The
Bhagavad Gita
as a Yoga Shastra
Study Series
The Bhagavad Gita is considered the most auspicious text in the Sanathana Dharma, because it is a condensation (in Krishna's own words) of the Vedas. The meter and the words of the shlokas (songs) are aptly chosen to work on the subconscious and settle the mind. The message is "Atma Jnanam" or "Knowledge of the Self", a superpower, according to ancient sages.
Reference: A Study in comparison of the two Greatest Scriptures on Yoga
Dates and times: Weekly on Saturdays from 7:30am-8:30am PST
(4:30 pm-5:30pm CET; 9:00pm-10:00pm IST)
Cost: There is no cost but out of reverence for the sanctity of the text, in order to fully assimilate the content and get the benefit, some time commitment and creating mental space to attend, and following up with the recordings on days missed, is essential.
Slides: Available below
Format:
Approximately 8 shlokas per class in a brisk-paced style
Chanting with participant involvement in the traditional chandas (meters)
Word by word meaning of the Shlokas
Following the Advaita Vedanta philosophy using Shankara's commentary as expounded by Swami Paramarthananda Saraswati
With special emphasis on the Bhagavad Gita as a Yoga Shastra
Inclusion of stories from the Mahabharata
Points to ponder (assimilating the main contents of each chapter through Q&A)
Book references for the Bhagavad Gita
Short versions
1) Bhagavad Gita text and commentary by Swami Sivananda
2) Bhagavad Gita commentary by Swami Chidbhavananda
Long discourses
3) Swami Paramarthananda's discourse on the Bhagavad Gita (available online)
4) Swami Dayanada Bhagavad Gita home study (available online)
Shlokas with Sanskrit and English transliteration (without meaning)
Book references for "The Mahabharatha"
1) Amar Chitra Katha Mahabharata comics
2) Mahabharata by Kamala Subramaniam (Excellent traditional rendering in English)
Youtube videos for traditional Chanting of the Bhagavad Gita
4) Unknown female voice in very traditional style (video has lyrics based on Prabhupada interprettion)