Advanced Bhagavad Gita Online Course
Essence of Advaita Vedanta & Upanishads
The text deals with…
- Yoga: How to make your life meaningful, auspicious and prosperous. As suggested by Lord Krishna.
- Brahma-vidya: The supreme reality, Brahman. Knowledge, knowing which, everything at once becomes known.
Table of Contents:
BASED ON SESSION NUMBERS:
Teachings based on Chinmaya International Foundation.
- CH 1: 1 (Intro into Program)
- CH 2: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
- CH 3: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
- CH 4 & 5 Combined: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
BASED ON VERSE NUMBERS:
Teachings based on Swami Dayananda (Arsha Vidya), Swami Paramarthananda, Chinmaya International Foundation
- BREAK: Let's take a pause from B.Gita and learn about…
- Tattva Bodha: Who am I NOT? | What is Gross Body?
- CH 5, Verse: 13, 14, 15a | 15b, 16, 17a | 17b, 18, 19 | 20, 21 | 22, 23, 24 | 25, 26
- CH 6, Verse: Intro | 1, 2a | 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7a | 7b, 8, 9, 10a | 10b, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 | Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga 8-Steps | 18, 19 | 20, 21, 22, 23 | 24, 25, 26 | 27, 28, 29 | 30, 31, 32 | 33, 34, 35, 36 | 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43a | 43b, 44, 45, 46, 47 | SUMMARY
- CH 7, Verse: 1, 2, 3 | 4, 5 | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | 11, 12, 13 | 14, 15, 16 | 17, 18, 19, 20 | 21, 22, 23, 24 | 25, 26, 27, 28 | 29, 30 | SUMMARY
- CH 8, Verse: 1, 2, 3, 4 | 5, 6, 7, 8 | 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 | 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 | 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 | SUMMARY
- CH 9, Verse: 1, 2 | 3, 4, 5, 6 | 7, 8, 9 | 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 | 16, 17, 18, 19 | 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 | 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 31, 32, 33, 34 | SUMMARY
- CH 10, Verse: 1, 2, 3 | 4, 5, 6 | 7, 8, 9, 10 | 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 | 16, 17, 18. 19, 20, 21, 22 | 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 | 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 | 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 | 39, 40, 41, 42 | SUMMARY
- BREAK: Let's take a pause from B.Gita and learn about…
- Story of Mahābhārata: Relevance In Your Life, Negligence, Setting Boundaries, Destiny/Fate, Cause-Effect (Karma), Coping with Challenges, Negotiating with Difficult People
- Essence of Advaita – Jñāna-Yoga (based on BG CH2): Self-Imposed Limitations, Subject-Object, Nature of I, Nature of Universe, Breakdown of Reality, Tat Tvam Asi Equation
- CH 11, Verse: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 | 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 | 32, 33, 34, 35 | 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 | 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 | SUMMARY
- CH 12, Verse: 1, 2 | 3, 4 | 5, 6 | Dharma, Ethics, Intuition | 7, 8, 9 | 10, 11, 12, 13a | 13b, 14 | 15, 16a | 16b, 17, 18 | 19, 20 | SUMMARY
- CH 13, Verse: Intro, 1a | 1b | 1c | 2a | 2b | 2c | 3, 4, 5a | 5b | 5c, 6 | Summary of 5 & 6 | 7a | 7b | 7c | 7d | 7e | 7f | 7g | 7h | 7i | 8 | 9a | 9b, 10a | 10b | Summary of V7-10 | 11a | 11b, 12a | 12b, 13, 14 | 15, 16, 17, 18 | 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24a | 24b, 25, 26, 27, 28a | 28b, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 | SUMMARY
- 20 Universal Values (Verse 7-11): Intro: 1, 2 | Summary | V1: Absence of conceit | V2: Absence of pretense | V3: Non-hurting: 1, 2 | V4: Accommodation: 1, 2 | V5: Straightforwardness | V6: Service to Teacher | V7: Inner-Outer Purity: 1, 2 | V8: Steadfastness | V9: Mind Mastery: 1, 2 | V10: Dispassion: 1, 2 | V11: Healthy I-Sense | V12: 5-Fold Limitations | V13: Absence of Ownership | V14: Absence of Obsession: 1, 2 | V15: Equanimity | V16: Devotion | V17: Secluded Place | V18: Social Interactions | V19: Commitment to Self-Knowledge | V20: Validity of Self-Knowledge: 1, 2
- CH 14, Verse: Intro, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a | 5b, 6 | 7, 8, 9, 10 | 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 | 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 | SUMMARY
- CH 15, Verse: Intro, 1a | 1b, 2, 3a | 3b, 4, 5 | 6a | 6b, 7, 8 | 9, 10, 11 | 12, 13, 14, 15 | 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 | SUMMARY
- CH 16, Verse: Intro, 1a | 1b | 1c, 2a | 2b | 2c, 3 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9a | 9b, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 | 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 | SUMMARY
- CH 17, Verse: Intro, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 | 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 | SUMMARY
- CH 18, Verse: Intro, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 | 15, 16, 17 | 18, 19, 20a | 20b, 21, 22 | 23, 24, 25 | 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 | 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 | 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 | 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 | 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 | 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 | 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 | SUMMARY
Lesson 140 – Preference for Solitude & Absence of Craving Social Interactions
Summary: Lesson 140 is Value 17, 18. Preference for secluded place. Absence of craving for social interactions. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 10. Revision: Value 15: nityam samacittatvam: Constant…
Lesson 139 – Constant Equanimity & Unswerving Devotion to Lord
Summary: Lesson 139 is Value 14, 15, 16. Absence of Obsession. Having equanimity throughout situations. Devotion to Lord (self). Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 9, 10. Revision: Value 13:…
Lesson 138 – Absence of Ownership & Obsession, Beloved Relationships
Summary: Lesson 138 is Value 13, 14. Absence of ownership. Neutralizing obsession over things dear to us. Compassion vs. Empathy. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 9. Revision: Value 10:…
Lesson 137 – Values: What is Right Dispassion, I-Sense, Limitations of Human Birth?
Summary: Lesson 137 is Value 10, 11, 12. What is proper dispassion? What is function of I-Sense? What is samsara? Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 8. Revision: Value 10:…
Lesson 136 – Values: Mastering the Mind-Thoughts & Dispassion
Summary: Lesson 136 is Value 9, 10. Mastering the mind (4 types of thinking, Ashtanga Yoga). Dispassion arising from having correct relationship to objects. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse…
Lesson 135 – Values: Commitment & Mastery or Management of Mind
Summary: Lesson 135 is Value 7, 8, 9. Commitment to your highest value. Management of the mind. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 7. Revision: KṢĀNTI: Acceptance without resistance, choiceless…
Lesson 134 – Values: Purity of Your Mind & Purpose of Teacher/Guru
Summary: Lesson 134 is Value 6 & 7. Why service to teacher is important for self-knowledge. Keeping outer environment clean and inner mind pure. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse…
Lesson 133 – Values: Being Accommodating & Straightforwardness
Summary: Lesson 133 is Value 4 & 5. Learning to accommodate yourself and others. Being straight in your thoughts, words and actions. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 7. Revision:…
Lesson 132 – Values: Non-Injury & Accommodation
Summary: Lesson 132 is Value 3 & 4. Living an alertful life to avoid hurt wherever possible. Accommodating people/circumstances. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 7. Revision: So far… V1:…
Lesson 131 – Values: Absence of Pretense & Not-Hurting
Summary: Lesson 131 is Value 2 & 3. Not exaggerating past events. Avoiding hurt mentally, word (next session), and deed (next session). Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 7. Revision:…
Lesson 130 – Values: Absence of Conceit (Demanding respect)
Summary: Lesson 130 is Value 1: Absence of demanding respect for one's accomplishments or excessive pride. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 7. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 7: Value…
Lesson 129 – Introduction to Universal Values (BG CH13, Verse 7-11)
Summary: Lesson 129 sets the stage for Universal Values expounded in verse 7-11. Misinterpretation of values. Obligatory values. Personal values. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 7 Introduction to Universal…
Lesson 128 – Maya vs. Causal Body, Ishvara vs. Brahman, Infinite Jivas & Avidya
Summary: Lesson 128 answers question about maya, karana-sharira, ishvara-brahman, big crunch, hiranyagarbha. Shows comparison chart of Knower-Knower. Explains map of creation chart. And introduces Verse 7. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter…
Lesson 127 – Why Creation? Purpose of Universe? Why Ignorance?
Summary: Lesson 127 answers: What is reason for creation? What is our role in it? How can Ishvara have a desire for the world? About Hiranyagarbha. Proofs for big-bang. Likes-Dislikes…
Lesson 126 – Relating to All-Knowledge-Power & Brahman's Limitlessness
Summary: Lesson 126 covers how to bring Ishvara into one's life and how universe is formed. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 5 Revision: How to bring Ishvara to relatable…
Lesson 125 – Map of Existence Before Time-Space Came (Sankhya Philosophy 24-Model)
Summary: Lesson 125 maps out reality before time-space-objects came, according to Sankhya Philosophy 24-principles model. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 3, 4, 5 Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 3:…
Lesson 124 – Reality = Knower and Known (One Self Appearing as Cosmos)
Summary: Lesson 124 concludes BG CH13, Verse 2 by showing all forms known, experienced or observed – are modifications of the One content (Kshetrajna; Knower). Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13,…
Lesson 123 – Anandamaya Kosha (Causal Body): Source of Happiness & What is Ignorance?
Summary: Lesson 123 explains functions of Causal Body (karana sharira / anandamaya kosha), and answers question, “Why Bhagavan create ignorant jivas?”. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 2 (Revision) Intro:…
Lesson 122 – Clay-Pot Metaphor from Chandogya Upanishad
Summary: Lesson 122 explains Krishna's statement in Verse 2 “Know Me as the Kshetrajna (Knower) in all the Kshetras (Knowns)” using clay-pot metaphor from Chandogya Upanishad, CH6. Source: Bhagavad Gita,…
Lesson 121 – Correcting Misplaced “I” Identity With Logic & Waking, Dream, Sleep Analysis
Summary: Lesson 121 shows 5 points of error where “I” is placed. 3 States of experience also depend on the Knower, thus can't be the Knower. Why we call everything…
Lesson 120 – What am I Not? Disclosing 5 Levels of Superimposition (Pancha Kosha)
Summary: Lesson 120 shows properties about the 5 levels of error the “I” identifies with. Causal Body. Logic of rebirth. Sanchita Karma. Prarabdha Karma. Samskaras. Description of Consciousness (Knower). Source:…
Lesson 119 – Knower & Known – Intro to Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13
Summary: Lesson 119 shows the structure of BG and main topics of previous chapters. About doer-enjoyer. 2-fold-Cause nature of Universe. Ksetram (material universe). Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 13, Intro, Verse…
Lesson 118 – Summary of Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12 (Becoming a Jivanmukta)
Summary: Lesson 118 summarizes CH12 in context of seekers journey. It's a chapter about your endeavor from total ignorance to complete knowledge. It shows us the progression of devotion to…
Lesson 117 – Mrityunjaya Mantra, Refining Your Speech for Wisdom
Summary: Lesson 117 opens with the famous Mrityunjaya Mantra and it's explanation. Then attributes of jnani are continued: Attitude in criticism, speaking wisely, easily pleased, no dwelling place, highest devotee….
Lesson 116 – How to Solve Problems & Change Habits? Ideal Attitude In Challenges
Summary: Lesson 116 revises importance of converting ownership (my __) to trusteeship. Lifestyle says nothing about your spirituality. How to change unproductive habits? Ideal attitude towards challenges in life. Your…
Lesson 115 – What is a Jivanmukta? (Integrated, Holistic Person)
Summary: Lesson 115 continues listing traits of perfected being called a jivanmukta. He or she is a contributor in society, while also knower of truth. How does he respond to…
Lesson 114 – Your Interconnectedness & Attributes of a Jnani (Wise Person)
Summary: Lesson 114 shows it's impossible to ‘detach' since you're part of the system (grand order). Then attributes of a wise person: free of hatred, friend, lack of ‘mine' notion,…
Lesson 113 – How To Practice Karma Yoga & Which Sadhana is Better?
Summary: Lesson 113 explains the practice of Karma Yoga talked about in CH3 of Bhagavad Gita, and enters 2nd section of CH12; traits of a wise person (jnani). Source: Bhagavad…
Lesson 112 – Self-Growth with Upasana Yoga & Ashtanga Yoga's 8 Steps
Summary: Lesson 112 covers practice of Upasana-Yoga Level 2 (bringing Lord in form of dharma in one's life – that's why last session was about dharma) — and Upasana-Yoga Level…
Lesson 111 – Refining Thinking, Dharma is Relative, About Intuition, 5 Sadhanas
Summary: Lesson 111 gives pointers how to optimize our thinking process which helps the mind see deeper into things. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, General discussion. Summary: What is the…
Lesson 110 – Why Jnana-Yoga Alone Is Means to Moksha
Summary: Lesson 110 speaks about what is healthy thinking, proper way of thinking. Shows logically why only self-knowledge has power to enlighten the ignorant mind. And what is means to…
Lesson 109 – What is Brahman? How Can Formless Consciousness Be Known?
Summary: Lesson 109 gives definitions of technical words revealing nature of Brahman (formless consciousness). Sessions is specifically about jnana-yoga. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 3, 4. Summary: Title of…
Lesson 108 – Arjuna Asks How to Achieve Moksha & Best Spiritual Path
Summary: Lesson 108 gives overview what CH12 is about, what is Bhakti-Yoga? Arjuna asks who is the best kind of devotee (closest to liberation)? Krishna doesn't answer directly because question…
Lesson 107 – Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11: The Cosmic Vision – SUMMARY
Summary: Lesson 107 summarizes the crux of Chapter 11. Cause of universe. Divya-cakshu. Wat it takes to be devoted? Limitation of my/mine. Why was Arjuna also fearful of Lord's universe?…
Lesson 106 – Qualities of Bhakta Who Is Blessed By Moksha
Summary: Lesson 106 shows that with devotion alone the mind can capture the multifaceted nature of reality. But obstacle to devotion is notion of “me” and “mine”. They are reduced…
Lesson 105 – Without Devotion, Reality is Merely Intellectual
Summary: Lesson 105 logically shows how self-knowledge cannot be complete without devotion. Symbology of Father & Mother in scriptures. Why God can never be reached. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11:…
Lesson 104 – Dealing with Loss. Fatalism & Freewill. What is Will of God?
Summary: Lesson 104 speaks about your relationship to time, healthy attitudes towards loss/destruction, compares freewill-fate-fatalism and what it means to surrender to Will of God (dharma). Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter…
Lesson 103 – Destructive Aspect of Lord (Old Age, Disease, Death, Time)
Summary: Lesson 103 shows that only admiring Creation & Sustenance is 2/3rd mature. Most stop here. But a fully mature person embraces Destruction also. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11: Verse…
Lesson 102 – Total Cosmic Form (Vishvarupa Darshana of Jagat/Virat)
Summary: Lesson 102 includes: Two qualities of excellent student, Symbolism of 4 arms, Effulgence of God is like 1000 suns, Divinity is about having a right attitude about an ordinary…
Lesson 101 – BG CH10 Summary & CH11, Verse 1-8
Summary: Lesson 101 covers: Proper understanding of cause of universe, Stages to understanding God, Five standpoints of knowing Ishvara, Meaning of third eye (eye of wisdom). Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter…
Lesson 100 – Tat Tvam Asi Equation & Advaita Misconceptions
Summary: Lesson 100 reconciles apparent differences between limited individual and limitless Ishvara by showing they both resolves into one same Brahman. So far we've done two inquiries: 1) Who are…
Lesson 99 – Breakdown of Reality According to Upanishads
Summary: Lesson 99 shows what is the relevance of bringing Ishvara into your life. And further analysis to show how everything in the world resolves into All Knowledge, All Power….
Lesson 98 – Cause of Universe – How Did it All Begin?
Summary: Lesson 98 shows the cause of universe is both efficient and material cause. It is called maya when unmanifest (before universe began), and ishvara when manifest. In both cases,…
Lesson 97 – Nature of ‘I' – Presence called Brahman
Summary: Lesson 97 goes into inquiry to discover nature of “I”. Presence called Brahman. SITUATIONAL VS FUNDAMENTAL: Arjuna asks “What will give final fulfillment?” Black-White vs Arjuna Thinking: Black-white: If…
Lesson 96 – Essential Upanishad Understanding: Subject & Object
Summary: Lesson 96 introduces Subject-Object inquiry… the first process for establishing clarity of “I AM”. SITUATIONAL VS FUNDAMENTAL: What is connection between Krishna suddenly telling about nature of “I” to…
Lesson 95 – Self-Imposed Limitations (Black-White & Linear Thinking)
Summary: Lesson 95 demonstrates that most hardships and undesirable conflict come from our own black-white and linear thinking. Two types of questions (situational/fundamental). Summary of Kurukshetra war. Significance of wave-water…
Lesson 94 – Mahabharata: Negotiating with Difficult People (94)
Summary: Lesson 94 speaks about how to handle difficult people, and how mindset predicts success of failure. NEGOTIATIONS: Story continues: One day after 13th year, Duryodhana found them. Late by…
Lesson 93 – Mahabharata: Life Coping Methods, Surrender & Prayer
Summary: Lesson 93 defines what is surrender, purpose of prayer, conscious/unconscious mind, and coping methods during hard times. REVISION FROM LAST SESSION: Destiny/Karma revision: Destiny (prārabdha). Happens NOW. Karma means…
Lesson 92 – Mahabharata: Cause-Effect Relationship (Karma vs. Destiny)
Summary: Lesson 92 defines subtle difference between karma (action) and prārabdha (destiny). We also see how unwillingness to adjust our initial decisions leads to clashing with the present. REVISION FROM…
Lesson 91 – Mahabharata: Analysis Into Destiny/Fate
Summary: Lesson 91 touches on emotional distortions that need to be looked into because they weigh us down. Like: Being a people pleaser, past shame, jealousy. Then we undertake analysis…