Vrindavan Bhagavad Gita Study Group

  Summarized by:  Bala  Dhandapani Class started off with the chanting of Om and a short prayer. Brahmachari Soham Chaitanyaji joined the session and was introduced to the class. Salient points from Brahmachari Soham Chaitanyaji -Pujya Swami Gurudev prescribed the study group format and it is a gift for all of us. -Unlike cultural programs that celebrate once in a while and anniversaries we celebrate yearly, satsang (such as study group) is conducted systematically and regularly . Study group provides lot of insight into the topics that are discussed. Benefits all who participate, can learn from each other’s experiences. In this format there should be more light than sound. -Bhagavad Gita is an excellent ever green text. It teaches us how to face situations, anxieties, uncertainties. -Bhagavad Gita is a Guru in itself and teaches how our inner strength increases when one goes through situations like Arjuna. -If grief is provided the correct guidance, a person can grow out...

Summarized by:  Gurunath Netravali The class started with the recitation of the opening prayers, Sahana Vavatu, Chinmaya Dyanam Shloka and Meditation. A recap was done of the previous class with input from the attendees. Duryodhana’s nervousness and lack of self confidence in himself and his army came out clearly in the earlier verses discussed. Also emphasis was put on Bhishma being considered as the Pseudo self or the false ego. Although Bhishma, Drona and Karna had a lot of positive traits they were on the side of Adharma and this clouded their positive traits. A tip for the class was to do meditation to overcome the Pseudo ego. Shlokas 12 to 14 were chanted melodiously in Sanskrit by Ankita. In the midst of Duryodhana’s despair, the patriarch Bhishma blows his conch thereby declaring the start of the war. This gives joy to Duryodhana since he is now certain that Bhishma is on his side and ready to fight. Immediately all the other Maharathis from both sides blew their conches, k...

  Summarized by:  Neelima Turaga The class started with opening prayers and meditation. We did a brief recap of the previous class. Some of the group participants shared their experiences of introspection.  The importance of introspecting daily was reiterated.It is an effective way to increase awareness and to identify negative thought patterns, so they can be replaced with positive ones. Introspection should be like a thought parade of what happened in the day, without getting stuck anywhere or becoming judgemental. We then proceeded with Shlokas 4-6. After hearing the chanting by Swamiji, we looked at the objective meaning of the shokas. Duryodhana is speaking with his Guru Dronacharya, and pointing to the pandava army. He is talking about the accomplished warriors that are there, like Bhima, Arjuna, other great kings, and the sons of the Pandavas.  These shlokas indicate the extremely nervous and agitated state of mind of Duryodhana. He is really afraid,...

    Summarized by:  Bala Dhandapani Class started with the chant of an opening prayers, Om and meditation. The 2 videos shared to the class on June 1, 2023 regarding chapter 1 of Bhagavad Gita was discussed.  Dhyana Shloka 8 and 9 was chanted and summarized Shloka 8:  Salutations to Madhava (Krishna) with whose grace nothing is impossible for a devotee.  Even a mute can discover speech and a cripple can easily climb over mountains. Shloka 9:  Invocation to the Supreme, surrender to the Infinity through meditation and salutations to the Brahman.  Theme and Overview of Shlokas of Chapter 1 was discussed Introduction 1-2 Duryodhana’s Speech 3-11 Armies Blow Conches 12-19 Arjuna Ready for battle 20-25 Arjuna Succumbs to Emotion 26-30 Arjuna reasons (wrongs) not to fight the war Arjuna Collapses 31-37   Chapter-1: Shloka 1: Summary  – Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya, after gathering in the holy field of Kurukshethra (the field of dh...

  Summarized by:  Sudha Radhakrishnan   Opening Prayers & Meditation Quick recap of BMI Chart:  Discussed how an experiencer (Body, Mind & Intellect) experiences objects, emotions and thoughts through the actions of a Perceiver, Feeler and Thinker respectively.  We also discussed how to go upwards and reach our supreme consciousness going past our innate tendencies called Vasanas. Quick recap of Gunas: Discussed the 3 types of Gunas - Satvik, Rajasik & Tamasik. Discussed about being competitive and what Guna it falls under! Learning Objectives of Bhagavad Gita: Helps to control our mind and emotions through intellect. Helps us stay content under all circumstances. Helps us achieve excellence, by letting go of attachments to the results of our actions. Helps us achieve oneness with the Supreme God Helps us achieve objectivity,  like an actor on the stage who is free of any bias.  Gita promises: Boundless Energy Exhilaration Happiness Fullnes...