The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita serves as a manual for life. Just as we receive a user guide when we buy a phone, we need guidance to navigate human life, which is considered sacred. Unlike a phone, we don't have a user guide to understand how to make our lives meaningful. This sacred text provides insights into the importance of seeking knowledge to gain a clear understanding of life.
The title "Bhagavad Gita" itself reveals the essence of the text. While it is often translated as the "Song of God," a deeper etymological analysis shows that the word "Bhaga" has multiple meanings, including Dharma (righteousness), Jnana (right knowledge), Vairagya (renunciation), and Aishwarya/Atma (soul/eternal wealth). "Gita" means not just a song but an investigative conversation between student and teacher. Hence, the Bhagavad Gita is an exploration of Dharma, Vairagya, Jnana, and Aishwarya. It is much more than just a divine song; it is a profound investigation into the core aspects of life.
The Gita discusses the awareness of life. We need to recognize the struggles in our lives which often arise from a lack of knowledge. Imagine encountering a snake; you might be scared if you know nothing about snakes. However, a snake charmer, familiar with snakes, would not be afraid and might even play with it. Similarly, when you don't understand yourself or life, you struggle. But when you gain knowledge, you can enjoy life, just as water is enjoyable to someone who knows how to swim, while it is a struggle for someone who cannot. Knowledge leads to a joyful life, while ignorance causes suffering. The Gita imparts this knowledge, enabling us to enjoy our lives by removing the darkness of ignorance.
However, to study the Gita and implement its teachings, you need the right approach. Initially, you might struggle with confusion due to the various paths and techniques it presents. But you should not stop there. Move to the next level. Holding the Gita in your hand is like having milk; when you start reading, it becomes yoghurt and as you discuss the concepts with great practioners, through churning you eventually will get butter, which represents pure knowledge. Don't just walk away with knowledge; implement it in your life. Practice it like tapas (austerity and devotion). Your "butter" (knowledge) will melt and become ghee through your diligent practice. Then, use this ghee to light a lamp, which will help you see the beauty of life.
The Gita offers us an understanding of life and the ability to see ourselves in every being. There is no room for hatred, enmity, selfishness, or violence because you are there everywhere and in everything. Anything that causes pain to another being is your pain. Such a universal text cannot be found anywhere else in this world.
Join Dr Vigneshwar Bhat for a deep exploration of how to live a more peaceful life in connection with all beings through this powerful and timeless text, The Bhagavad Gita.
Part 1:
October 16-January 8 (December 25 off)
12 classes
£165 ( 2 automatic payments - £82.50 - October & December)
Part 2
January 15- April 2
12 classes
£165 ( 2 automatic payments - £82.50 - January & March)
24 classes in total
9pm IST - Recordings available for a limited time.
The Bhagavad Gita serves as a manual for life. Just as we receive a user guide when we buy a phone, we need guidance to navigate human life, which is considered sacred. Unlike a phone, we don't have a user guide to understand how to make our lives meaningful. This sacred text provides insights into the importance of seeking knowledge to gain a clear understanding of life.
The title "Bhagavad Gita" itself reveals the essence of the text. While it is often translated as the "Song of God," a deeper etymological analysis shows that the word "Bhaga" has multiple meanings, including Dharma (righteousness), Jnana (right knowledge), Vairagya (renunciation), and Aishwarya/Atma (soul/eternal wealth). "Gita" means not just a song but an investigative conversation between student and teacher. Hence, the Bhagavad Gita is an exploration of Dharma, Vairagya, Jnana, and Aishwarya. It is much more than just a divine song; it is a profound investigation into the core aspects of life.
The Gita discusses the awareness of life. We need to recognize the struggles in our lives which often arise from a lack of knowledge. Imagine encountering a snake; you might be scared if you know nothing about snakes. However, a snake charmer, familiar with snakes, would not be afraid and might even play with it. Similarly, when you don't understand yourself or life, you struggle. But when you gain knowledge, you can enjoy life, just as water is enjoyable to someone who knows how to swim, while it is a struggle for someone who cannot. Knowledge leads to a joyful life, while ignorance causes suffering. The Gita imparts this knowledge, enabling us to enjoy our lives by removing the darkness of ignorance.
However, to study the Gita and implement its teachings, you need the right approach. Initially, you might struggle with confusion due to the various paths and techniques it presents. But you should not stop there. Move to the next level. Holding the Gita in your hand is like having milk; when you start reading, it becomes yoghurt and as you discuss the concepts with great practioners, through churning you eventually will get butter, which represents pure knowledge. Don't just walk away with knowledge; implement it in your life. Practice it like tapas (austerity and devotion). Your "butter" (knowledge) will melt and become ghee through your diligent practice. Then, use this ghee to light a lamp, which will help you see the beauty of life.
The Gita offers us an understanding of life and the ability to see ourselves in every being. There is no room for hatred, enmity, selfishness, or violence because you are there everywhere and in everything. Anything that causes pain to another being is your pain. Such a universal text cannot be found anywhere else in this world.
Join Dr Vigneshwar Bhat for a deep exploration of how to live a more peaceful life in connection with all beings through this powerful and timeless text, The Bhagavad Gita.
Part 1:
October 16-January 8 (December 25 off)
12 classes
£165 ( 2 automatic payments - £82.50 - October & December)
Part 2
January 15- April 2
12 classes
£165 ( 2 automatic payments - £82.50 - January & March)
24 classes in total
9pm IST - Recordings available for a limited time.
The Bhagavad Gita serves as a manual for life. Just as we receive a user guide when we buy a phone, we need guidance to navigate human life, which is considered sacred. Unlike a phone, we don't have a user guide to understand how to make our lives meaningful. This sacred text provides insights into the importance of seeking knowledge to gain a clear understanding of life.
The title "Bhagavad Gita" itself reveals the essence of the text. While it is often translated as the "Song of God," a deeper etymological analysis shows that the word "Bhaga" has multiple meanings, including Dharma (righteousness), Jnana (right knowledge), Vairagya (renunciation), and Aishwarya/Atma (soul/eternal wealth). "Gita" means not just a song but an investigative conversation between student and teacher. Hence, the Bhagavad Gita is an exploration of Dharma, Vairagya, Jnana, and Aishwarya. It is much more than just a divine song; it is a profound investigation into the core aspects of life.
The Gita discusses the awareness of life. We need to recognize the struggles in our lives which often arise from a lack of knowledge. Imagine encountering a snake; you might be scared if you know nothing about snakes. However, a snake charmer, familiar with snakes, would not be afraid and might even play with it. Similarly, when you don't understand yourself or life, you struggle. But when you gain knowledge, you can enjoy life, just as water is enjoyable to someone who knows how to swim, while it is a struggle for someone who cannot. Knowledge leads to a joyful life, while ignorance causes suffering. The Gita imparts this knowledge, enabling us to enjoy our lives by removing the darkness of ignorance.
However, to study the Gita and implement its teachings, you need the right approach. Initially, you might struggle with confusion due to the various paths and techniques it presents. But you should not stop there. Move to the next level. Holding the Gita in your hand is like having milk; when you start reading, it becomes yoghurt and as you discuss the concepts with great practioners, through churning you eventually will get butter, which represents pure knowledge. Don't just walk away with knowledge; implement it in your life. Practice it like tapas (austerity and devotion). Your "butter" (knowledge) will melt and become ghee through your diligent practice. Then, use this ghee to light a lamp, which will help you see the beauty of life.
The Gita offers us an understanding of life and the ability to see ourselves in every being. There is no room for hatred, enmity, selfishness, or violence because you are there everywhere and in everything. Anything that causes pain to another being is your pain. Such a universal text cannot be found anywhere else in this world.
Join Dr Vigneshwar Bhat for a deep exploration of how to live a more peaceful life in connection with all beings through this powerful and timeless text, The Bhagavad Gita.
Part 1:
October 16-January 8 (December 25 off)
12 classes
£165 ( 2 automatic payments - £82.50 - October & December)
Part 2
January 15- April 2
12 classes
£165 ( 2 automatic payments - £82.50 - January & March)
24 classes in total
9pm IST - Recordings available for a limited time.
