Introduction to the Gita

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12 aims of Sastric Study

• 1. To help students memorize and recall the
  (theoretical) knowledge which forms the
  foundation of their ongoing progress in Kåñëa
  consciousness. Kno
• To deepen students understanding of the Kåñëa
  consciousness theology, particularly through
  studying it from a wide range of perspectives and
  through developing thoughtfulness and
  introspection. Und

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number 3 -- SC/Rea To equip students with the
ability to see through the eyes of çästra, and
with a Kåñëa conscious worldview. Ultimately, to
assist the students in realizing scripture,
reestablishing their relationship with Kåñëa and
remaining conscious of Him at all times and in
all places. This includes Realization Although
çästra-cakñus ultimately means and requires full
realization, this Aim is also delivered at
different levels leading up to full realization
of the Absolute Truth.
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• 4. To help students apply the Kåñëa consciousness
  theology, with reference to
• (a) their external practices
• (b) their inner development and to help them
  develop appropriate Vaiñëava qualities and
  behavior. PeA Personal application
• 5. To enhance devotees desire and ability to
  preach effectively. PrA Preaching application

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• 6. To help create learned vaiñëava theologians
  who are expert in assisting the Society through
  application of çästric knowledge to a wide range
  of personal, social, moral, topical and
  theological issues. ThA Theological
  Application
• 7. To facilitate devotees in
• (a) understanding and appreciating the mood and
  mission of Çréla Prabhupäda
• (b) perpetuating that understanding within the
  Society and its members. MM

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• 8. To ensure that devotees develop moral and
• academic integrity in the interpretation,
  evaluation and application of çästric knowledge.
  AMI
• 9. To simultaneously cultivate within devotees
• (a) deep acceptance of the spiritual authority of
  çästra
• (b) a mood of open and honest inquiry and a
  desire to factually understand and realize the
  import of Vedic knowledge. AUT

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• 10. To help build and maintain students faith
  and conviction in
• (a) the process of Kåñëa consciousness
• (b) the çästra as its foundation. FC
• 11. To develop students analytical,
  interpretative and evaluative skills,
  particularly in respect
• to the practical application of çästric
  knowledge. Eva

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12. To encourage students to take responsibility
for their learning and develop healthy
study habits by (a) enhancing their desire to
study Çréla Prabhupädas books (particularly
by nurturing their appreciation of çästra and
çästric study, and by demonstrating çästras
relevance to everyday life) (b) equipping them
with the appropriate learning skills. RfL
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Introduction to the Gita

• Five main topics
• The Supreme Personality of Godhead--
• Isvara
• The Jiva --
• The soul within the body
• Prakriti
• nature
• Action
• Kala

karma
time
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The Bhagavad Gita is divided into 3 sections

• Chapters 1-6 Karma Yoga
• Chapters 7-12 Bhakti Yoga
• Chapters 13-18
• Jñana Yoga

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Why is Bhakti in the middle?

• Shhhhhhhhh! Its a secret!
• (Rahasya) The goal of all sastra!
• Bhakti yoga gives life to both Karma and Jnana
  yogas!
• This secret is only revealed to
• those who have proven their sincerity
• Because Bhakti is so precious
• and important it is protected.

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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1
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The sections of Chapter one

• A. Setting the scene (1.1-13)
• B. Signs of Victory
• (1.13-20)
• C . ARJUNA'S Arguments (1. 21-46)

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The significance of Dharma Ksetra

• Dharma that aspect of something which is
  essential to its nature.
• Water Has to be liquid
• The living entity has to serve
• Serving God according to Sastra
• Is real dharma

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Preparations for war-- What did they do?
My sons
And The Sons of Pandu
Vs 1-13
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Pancajanya, Devadatta, Paundra, Anantavijaya,
Sughosa and Manipuspaka
Signs of victory verses. 14-20
Kuruksetra
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Krsna as Bhakta Vatsala
Verses 21-27
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Behold the Kurus assembled here!
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Arjuna's Doubts
Compassion How can I kill my kinsman and
guru? Enjoyment-- How will I enjoy the kingdom
alone? Saintliness and fear of sinful reactions
-By killing such great men I will incur sin. They
are worthy of worship. Destruction of the family-
The elders of the family will be killed!
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Degredation of Society
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Arjuna, having thus spoken on the battlefield,
cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the
chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief. Verse
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