Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita from Udemy

Jai Nitai dasa is an accomplished teacher of Vedic knowledge having lectured regularly at various London universities and organisations whilst also making several TV appearances representing vaishnava culture in London.

As a practitioner of bhakti yoga for over 25 years, he is also the president of the celebrated ISKCON-London Radha Krishna Temple in central London.

The Bhagavad Gita is universally renowned as the jewel of India's spiritual wisdom. Spoken by Lord Krishna His intimate disciple Arjuna, the Gita's seven hundred concise verses provide a definitive guide to the science of self realization.

For those just beginning their journey into Vedic thought, at initial glance the Bhagavad Gita may seem to be an intimidating study but in this course Jai Nitai dasa, breaks down the 5 core topics in to easy to understand sections. His approachable and engaging teaching style makes these technical subjects a joy to learn.

In this course the 5 main topics discussed are:

· Atma – the science of the soul

· Isvara – God, does he exist?

· Karma – the science of action and reaction

· Prakriti – the material nature

· Kala – the science of time

The student will gain an essential understanding for this great text as well a have a chance to develop alternative perspectives.

Join us as we explore these topics in depth.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Bhagavad gita
Bhakti yoga
Search for happiness

What is the soul?
Is there a god?
Ancient vedic philosophy

Bhagavad gita
Bhakti yoga
Search for happiness
What is the soul?
Is there a god?
Ancient vedic philosophy

Syllabus

Setting The Scene

Welcome to the course

Introduction to Bhagavad Gita As It Is

Setting the scene

The search for happiness

Atma: The Soul

Who am I?

I am the atma

Yoga means connection

Isvara: Does god exist?

Questioning sceince

Evidences

Finding the higher power

Karma: Action and Reaction

What is good or bad?

The science of karma

Reincarnation

Prakriti: Material Nature

The world without

Guna management

The world within

Kala: Time

Time management

The vedic perspective

Summary

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an accessible introduction to complex concepts within the Bhagavad Gita, making it suitable for beginners in Vedic thought

Explores the science of karma and reincarnation, offering a framework for understanding action, reaction, and the cyclical nature of life

Examines the concept of 'Atma' (the soul) and 'Isvara' (God), prompting learners to question their identity and the existence of a higher power

Discusses 'Kala' (time) from a Vedic perspective, potentially offering unique insights into time management and personal development

Presents a critical view of science, which may not appeal to learners who prefer a purely scientific or evidence-based approach to knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita with these activities:

Review Key Sanskrit Terms

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Familiarize yourself with common Sanskrit terms used in the Bhagavad Gita to improve comprehension and reduce confusion during the course.

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Create a list of key Sanskrit terms from the course description and syllabus.
Find definitions and explanations for each term using online resources or books.
Create flashcards or a glossary to aid memorization.

Review 'Bhagavad-Gita As It Is'

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Read the 'Bhagavad-Gita As It Is' to gain a deeper understanding of the text and its interpretations.

View Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (Telugu Edition) on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Bhagavad-Gita As It Is'.
Read the introduction and preface to understand the author's perspective.
Read a few verses each day, reflecting on their meaning and relevance.

Create a Mind Map of Core Concepts

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Visualize the relationships between Atma, Isvara, Karma, Prakriti, and Kala to reinforce your understanding of the five core topics.

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Identify the five core topics of the Bhagavad Gita as presented in the course.
Create a central node for 'Bhagavad Gita' and branch out to the five topics.
Add sub-branches for key concepts and ideas related to each topic.
Use colors and images to enhance the visual appeal and memorability of the mind map.

Three other activities

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Discuss Key Concepts with Peers

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Engage in discussions with fellow students to clarify doubts, share insights, and deepen your understanding of the Bhagavad Gita.

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Find a study partner or group interested in the Bhagavad Gita.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials and readings.
Prepare discussion questions in advance to guide the conversation.
Actively listen to and respect different perspectives.

Read 'The Living Gita'

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Explore a modern interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita to broaden your understanding of its relevance to contemporary life.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Living Gita'.
Read the introduction to understand the author's approach.
Read a few chapters each week, reflecting on their practical implications.

Write a Reflective Essay

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Reflect on how the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita can be applied to your own life and personal growth.

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Choose a specific theme or concept from the Bhagavad Gita that resonates with you.
Reflect on your own experiences and how they relate to the chosen theme.
Write a well-structured essay that explores your insights and reflections.
Revise and edit your essay for clarity and coherence.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Theology Scholar

A Theology Scholar engages in the rigorous study of religious beliefs and doctrines. This course, centered on the Bhagavad Gita, helps to build a foundation for understanding complex theological concepts. The course's breakdown of core topics like the nature of the soul, the existence of God, and the concept of karma offers an invaluable perspective for those deeply investigating religious philosophy. The course's exploration of bhakti yoga is particularly useful for a Theology Scholar focused on devotional practices, as well as the broader study of Vedic thought.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theology Scholar

Religious Studies Professor

A Religious Studies Professor researches and teaches about various religious traditions and their impact on society. This course, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, provides crucial insight into ancient Vedic philosophy, a topic that helps build a foundation for understanding a major aspect of religious thought. The course's exploration of the soul, God, karma, and material nature offers a framework for analyzing religious concepts, making it particularly useful for aspiring professors in this field. This course offers an in-depth look at a foundational religious text.

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Religious Education Teacher

A Religious Education Teacher educates students about various religions and their practices. This course, centered on the Bhagavad Gita, offers a deep understanding of Vedic philosophy, providing a foundational knowledge for teaching about Indian religious traditions. The course's breakdown of core concepts like the soul, karma, and the nature of God helps build a framework for theological education. This course offers an in-depth look at a primary text in a major religion.

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Philosophy Professor

A Philosophy Professor teaches and researches philosophical concepts, often exploring the nature of existence, knowledge, and ethics. This course, by dissecting the Bhagavad Gita, presents ideas about the self, reality, and morality that align with fundamental philosophical inquiries. The course's exploration of the soul, and the nature of time and action, provides unique viewpoints for a Philosophy Professor. The course's lessons on karma, for example, can help illuminate discussions on ethics and determinism. This foundational knowledge is important for understanding a crucial text in Indian philosophy.

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Comparative Religion Analyst

A Comparative Religion Analyst studies and compares different religious traditions to identify common themes and unique characteristics. The Bhagavad Gita's focus on Vedic philosophy is helpful for understanding a major religious tradition. The course provides a framework that compares concepts such as the soul, the nature of God, and the concept of karma, which are common themes across various religions. This course offers an in-depth look at a single religious text, which is helpful when comparatively analyzing the nature of world religions.

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Humanities Educator

A Humanities Educator teaches a wide range of subjects encompassing history, literature, philosophy, and religion. The Bhagavad Gita, explored in this course, provides invaluable insights into ancient Vedic philosophy, which is an important part of humanistic studies. The course's discussion of the self, time, and the nature of reality helps build a foundation for understanding cultural traditions and philosophical inquiries. This course provides a basis for understanding a crucial text in India's cultural history.

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Cultural Studies Researcher

A Cultural Studies Researcher investigates the cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures of various societies. This course, by exploring the Bhagavad Gita, offers insights into the ancient Vedic philosophy that has shaped Indian culture. The course's examination of concepts such as karma, dharma, and the nature of reality helps build a foundation for cultural analysis. The course is useful for anyone wishing to understand the traditional and contemporary values of a culture deeply influenced by its spiritual texts. This course helps to contextualize such values.

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Spiritual Counselor

A Spiritual Counselor supports individuals in their spiritual growth and helps them navigate life's challenges through a spiritual lens. This course, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita and its insights into self-realization, may be useful for this role by providing a framework for understanding spiritual concepts. The course's discussions on the science of the soul, the nature of God, and the principles of karma offer alternative perspectives to those seeking spiritual guidance. The course's approach to understanding ancient Vedic philosophy also helps build a foundation for spiritual reflection.

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Personal Development Coach

A Personal Development Coach guides individuals in setting and achieving personal goals. The Bhagavad Gita teaches about the nature of the self and helps build internal perspective. The course focuses on concepts like karma, time, and the search for happiness, which can be applied to personal growth. This course's teachings on self-realization and how to manage the material nature of life can provide a framework for a personal development coach. The course teachings can be used to guide others in their path to progress.

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Content Creator Religion

A Content Creator Religion produces engaging content about religious topics. This course, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, provides a deep understanding of Vedic philosophy, making it helpful for creating religious content. The course's breakdown of concepts like the soul, God, and karma provides detailed knowledge. The course also offers alternative perspectives, which will be useful when producing well-rounded and nuanced material. The course may be particularly helpful for those creating content focused on ancient texts.

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Writer Spirituality

A Writer Spirituality crafts written works exploring various spiritual themes and practices. This course, based on the Bhagavad Gita, may be useful by providing a solid foundation in Vedic philosophy. The course's exploration of the soul, karma, and the nature of reality can help writers develop a deeper understanding of these spiritual themes. This course also provides a framework for exploring personal growth and self-realization, topics that are core to any writer focused on themes of spirituality.

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Ethics Consultant

An Ethics Consultant advises organizations on ethical decision-making and promotes moral responsibility. This course, by focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, introduces the concept of dharma and karma, which offer principles for understanding ethical action. The course's exploration of the science of action and reaction, as well as the idea of material nature, can help an Ethics Consultant understand how to advise on ethical behavior within a business context. This course may provide a basis for understanding philosophical underpinnings for ethical decision-making.

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Meditation Instructor

A Meditation Instructor guides individuals in the practice of meditation for relaxation, spiritual growth, and mental clarity. This course, grounded in the Bhagavad Gita and its focus on bhakti yoga, might help build a foundation for understanding spiritual principles. The discussions in this course about the nature of the soul and the search for happiness can be applied to meditative practice and also to guiding others. The course's focus on self-realization through specific teachings is valuable for any one wishing to teach meditation.

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Yoga Instructor

A Yoga Instructor leads yoga classes, catering to varying levels of fitness and spiritual growth. This course, by introducing bhakti yoga through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, may be useful to provide a framework for understanding the spiritual dimension of yoga. Discussions in this course about the nature of the soul, the search for happiness and how to connect with a higher power might help an instructor in their teaching style. This course helps build a foundation for those wishing to teach the more esoteric side of yoga.

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Mindfulness Facilitator

A Mindfulness Facilitator leads groups in mindfulness practices to enhance mental well-being and self-awareness. This course, through its teachings on the Bhagavad Gita, offers a framework for understanding the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, as well as how to connect with a higher power. The course's exploration of the nature of the soul and the science of action and reaction provides a foundation for enhancing self-awareness. The course is useful for those wanting a deeper understanding of Vedic philosophy, which emphasizes inner peace.

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Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita

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