fight To The Last, Stand Your Ground. The Supreme Power has created an even human being in a separate way – or will we say, Everyone is a MASTERPIECE. When every action you do turns negative against your goal, do not shirk in fear. 

Bhagavad Gita (Song of God) Conclusion. There is an old saying: “You can wake up a person who is sleeping, but you cannot awaken someone who is pretending to be asleep.” The Bhagavad Gita is a book for those who wish to awaken.