- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
March 26 – June 11, 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
A Rare Opportunity to Study Krishna’s Final Teachings
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the profound wisdom of Lord Krishna’s farewell message through the lens of Vedanta?
The Uddhava Gita, found in Shrimad-Bhagavatam (Canto 11), is one of the most intimate and advanced teachings of Lord Krishna, delivered just before his departure from the world. While the Bhagavad Gita was spoken to a warrior in the midst of battle, the Uddhava Gita unfolds in a quiet, contemplative setting, where Krishna imparts his deepest wisdom to his devoted disciple, Uddhava.
Faced with Krishna’s impending departure, Uddhava is filled with longing and uncertainty. In response, Krishna unveils the essence of devotion, renunciation, and self-knowledge, providing a clear roadmap for seekers striving for inner freedom and divine love. Rooted in Vedantic philosophy, the teachings of the Uddhava Gita reveal the nature of the Self, the impermanence of the world, and the path to liberation through discrimination (viveka), detachment (vairagya), and devotion (bhakti).
This 12-week course is designed to guide you through Krishna’s teachings step by step, helping you integrate Vedantic wisdom into your own spiritual journey.
In his foreword to his translation of Uddhava Gita, Swami Madhavananda says:
"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."
What Makes the Uddhava Gita So Special?
Krishna’s Ultimate Teachings – This is Krishna’s final message, summing up all of his wisdom on bhakti (devotion), renunciation, and liberation through Self-knowledge.
The Depth Beyond the Bhagavad Gita – While the Bhagavad Gita focuses on karma yoga (selfless action), the Uddhava Gita leads us further—into renunciation, contemplation, and pure devotion.
Practical Guidance for Seekers – The teachings offer clear, practical Vedantic wisdom on how to navigate worldly responsibilities while remaining detached and spiritually centred.
Rarely Studied, Yet Profoundly Transformative – Despite being one of Krishna’s most elevated discourses, the Uddhava Gita remains lesser known than the Bhagavad Gita—yet it holds some of the most powerful instructions for seekers on the spiritual path.
"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 Overview: Exploring Krishna’s Final Message
Throughout the course, we will explore the key Vedantic themes and teachings of the Uddhava Gita, reflecting on how they apply to our modern spiritual lives.
The Setting of the Uddhava Gita
- Why is Uddhava chosen as Krishna’s final student?
- Uddhava’s heartfelt plea: How do we live in this world after the Lord departs?
- Krishna’s response: “Detach from illusion, surrender in devotion.”
The Nature of the Material World
- The three modes of nature (gunas) and how they bind us.
- Understanding maya (illusion) and how to transcend it through Vedantic self-enquiry.
- Krishna’s analogy of the puppet and the puppeteer—breaking free from worldly attachments.
Bhakti – The Supreme Path
- Why bhakti (devotion) is superior to knowledge and austerity.
- The qualities of a true devotee.
- How love for God liberates the soul from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
The Yoga of Renunciation
- True renunciation is not about leaving the world, but transforming one’s mind.
- The difference between external detachment and internal surrender.
- Krishna’s practical guidance on living as a jivanmukta (liberated while living).
Lessons from Nature – The Avadhuta Gita
- A fascinating section where a wandering sage learns from 24 different teachers—rivers, animals, even the sky!
- Lessons on humility, patience, and realisation of oneness from nature itself.
- How to cultivate inner freedom through observation and reflection.
Becoming a True Seeker – The Path of the Paramahamsa
- Krishna’s guidance on living as a saintly being (paramahamsa).
- The joy of simplicity, contentment, and inner detachment.
- How to practice equanimity and unwavering devotion in all situations.
Krishna’s Final Words – The Essence of Surrender
- The ultimate instruction: Surrender everything to God, and be free.
- Why self-effort and divine grace must go hand in hand.
- Krishna’s concluding message to Uddhava—and to all spiritual seekers.
"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 Will Gain from This Course
- Deep insight into Krishna’s final teachings based on Vedantic principles and why they remain timeless.
- Practical wisdom on bhakti, detachment, and living with spiritual clarity.
- Whether you are new to Vedanta or a seasoned seeker, this course is designed to guide you step by step through the scripture, ensuring deep understanding and personal transformation.
- Guidance from Rukmini Chaitanya, an experienced teacher, with opportunities for Q&A and reflection.
- A supportive spiritual community to study and grow with.
Who Should Join?
- Spiritual seekers longing for deeper insight into devotion, wisdom, and renunciation.
- Students of the Bhagavad Gita looking to explore Krishna’s teachings beyond the battlefield.
- Yoga & meditation practitioners wishing to integrate scriptural wisdom into their practice.
- Anyone yearning for inner freedom, spiritual clarity, and divine love.
How the Course Works
- Offered as 12 weekly sessions on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30 pm ET on the following dates: March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4 & 11.
- 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.Feb
- Join us in Awakening the Heart through the sacred wisdom of Vedanta and the Uddhava Gita. This is more than just a course—it is an invitation to transform your spiritual life through Vedanta and Krishna’s highest teachings.
REGISTER NOW & BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
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.