The Heart of the Bhagavad Gita:
The Key to Liberation - Finding Your True Purpose
with Rukmini Chaitanya
12-WEEK LIVE ONLINE CERTIFICATION COURSE
April 29 – July 22, 2025 on Tuesdays 3:00 – 4:30 pm ET
Approved by Yoga Alliance for Continuing Education Hours
Become part of our spiritual community and infuse your life with greater meaning and purpose every day!
Join this 12-week course and take the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita!
Participate in live gatherings for a joyful spiritual experience amongst like minded people from all over the world. Or watch the recordings at your own time and contact Rukmini Chaitanya at any time with your questions and thoughts. The course is approved by the Yoga Alliance for Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Step into the Final Chapter of the Gita’s Wisdom!
The Bhagavad Gita (‘the Song of God’) is a timeless dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It illuminates the paths of duty, devotion, and knowledge, offering practical wisdom for living a meaningful life. This sacred text provides guidance on selfless action, ethical decision-making, and spiritual liberation, making it relevant to seekers from all walks of life.
In this course, we will focus on Chapter 18: Moksha-Sannyasa Yoga, which brings together the Gita’s profound teachings on renunciation, duty, and the ultimate surrender to the Divine. This final chapter integrates and summarizes the Gita’s core wisdom, delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, revealing the true meaning of spiritual liberation. Krishna’s teachings provide a comprehensive guide for leading a life of purpose, devotion, and spiritual fulfillment, culminating in the realization of one’s true self and union with the Divine.
– The Bhagavad Gita, 18.66
Key Teachings of Chapter 18:
The Nature of Renunciation and Action
- Understanding Sannyasa (renunciation) and Tyaga (renouncing the fruits of action): Krishna teaches that true renunciation is not the abandonment of action but performing one’s duty without attachment to the results.
- Exploring how actions, knowledge, and the doer are influenced by the three gunas: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).
The Path of Dharma
- Why performing one’s own duty (Svadharma) is superior to taking up another’s duty, even if imperfect.
- How embracing our unique responsibilities leads to inner harmony and spiritual growth.
Paths of Liberation (Moksha):
- The synthesis of Karma Yoga (selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), and Jnana Yoga (wisdom) is essential for our spiritual progress towards liberation.
- How surrendering all actions to the Divine leads to ultimate freedom from the bondage of Karma and Samsara (the cycle of birth and death).
Surrender as the Ultimate Key to Liberation
- Krishna’s final instruction to surrender all to him, to the Divine: “Abandon all dharmas and take refuge in Me alone.”
- Understanding the power of surrender in achieving spiritual peace.
Arjuna’s Transformation and Krishna’s Assurance
- How Krishna dispels Arjuna’s doubts and strengthens his resolve to fulfil his duty without attachment.
- The assurance that wherever there is dedication to righteousness and divine guidance, there will be prosperity and peace.
In summary, Chapter 18 synthesizes the central themes of the Bhagavad Gita, reinforcing the importance of living according to one’s Dharma, performing selfless actions, cultivating devotion, and pursuing knowledge to achieve spiritual liberation.
Learn how to apply Krishna’s Teachings to your Life:
- Master the Art of Selfless Action Learn how to perform your duties without attachment, cultivating inner peace and spiritual progress.
- Discover the Power of Renunciation Understand the true meaning of renunciation and how it leads to ultimate freedom.Yoga, Vedanta, Bhakti and Karma.
- Apply the Gita’s Wisdom to Daily Life Integrate timeless spiritual principles into your everyday actions for lasting happiness and fulfilment.
- Explore the Role of Devotion and Surrender Gain insight into Krishna’s teachings on trust, surrender, and divine guidance.
- Engage in Live Q&A and Deep Discussions Connect with Rukmini Chaitanya and fellow seekers to clarify doubts and deepen your understanding.
Further Insights to be Gained from Studying Chapter 18:
- Guidance for Life’s Challenges The Bhagavad Gita provides practical tools for navigating life’s uncertainties, helping individuals face stress, make ethical choices, and live with integrity. Krishna’s teachings offer clarity in moments of doubt and support in developing resilience in the face of adversity.
- Philosophical and Spiritual Wisdom Delve into profound reflections on the nature of the Self, the universe, and divine reality. Chapter 18 synthesizes the core teachings of the Gita, guiding seekers toward a deeper understanding of existence and the interplay between karma, destiny, and free will.
- Techniques for Inner Peace The Gita offers meditation techniques, self-discipline practices, and mindfulness exercises that foster mental clarity and emotional balance. Krishna’s message in Chapter 18 provides a roadmap for overcoming internal conflicts and achieving lasting inner peace.
- Moral and Ethical Clarity Chapter 18 presents a framework for righteous living (Dharma), helping seekers align their actions with higher spiritual values. It clarifies the difference between duty and attachment, empowering individuals to make decisions that uphold truth and justice.
- Universal Relevance The wisdom of the Gita transcends religious and cultural boundaries, making it accessible to seekers of all backgrounds. Its teachings on devotion, selfless service, and self-realization resonate universally, offering timeless guidance for anyone on the spiritual path.
- Pathways to Liberation Chapter 18 explores the different spiritual paths available to seekers, whether through knowledge (Jnana Yoga), devotion (Bhakti Yoga), or selfless action (Karma Yoga). Krishna assures that all paths ultimately lead to liberation when performed with sincerity and surrender.
- Empowerment and Self-Discovery Through the study of Chapter 18, individuals gain a profound sense of purpose, empowerment, and inner strength. The teachings encourage self-inquiry, inspire confidence in one’s Dharma, and lead to the realization of one’s divine potential.
Join Us on the Transformative Journey!
- Embark on this deep dive into one of the most profound spiritual scriptures ever written. Whether you are new to the Bhagavad Gita or have studied it before, this course will provide fresh insights and practical applications to support your spiritual evolution.
- Secure your place today and take the next step in your journey towards self-mastery, wisdom, and ultimate liberation!
What people are saying about Rukmini Chaitanya…
Additional Information:
Offered as 12 weekly sessions – Tuesday April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8 & 15 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm 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.
- Audio: Headphone speakers are recommended. If you wish to participate vocally, a headset with a microphone will be ideal.
Course Includes:
- 18 hours of live video courses
- Bhagavad Gita – translation and commentary by Swami Sivananda
- Course Manual
More praise for Rukmini Chaitanya…
“Rukmini Chaitanya presents online courses in a variety of areas, based on the sublime scriptures and monistic non-dual Vedanta tradition in a clear, consistent, uplifting and most important loving way. Highly recommended for seekers of all walks of life.”
– Menas C. Kafatos, Quantum Physicist, Philosopher, Writer
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.