- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
July 2 – September 24, 2025
Vedanta and the Uddhava Gita: Krishna’s Final Teachings on the Self
with Rukmini Chaitanya
12 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Wednesdays, 3:00 – 4:30 pm ET
This course is approved by the Yoga Alliance for Continuing Education Hours
A Unique Chance to Explore Krishna’s Ultimate Message
Step into the sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and his devoted disciple Uddhava—a text imbued with grace, clarity, and timeless wisdom. This 12-week course offers an in-depth exploration of the Uddhava Gita, a lesser-known jewel nestled in the Eleventh Canto of the Shrimad-Bhagavatam. Delivered just before Krishna’s departure from the world, this scripture is a treasure trove of spiritual insight—subtle, contemplative, and profoundly transformative.
Unlike the battlefield setting of the Bhagavad Gita, the Uddhava Gita emerges from a quiet moment of deep intimacy. As Uddhava grapples with the grief of Krishna’s imminent departure, the Lord responds not with consolation, but with Truth—offering a sublime synthesis of Vedantic knowledge, renunciation, and devotional love.
With the guidance of Rukmini Chaitanya, this course will take you step by step through the heart of Krishna’s final teachings, illuminating the Vedantic path of Self-realization, devotion, and inner liberation.
"The Bhagavata is, as Sri Ramakrishna aptly expressed it, ‘fried in the butter of Jnana and soaked in the syrup of Bhakti’. The study of such a book cannot but be of the greatest help to a seeker after Truth." — Swami Madhavananda
What Sets the Uddhava Gita Apart?
Krishna’s Last Message – This is the final instruction of the Lord—an outpouring of his deepest teachings on bhakti, detachment, and the Self.
Beyond the Battlefield – If the Bhagavad Gita invites action, the Uddhava Gita invites stillness. It takes us from karma yoga to contemplation and ultimate surrender.
Living Vedanta – Learn how to walk the spiritual path while fulfilling worldly duties—with clarity, non-attachment, and devotion.
A Hidden Treasure – Though not widely known, the Uddhava Gita contains Krishna’s most refined teachings—ideal for sincere seekers.
"With a view to purifying Myself by the dust of his feet, I always follow the sage who cares for nothing, bears enmity to none and is even-minded." - Uddhava Gita, Chapter IX, verse 16
Course Journey: A Deep Dive into Krishna’s Final Wisdom
Setting the Scene
- Why did Krishna choose Uddhava for this sacred transmission?
- Uddhava’s plea and Krishna’s profound response: Let go of illusion, and take refuge in devotion.
Understanding the World
- Discover the power of the gunas and how they keep us entangled.
- Learn how Vedanta cuts through maya to reveal the truth of the Self.
- Free yourself from the strings of worldly attachment with Krishna’s powerful metaphors
The Path of Devotion
- Why pure love for God surpasses even knowledge and austerity.
- Explore the hallmarks of a true devotee.
- See how bhakti dissolves the cycle of birth and death.
Real Renunciation
- Learn the true meaning of renunciation—not escape, but inner freedom.
- Difference between outer withdrawal and inner surrender.
- What does it mean to be liberated while living?
Wisdom from the World Around Us
- Explore the Avadhuta Gita: a sage’s 24 unexpected gurus—from earth to eagle.
- What nature teaches us about humility, patience, and the Self.
- Let everyday life become your teacher through reflective awareness.
The Life of a Paramahamsa
- Krishna’s vision of the perfected seeker—detached, content, and steadfast.
- How to live in the world yet remain untouched by it.
- Practices for developing equanimity and unwavering love.
The Final Teaching
- Surrender: the highest path to freedom.
- How divine grace and self-effort work together.
- Krishna’s concluding message—a personal invitation to every sincere soul.
"This looking upon all beings as Myself in thought, word and deed is, to my Mind, the best of all methods of worship." - Uddhava Gita, Chapter XXIV, verse 19
What You'll Receive
- A step-by-step journey through Krishna’s culminating teachings
- Practical tools to cultivate devotion, detachment, and spiritual vision
- Insightful guidance from Rukmini Chaitanya, with time for questions and reflection
- A nurturing community of seekers to support your practice
- Access to recordings so you can study at your own pace
Is This Course for You?
- Are you longing to understand devotion, renunciation, and Self-realization more deeply?
- Have you studied the Bhagavad Gita and wish to continue your journey through Krishna’s higher teachings?
- Are you a yogi, meditator, or seeker eager to anchor your practice in scriptural wisdom?
- Do you yearn for inner peace, clarity, and divine connection in daily life?
- If yes, this course is for you!
What people are saying about Rukmini Chaitanya…
How the Course Works
- Live Weekly Sessions – Join us online each Wednesday for guided study and satsang
- Offered as 12 weekly sessions on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30 pm ET on the following dates: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3, 19 & 17
- Recordings Available – Access all sessions at your convenience
- Interactive Q&A – Ask your questions and deepen your understanding
- Community Space – Reflect, connect and grow with fellow seekers
- This is more than a study course. It’s an invitation to walk the path of truth with the blessings of Krishna’s final words—a journey inward, guided by the light of Vedanta and the love of bhakti.
REGISTER NOW & AWAKEN THE HEART
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.
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.