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 90 – Mahabharata: Setting Boundaries, Standing Up for Yourself
Summary: Lesson 90 points out all life difficulties generally are traced to our mini-negligences which could've been avoided if taken time to think before acting. Then we learn how to…
Lesson 89 – Mahabharata Symbolism: Pandu's Negligence of Shooting the Arrow
Summary: Lesson 89 speaks about negligence, what causes it, how to minimize it, and how it shapes our lives. We also speak of topic of bringing mindfulness/alertness into our lives….
Lesson 88 – Story and Relevance of Mahabharata in Today's World
Summary: Lesson 88 takes a fresh start after 4 month break. Before continuing Bhagavad Gita CH10, we first dive into the fascinating story of Mahabharata and how it's symbolism can…
Lesson 87 – I am sat-cit (Existence-Awareness): Material & Intelligent-Cause of the World
Summary: Lesson 87 enumerates last glory sat (Existence), which from standpoint of world, becomes the material & intelligent-cause witnessed in-and-through all names and forms. Bhagavan is 6-fold limitless wealths. How…
Lesson 86 – Gayatri-Mantra Meaning & Benefits, 4 Ways to Discipline, Gunas, Veda-Vyasa
Summary: Lesson 86 brings humility & removes subtle pride/arrogance. It shows us nothing is mine, like fame, knowledge, speech, memory, ability to contemplate, patience, capacity to forgive. What is a…
Lesson 85 – Isvara Glories: Brahma Vidya, Karma, Letter ‘अ', Ganga, Prahlada, Samvada
Summary: Lesson 85 glories focus on stories and symbolism. Like space-time, wind, self-knowledge, karma phalam, mind, significance of letter अ. Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10: Verse 28, 29, 30, 31,…
Lesson 84 – Bhagavan Glories: Himalaya, Omkara, Agni, Japa, Peepal/Bodhi Tree, Narada
Summary: Lesson 84 resumes with glories one can turn as objects of meditation, thus cultivating a focused & clear mind over time. We learn practical symbolism of Hindu deities &…
Lesson 83 – Ishvara Glories: I AM, Sun, Moon, Wind, Sama Veda
Summary: Lesson 83 starts by Arjuna asking Krishna to reveal His glories. Krishna starts with how you are sat-cit (Existence-Awareness, I AM). Then continues with glories of various devatas presiding…
Lesson 82 – Adi Shankara's Dawn of Knowledge & Meaning of Bhakti
Summary: Lesson 82 shows how relationship to pleasant/unpleasant life events changes by knowing all world manifestations are of ONE Cause. Definition of words love, respect & reverence is given. Leading…
Lesson 81 – Brahman-Maya-Ishvara, Jagat-Jiva Relationship & How to Love Bhagavan
Summary: Lesson 81 shows how effect is never away from it's cause. Jiva is of Jagat. Jagat is of Ishvara. Ishvara has it's existence in Brahman. Also satya-mithya relationship is…
Lesson 80 – 9 Universal Laws & Orders for Spiritual Growth
Summary: Lesson 80 revises 3 stages of understanding definition of Ishvara. Then we see how Bhagavan's glories are working in your mind every day. Purpose is to discover love for…
Lesson 79 – Intro to Bhagavad Gita, CH10 – Vibhuti-Yoga: Verse 1-3
Summary: Lesson 79 starts with revision of Ishvara's TWO natures, and THREE stages of understanding reality all bhaktas go through. Then Krishna states everything we are proud of is NOT…
Lesson 78 – Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Summary (Terms Recapped)
Summary: Lesson 78 covers main points throughout CH9. V1-3: How Self-Knowledge is superior to all other knowledges. V4-10: How All Knowledge/Power (Ishvara) is everywhere. V11: Why is there samsara (causing…
Lesson 77 – 5 Stages of Bhakti & Is Liberation Possible for Disadvantaged / Handicaps
Summary: Lesson 77 points out the invaluable benefits of devotion (bhakti). Even a jivanmukta benefits from devotion. We see a true bhakta's attitude towards life. Can mentally, physically, environmentally challenged…
Lesson 76 – Treating Insecurity and Guilt & Why Moksha is Rare
Summary: Lesson 76 compares sakama (selfish actions) & nishkam bhakti (self-less actions) to ensure student doesn't unsuspectingly mix them and hinder one's growth. What to offer to Ishvara during devotion…
Lesson 75 – 2 Types of Bhakti Practices (Finite vs. Infinite Devotion)
Summary: Lesson 75 expands on 2 types of devotion; worldly and God. First is sakama-bhakti (most common; instant gratification), who worships security in matter and entertainment (artha/kama), and leads to…
Lesson 74 – How Do I Devote or ‘See' the Omnipresent Lord?
Summary: Lesson 74 purpose is to answer “How do I actually devote to omni-present Lord?”. Purpose of devotion is to weaken the grip of samsara. Verse 16-19 lists variously descriptions…
Lesson 73 – Samsara, Human Samskaras & Uninvolved Witness
Summary: Lesson 73 provides analogies to help define the undefinable Awareness (sakshi chaitanya; witness consciousness). Then we see the EXACT cause of human nature. If all is God, then is…
Lesson 72 – Dream World is Manufactured Out of ONE Waker Alone: Meaning of Oneness
Summary: Lesson 72 provides several metaphors to clarify “How is there ONE Awareness, when I experience many?”. We see what function does maya play in creating many appearances out of…
Lesson 71 – Brahman-Maya (Satya-Mithya) Relationship: Essence of Non-Duality in Upanishads
Summary: Lesson 71 revisits most important qualification, faith in Upanishads/Vedanta, without which tree of samsara can't be cut. Next we mention 5 glories/descriptions of Higher Reality (Awareness) and relationship with…
Lesson 70 – Bhagavad Gita CH8 Summary & Intro to CH9 (King of Knowledge: Raja Vidya)
Summary: Lesson 70 summarizes main points of CH8, including 2 types of upasana (meditation on God). 2 types of liberation (krama mukti & jivanmukti). How to sustain Divine thoughts throughout…
Lesson 69 – Brahman in Beyond Manifest-Unmanifest & Time-Space
Summary: Lesson 69 revises 2 possible human goals: Finite & Infinite. The finite is defined as anything which manifests/unmanifests and is bound by time (maya). Logic how you (consciousness) are…
Lesson 68 – What are 4 Yugas? And Dissolution / Age of Universe per Vedas
Summary: Lesson 68 starts with 3 defects pursuing limited-worldly goals leading to rebirth. Even heaven (subtler worlds) is limited. Meaning of 4 yugas is given (kali, dvapara, treta, satya) and…
Lesson 67 – Process of Death & Dying: What to Utter In Last Breath?
Summary: Lesson 67 talks about the jiva who hasn't attained liberation while living on Earth owning to an unqualified gross mind or lack of health/finances or not finding a spiritual…
Lesson 66 – Importance of Thoughts, How to Die, Ishvara Upasana & Krama Mukti
Summary: Lesson 66 answers what is significance of remembering the highest reality at time of death and what difference it makes. We also analyze TWO different paths a spiritual aspirant…
Lesson 65 – What is Brahman, Atman, Karma, Maya, TOTAL Mind? And Why Creation?
Summary: Lesson 65 answers important Vedantic terms which further remove false notions of Creation on macrocosmic and microcosmic picture. Example why we get exactly what we deserve based on our…
Lesson 64 – Summary of Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 7: Matter & Consciousness
Summary: Lesson 64 uses logic to show how seeking immortality (‘I don't want to go out of existence') is actually seeking freedom from time (world of matter). Then entire CH7…
Lesson 63 – Reason for Beginningless Ignorance & Delusion: Maya Avarana Shakti, 3 Gunas, Apara-Prakriti
Summary: Lesson 63 provides answers to various doubts, like “If all is infinite Consciousness, then why does humanity constantly seek finite objects/experiences?”. Or “How can Consciousness be covered by maya,…
Lesson 62 – How to Identify Finite Gods & ONE Infinite God? Two Types of Devotion/Bhakti
Summary: Lesson 62 corrects the thinking which gives birth to “My God is superior”. We also discover worldly ends can be gained by invoking specific deities, however we also see…
Lesson 61 – Conquering Rebirth of Samsara & Why So Many Gods/Deities?
Summary: Lesson 61 finishes remedies for removing grip of samsara. Then compares dvaita vs. advaita bhakti (dualistic vs. non-dual devotion). We then discover that one only ever loves oneself, because…
Lesson 60 – Meaning of Maya and Overcoming it's Effects & 4 Types of Bhaktas / Devotees
Summary: Lesson 60 starts with antidote or solution to ‘escaping' or overcoming illusion of maya/mohini's trap of 3 gunas (tama, raja, sattva). Then we learn to identify 4 types of…
Lesson 59 – Diagnosis of Root Cause of Suffering: Desire & Attachment (Samsara)
Summary: Lesson 59 defines differences between constructive & destructive STRENGTH. Positive & negative DESIRE. General & specific THOUGHT-cause. Then summarizes what is Īśvara (God). Finally provides reason for eternal ignorance…
Lesson 58 – What Caused Ishvara? And How To See Divinity in All People/Objects?
Summary: Lesson 58 finishes with final physical stage of creation. Then explains that Ishvara is not caused by anything. Ishvara is beginningless. Thereafter we are shown how to recognize Ishvara…
Lesson 57 – Evolution of Creation from 2-Fold Nature of Ishvara (Para-Apara Prakriti)
Summary: Lesson 57 begins “Ishvara (God) alone existed before time/space/creation”. But what is God and how did creation come about? This is topic of verse 4-5. We also see 2-fold…
Lesson 56 – Direct & Indirect Knowledge of God / Ishvara
Summary: Lesson 56 introduces us into Brahman's Higher & Lower natures (para-prakriti & apara-prakriti). See 3 conditions required from the devotee to assimilate Ishvara jnanam (TOTAL knowledge of God). How…
Lesson 55 – Chapter 6 Summary + Overview of Chapter 7-12
Summary: Lesson 55 highlights main points and teachings shared throughout Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2-6. Also summarizes Vedantic Meditation (Dhyana-Yoga / Nididhyasana). And introduces the 2nd section (CH7-12) which is all…
Lesson 54 – How Spirituality Evolves in Life & Who is the Greatest Yogi?
Summary: Lesson 54 describes what happens to one who failed in past life to attain liberation or fails in this life, despite best, sincere efforts. Am I wasting my time?…
Lesson 53 – Solving Pessimism/Negativity In Spirituality: Krishna's Optimistic Logic
Summary: Lesson 53 shows us that even after 6 chapters of Self-Knowledge, the mind can fall into pessimism/negativity. “I can't. I don't deserve it. I'm too __”. Arjuna describes this…
Lesson 52 – Overcoming Mind's Powerful Nature Through Discrimination & Dispassion
Summary: Lesson 52 mentions 4 universal obstacles contributing to turbulent mind throughout life/meditation. Arjuna also speaks about nature of our mind (powerful & stubbornly firm). Then Krishna the only 2…
Lesson 51 – Comparing Higher & Lower Devotion – Advaita vs. Dvaita Bhakti Puja
Summary: Lesson 51 compares lower (dvaita) and higher (advaita) forms of devotion (bhakti) and their purpose. How does a realized master worship? What is the point of puja/devotion/temples/church, if in…
Lesson 50 – What is Unconditional Cheerfulness & 3 Stages of Non-Duality
Summary: Lesson 50 explains why most aspirants don't enjoy unconditional, unceasing and highest contentment possible. Nididhyasana is the solution. How to definitively tell if Vedanta is working or not? And…
Lesson 49 – Do's and Don'ts During Vedantic Meditation and Dhyana/Nididhyasana Technique
Summary: Lesson 49 points out do's and don'ts during Vedantic meditation, and how to manage unceasing bombardment of thoughts/emotions in the mind. What exactly is to be meditated upon? Dhyana…
Lesson 48 – How is Ananda of Self Known? And 7 Definitions of Nirvikalpa Samadhi
Summary: Lesson 48 brings further clarity/detail HOW to meditate to establish oneself permanently in Self as Self. We also remove myth of chasing mystical experiences, and answer what it ACTUALLY…
Lesson 47 – Dharana, Dhyana, Savikalpa & Nirvikalpa Samadhi (Vedantic Meditation)
Summary: Lesson 47 lists 8 steps of Patanjali Yoga Sutras (ashtanga yoga) in light of Vedanta non-duality. Subject matter is Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (Meditation) and Samadhi (Absorption). And WHAT is…
Lesson 46 – Preparation Disciplines Before Meditation & Patanjali Yoga Sutras Intro
Summary: Lesson 46 lists IDEAL conditions of body-mind before attempting to meditate. Without these disciplines, dhyana-yoga yields little benefit. We also provide solutions to past/future habitual thinking. Finally intro to…
Lesson 45 – Self/Truth is Always Experienced as Self-Evident ‘I'
Summary: Lesson 45 revises four necessary disciplines for sharpening, cleaning and preparing the mind for liberation. We also logically explain why self is never NOT available in everyone's experience. What…
Lesson 44 – How To Know If Mind is Mature? Also Fate-Destiny & Freewill
Summary: Lesson 44 provides test if mind is sufficiently mature to fully pursue Self-Knowledge. If not, mind-calming is prescribed to cultivate the intellect and balance extreme joys/sorrows. Also Lord Krishna…
Lesson 43 – Managing Racing Thoughts and Purpose of Meditation
Summary: Lesson 43 re-emphasises an important sadhana, Karma Yoga, required before Meditation (Dhyana Yoga). Else Meditation becomes a struggle with excessive and unceasing thoughts & emotions. Disciplines required to MAINTAIN…
Lesson 42 – Intro to BG CH6 (Meditation / Dhyana-Yoga) & 6 Means of Knowledge
Summary: Lesson 42 establishes groundwork for Upanishadic Meditation, it's true role and purpose. We also correct 3 common false notions regarding Meditation: It is NOT meant for Liberation. Not meant…
Lesson 41 – 6 Stages of Spiritual Evolution & 4 Practices for Freedom
Summary: Lesson 41 illustrates 6 stages every spiritual seeker/finder goes through from basic discipline of empathy to ‘aham brahmasmi' (Vision of Oneness with the TOTAL as the TOTAL). Followed by…