- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
Oct 22, 2025 – January 21, 2026
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
Step Into the Heart of Krishna’s Wisdom
The Uddhava Gita is one of the most profound and intimate dialogues in all of Vedantic literature. Spoken by Krishna at the threshold of his departure from the world, it distils his ultimate message to his beloved devotee Uddhava—offering guidance not just for one disciple, but for all seekers who yearn to rise beyond illusion and live in the light of the Self.
Where the Bhagavad Gita was given in the heat of battle, the Uddhava Gita is spoken in the stillness of sacred withdrawal. In this contemplative atmosphere, Krishna reveals his clearest teachings on Self-knowledge, renunciation, and devotion, leading the earnest seeker step by step toward liberation.
This 12-week journey will immerse you in these timeless teachings, while helping you anchor them in your own spiritual practice.
"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
Why Study the Uddhava Gita?
A Sacred Farewell – Krishna’s last instructions carry the distilled essence of his wisdom, addressing the eternal questions of life, death, and liberation.
Completing the Circle – If the Bhagavad Gita is the call to action, the Uddhava Gita is the call to release—guiding seekers into contemplation, devotion, and inner surrender.
Vedanta Made Practical – The scripture provides not just lofty philosophy, but practical instruction on how to live with clarity and detachment.
Rare and Transformative – Though less known than the Bhagavad Gita, this text is a hidden gem of Vedanta, filled with teachings that can transform the heart and awaken wisdom.
"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
What We’ll Explore in This Course
- Uddhava’s grief and devotion as Krishna prepares to leave the world.
- The Lord’s compassionate reply: turn inward, beyond illusion, and find Me there.
- How the gunas bind us to samsara.
- Seeing through maya with the light of Vedantic enquiry.
- Krishna’s vivid parables on attachment and release.
- Why love of God is greater than austerity or knowledge alone.
- The qualities of the devotee who reaches liberation.
- Bhakti as the bridge between human longing and divine fulfillment.
- What it means to live unattached in the midst of life.
- The spirit of the jivanmukta: free while embodied.
- Practical steps for integrating renunciation into daily life.
- The Avadhuta Gita: wisdom drawn from nature’s 24 teachers.
- Insights on patience, humility, and oneness.
- Turning every experience into a lesson on the Self.
- Krishna’s vision of the sage who has transcended duality.
- The beauty of simplicity, contentment, and equanimity.
- The path of the liberated while living among all beings.
- Krishna’s concluding words: hand over all to the Divine.
- Balancing human effort and divine grace.
- The heart of Vedanta: resting in the Self as all.
"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
Benefits of the Course
- Clear and guided study of Krishna’s final teachings.
- Practical application of Vedantic truths to modern spiritual life.
- Step-by-step exploration suitable for both new and seasoned seekers.
- Direct guidance and Q&A with Rukmini Chaitanya.
- A warm community of aspirants to walk the journey with you.
This Course Is Perfect For…
- Seekers longing to go deeper into devotion and Vedanta.
- Students of the Bhagavad Gita ready to explore Krishna’s final words.
- Yogis and meditators wishing to strengthen their practice with scriptural wisdom.
- Anyone striving for detachment, clarity, and divine love.
What people are saying about Rukmini Chaitanya…
Course Format
- Live Classes – Join weekly for teaching and reflection.
- 12 Weekly Sessions – on Wed from 3:00 to 4:30pm ET on Oct 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 3, 10, 17, 2025 & Jan 7, 14, 21, 2026.
- Access to Recordings – Revisit sessions anytime.
- Interactive Study – Ask questions and clarify your understanding.
- Community Support – Grow alongside fellow seekers worldwide.
- This is more than a course—it is a living journey into the heart of Vedanta. Come discover the wisdom of Krishna’s last words and awaken to the Self within.
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.