“ In the whole world literature there is no book so elevating and inspiring as the Gita. It is an inexhaustible spiritual treasure. It is an ocean of knowledge. It is a universal scripture for people of all temperaments and for all times.”
Swami Sivananda

The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, which took place about 5,300 years ago on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This dialog in the form of eighteen chapters and 700 verses, is a universal gospel that appeals to all irrespective of age, race, or religion. It has a universality that embraces every aspect of human action and which suits and elevates every stage of human development. Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna and reveals to him the most profound, sublime, and soul-stirring spiritual truths. The battlefield of the Bhagavad Gita symbolizes the ongoing inner battle which every spiritual aspirant faces when trying to become a better person and to evolve on the spiritual path.

This inspiring course will focus on chapter 16 and 17 of the Bhagavad Gita. These chapters present very important and instructive teachings for all who wish to attain happiness, prosperity and success in spiritual life. 

The sixteenth chapter presents the analysis of divine and devilish qualities that are present in every human being. Lord Krishna begins by listing all of the divine qualities such as harmleslessness and peacefulness. He then provides a similar list of devilish qualities such as hypocrisy and anger. He then explains the consequences of both, encouraging us to take to the divine path which leads to Self-realization or Bliss as opposed to the slippery slope of never-ending bondage and sorrow that is brought about by entertaining the lower qualities. The chapter ends with the message that our actions should be prompted by scripture, and not by our selfish desires. In chapter 17 Arjuna, understanding that not many people have access to the scriptures, asks about the state of those people who use faith to guide their actions instead of scriptures. Answering his question, Lord Krishna gives an inspiring teaching about three types of faith which, determined by our own nature, mold our life. He teaches us to recognize our svabhava – our own inherent nature –  through studying what food we eat, what actions we perform, and with which attitude we perform those actions.  All of these are classified into three types: sattvic (pure), rajasic (passionate) and tamasic (idle or inert). Through this chapter, we are urged by Lord Krishna to reduce and ultimately stop rajasic and tamasic actions, and cultivate sattvic actions. This will purify our mind and make us fit for imbibing the knowledge of the Self.

In this course we will learn about :

• The divine nature vs the demonical nature
• The undivine beings – their conduct and fate
• The gates to darkness which must be avoided
• The formula for peace and happiness
• How to resolve doubts
• The way to determine what needs to be done vs what needs to be avoided
• The three types of faith and how faith affects our life
• Cultivating the right attitude for facing all aspects of human life

This course will inspire and uplift your mind! You will understand more about yourself and the essence of spiritual life.

This Bhagavad Gita course has been ongoing for over two years now and it is welcoming new students. With over twenty years of ashram life and teaching experience, Jnaneshwari Chaitanya will guide you through the teaching of this sacred text with clarity, love, and enthusiasm. Before starting the immersion into chapter 15, an introduction will be provided so that everyone can move forward together!

Millions of people around the world study the Gita and daily find solace, meaning and inner peace through the teachings contained in it. Begin your study and enjoy the benefits!