- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
April 20 – June 8, 2021
The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7: The Yoga of Wisdom and Realization
Rukmini Chaitanya
8 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm ET
What you'll learn:
- The knowledge of God and the glory of this knowledge
- The Nature of God
- The cause of saṃsāra (cycle of birth, death and suffering)
- How Bhakti, love of God, is the remedy for saṃsāra
- Sakāma-bhakti (devotion for material ends)
- Niṣkāma-bhakti (devotion for spiritual end)
Course Description:
Open your heart and experience the love of God through the study and practice of the 7th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagavad Gita is a message of divine wisdom addressed to mankind for all times, in order to help human beings face and solve the ever-present problems of birth and death, of pain, suffering, fear, bondage, love, and hate. It enables man to liberate himself from all limiting factors and reach a state of perfect balance, inner stability, and mental peace, complete freedom from grief, fear, and anxiety.
Human drama is revealed within the Bhagavad Gita’s eighteen chapters. This is the experience of everyone in this world, the drama of the ascent of man from a state of hopelessness, utter dejection, sorrow, and total breakdown, to a state of perfect understanding, clarity, renewed strength, and triumph.
Chapter 7 is the first chapter in the section on Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion. During the course, we will study each verse of this chapter with the commentaries of Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Sivananda. We will explore the practice of devotion and surrender to God and how it leads the aspirant to the knowledge of God as identical with oneself. In this highest knowledge our intellectual quest finds its fulfillment. We will discuss questions such as: what is the nature of God? How does creation originate, sustain and dissolve in Him? What is the essence of this creation? What is our goal? Why do we suffer? Is there a way to become free from the cycle of suffering called Samsara?
Additional Information:
Offered as 8 weekly sessions on Tuesdays, Apr 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25 & Jun 1, 8 7:00-8:30pm ET
This program is offered live through Zoom webinar with the availability for students to interact through Q&A with the presenter.
For enrolled students, a video recording will be available after each class in the event you miss a class or would like to review the content.
It is possible to register and take the course at any time. You can catch up on any classes you miss with the recordings.
Requirements and Recommendations:
- No experience necessary. This program is open to beginners as well as advanced practitioners.
- Viewing Device: Desktop or laptop computer will provide the best experience, although you can also connect via a tablet or smartphone.
- Internet connection: High-speed broadband wired or wireless is best.
- Video: Download Zoom to your computer, or install the Zoom app to your device. For interactive group sessions, a webcam or integrated camera will allow others to feel more connected with you.
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Audio: Headphone speakers are recommended. If you wish to participate vocally, a headset with a microphone will be ideal.
Course Includes:
- 12 hours of on-demand video
- Bhagavad Gita – translation and commentary by Swami Sivananda
Rukmini Chaitanya
Rukmini Chaitanya is a senior staff member of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas, and the personal assistant to Swami Swaroopananda, the Acharya, or spiritual director of the Ashram. She regularly teaches the Bhagavad Gita during the Sivananda Yoga Teacher training as well as other courses on the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, positive thinking, meditation, and yoga philosophy.
Rukmini Chaitanya is known for her enthusiastic and inspiring teaching style as well as for her devotion to the lineage and the scriptures. She is dedicated to each of her students and has an innate desire to share knowledge with them. She brings a great deal of clarity to every topic and is highly appreciated for her capacity to unfold complicated topics and present them in a coherent and pure way.
