Course on Bhagvad Gita (Choose the Mode of Study)
The Bhagavad Gita course is a profound study of the philosophical, ethical, and spiritual teachings enshrined in the Bhagavad Gita, one of the three foundational texts of Prasthāna-Trayī (along with the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras). This sacred text, presented as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is not merely a religious scripture but a universal manual for life, action, and self-realization.
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the rational and spiritual philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita. The text is approached not from a ritualistic or mythological standpoint, but from a Vedantic and scientific perspective rooted in the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Vedic rationalism. The course emphasizes:
- The clarity of action (karma),
- The wisdom of discernment (jñāna),
- And the discipline of devotion (bhakti)—free from idol worship.
It treats the Gita as a continuation of Vedic knowledge, especially in its guidance on righteous action (dharma) and liberation (moksha).
Objectives of the Course:
- Philosophical Insight:
To explore the threefold path of self-realization as taught in the Gita:- Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action),
- Jñāna Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge),
- Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion — interpreted in non-idolatrous form).
- Ethical and Rational Dharma:
To develop a logical understanding of duty, responsibility, and moral dilemmas as Arjuna faced, and to apply these principles in modern life. - Scientific Vedantic Inquiry:
To study the Gita as a rational inquiry into the nature of self (ātman), the universe (jagat), and the Supreme (Brahman)—in line with the Vedic principle:
Spiritual Empowerment and Self-Transformation:
To awaken the seeker to their inner potential, fostering a mindset of courage, non-attachment, and self-mastery. - Application to Life and Society:
To understand how the Gita's teachings can guide one through personal, professional, and societal challenges with equanimity and spiritual clarity.
Conclusion:
This course treats the Bhagavad Gita not as a book of faith, but as a text of universal wisdom and self-cultivation. Rooted in Vedic philosophy, it aims to foster independent reasoning, ethical living, and spiritual realization without reliance on any dogma. It is a journey from confusion to clarity, from fear to courage, and from ignorance to liberation.
Course Title and its Modules
Course Title: Bhagavad Gita: A Scientific and Spiritual Exposition of Vedic Wisdom
Course Objectives:
- To understand the Bhagavad Gita as a manual of liberation based on Vedic rationalism.
- To explore the scientific, philosophical, and ethical teachings of the Gita.
- To analyze the relevance of the Gita's teachings to modern life and universal human values.
Module 1: Introduction to the Gita Topics:
- Historical context and literary structure
- The Gita within the Mahabharata
- Overview of traditional commentaries
- Unique approach of Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya
Readings:
- Introduction section of the book
- Gita, 1.1–1.2
Discussion Questions:
- How does Prof. Arya differ in his interpretive method?
- What makes the Gita a 'Scientific Scripture of Liberation'?
Module 2: Arjuna’s Dilemma (Adhyaya 1) Topics:
- Arjuna's psychological crisis
- Ethics of war and duty
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 1
Discussion Questions:
- Is Arjuna's dilemma unique or universal?
- How does Krishna reframe Arjuna's moral confusion?
Module 3: Sankhya Yoga (Adhyaya 2) Topics:
- Vedic concept of Atman
- Philosophy of embodiment and disembodiment
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 2
Discussion Questions:
- What is the nature of the soul as per the Gita?
- How does this teaching remove the fear of death?
Module 4: Karma Yoga (Adhyaya 3) Topics:
- Philosophy of action
- Selfless duty and cosmic order
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 3
Discussion Questions:
- What is meant by 'action without attachment'?
- How does this apply to modern professional ethics?
Module 5: Jnana Yoga (Adhyaya 4) Topics:
- Transmission of Vedic wisdom
- Relationship between knowledge and action
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 4
Discussion Questions:
- How does knowledge purify action?
- Why is the Guru essential in the Vedic system?
Module 6: Dhyana Yoga (Adhyaya 6) Topics:
- Mental discipline and focus
- Equanimity as spiritual practice
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 6
Discussion Questions:
- What is true meditation according to Krishna?
- How can modern individuals benefit from this practice?
Module 7: Vedic Cosmology (Adhyayas 7–8) Topics:
- The imperishable Brahman
- Life beyond death
Readings:
- Gita, Chapters 7–8
Discussion Questions:
- How does the Gita describe ultimate reality?
- What is the significance of death in this philosophy?
Module 8: Cosmic Vision (Adhyaya 11) Topics:
- The Viśvarūpa Darśana
- Transcending the ego
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 11
Discussion Questions:
- What does Arjuna learn from the cosmic vision?
- How can this vision inform a global ethics?
Module 9: Rational Bhakti (Adhyaya 12) Topics:
- Devotion free of superstition
- Bhakti as disciplined reverence
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 12
Discussion Questions:
- How is rational devotion different from idol worship?
- What are the characteristics of a true devotee?
Module 10: Ethics of the Three Gunas (Adhyayas 14–17) Topics:
- Sattva, Rajas, Tamas
- Ethical application in food, thought, and action
Readings:
- Gita, Chapters 14–17
Discussion Questions:
- How do the gunas shape personality?
- How can we elevate ourselves spiritually and ethically?
Module 11: Nirvana and Liberation (Adhyaya 18) Topics:
- The nature of Moksha
- Integrative philosophy of action, knowledge, and devotion
Readings:
- Gita, Chapter 18
Discussion Questions:
- What is the Gita's final teaching on liberation?
- How does it unify all yogas into one path?
Module 12: Contemporary Relevance and Synthesis Topics:
- Bhagavad Gita as a universal scripture
- Vedic vision for global harmony
Readings:
- Select excerpts from Introduction and Epilogue
Discussion Questions:
- How is the Gita relevant to current global crises?
- What is the Gita's message for modern humanity?