What is the course about?
The importance and place of the Bhagvad Gita in the Hindu textual tradition – how it relates to the Vedas, the Upanishads and the main schools of Hindu philosophy. We will be covering key themes to understand why it continues to be one of the most important and most widely read ancient Hindu text.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
The place of the Bhagvad Gita in the Mahabharata; the three main paths examined – the path of knowledge, the path of action and the path of bhakti. It’s structure and overview of chapters. We will also touch upon the Gita’s bridging role between ancient rituals and ‘modern’ Hinduism.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Engage confidently in a discussion about the Bhagvad Gita -its structure, its contents and its central place in Hinduism.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course. No skills are required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through classroom contact; powerpoint presentations and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Simple translation of Bhagvad Gita by Simon Brodbeck
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bhagavad-Gita-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140449183.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You could study Sanskrit at CityLit to read the Gita in the original; explore related courses like Introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga sutras, Vedic Chanting and beginners Hindi.
