Bhagavad Gita (referred as Gita).
A sincere
sadhak Vinba Bhave had referred to it as Gitai (Gita + AAI – Mother Gita – AAI
is a mother in Marathi).
I always
had a longing to study it.
Even I
bought a couple of editions – including explanations, etc. in English. Even
have three-volume sets of Swami Ranganathananda’s writings on Gita.
But
somehow, I never had an appetite to read it.
Then I
worked on a seminar course (during my doctorate) on Karma Yoga.
Again, I
felt the deep need to at least read and get the crux of what Gita is. [Karma
Yoga origins are in Gita]
But it
always sounds monumental task and slipped away.
Moreover, I
don't have any Sanskrit background. I feel it is a handicap.
I think
such Everest may be conquered with some structure.
And I came across the Chinmaya Mission course on Gita.
It's 30 sessions spread over 15
months, each month two lessons. Details are available here: https://chinfo.org/home/course/bhagavad-gita-course-online/9
.
It is written
for beginners and thoroughly in English.
I have
decided to take it up.
I plan to
start on the Gita Jayanti on 3rd Dec. [Suggested by Fellow reader]
Long back
-while in college I did Chinmaya Mission’s basic Vedanta course developed by Swami
Chinmayananda. Not only I enjoyed that course in the pre-internet era (lessons
used to come by post – a snail mail), but I learned systematically the basic
building blocks of Vedanta.
Making it
easy for me to approach other spiritual literature & discussions with
confidence. [Incidentally, a friend who did the same program, became a monk and
pursued spiritual life]
Hence it
makes sense to look at the Gita course – also developed by the same
Institution.
I am
certain - structure and chapter-wise lessons will help me to take learning steps
slowly but confidently.
You can
find the detailed syllabus here: https://chinfo.org/uploads/include_files/course_9_Bhagavad%20Gita_Syllabus.pdf
Though the
course is paid, if someone has difficulty paying, then you can write to homestudycourses@chinfo.org
to make your case and get funding/help.
Any long or
short journey becomes enjoyable if you have companions on the path.
Fortunately,
few friends are willing to join the journey with me.
( If you
are also interested in joining this study group – do let me know.)
As of
today, we have decided that - learners/readers
1. Will join this Chinmaya Mission Course mentioned above. Subscribe/buy or get access to it before 3rd December.
2. Will read and study. The guideline
says one lesson in 15 days. Sample
lessons are available online. Please take a look. It shall be comfortable to
study one lesson in 15 days.
3. We have a WhatsApp group, but the
group will be strictly used to talk about the readings on Gita and nothing
else.
4. We may schedule group discussions.
5. If the number of group members
increases, we may think of scheduling additional activities related to Gita
Study.
Do connect!
Thanks!
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