Bhagavad Gita (iksd)

The Gita Program

An innovative method to systematically introduce and train newcomers in the teachings of

the Bhagavad-gita As It Is

• Easy – Practical – Fast

• Introductory Sessions & a Summarized Study

• Only 1 hour per week

Srila Prabhupada’s Original Plan

What Srila Prabhupada wanted?

In 1953, while in Jhansi, Srila Prabhupada wrote a circular establishing the "League of Devotees” basing the program on the study and preaching of the Gita:  

"The matter is so important that it cannot be set aside to be managed by the Sadhus and Sannyasins only but it must be taken care of by all responsible men."  

Although being the only ‘devotee’ in his movement, yet he expected and encouraged the members of his congregation to preach Krishna consciousness.

The main criteria to preach was “to read the Bhagavad Gita regularly”

How did Srila Prabhupada want to implement his

plan?

“If you cannot go to others outside your hearth & home, you

can do the preaching work amongst your family members only and in this meeting your

other friends, neighbors & relatives also can join.”

Contd…

“Hold this meeting regularly for one hour in your home or any other suitable place near about your home, and chant the hymns or slokas of "Bhagavad-gita'' with reverence & devotion. If possible the reading of Bhagavad-gita may be preceded & followed by a congregation chanting of the holy name of God as mentioned below – Hare Krishna . . . Hare Hare.”

Gita Program

Structure

① 6 Introductory Sessions (as a preview of the Gita) Ideal for newcomers to understand the

basics of Krishna Consciousness, and for seasoned devotees to use as a preaching

tool.

② 18 Summarized-Study sessions. Interactive format. Covers all 18 chapters in 18 weeks. Easily facilitated by one devotee. Possibly held at someone’s home.

6 Introductory Sessions (Preview)

1. The Vedas2. Body, Soul and

Reincarnation3. Destiny or Karma?4. Modes of Existence 5. God & Transcendence6. Kirtan Yoga

Session 1:

Session 2:

The Nature of Matter

Inert

It has no capacity to create

It has no capacity for consciousness

No capacity to manifest itself

REINCARNATION

Session 3

Session 4

GOD &

TRANSCENDENCE

Session 5

KIRTAN YogaSession 6

18 Summarized Study sessions

Bhagavad Gita As It Is

Main Characteristics and Advantages:

Easy to do

Minimum logistics

Short time required

Covers all 18 chapters in 18 weeks

Only 1 hour per week

A standard questionnaire for all chapters

All study material provided

Material used:

Chapter summary and Verses – sheet (One chapter per session)

Single questionnaire for each chapter

Srila Prabhupada’s comments on the specific chapters and sections of the Gita

Questionnaire Part 1 Structure

Chapter No._______

1) What is the title of the Chapter? (Please write a short explanation)

2) How many verses are there in this chapter?

3) How does the chapter begin?

4) Which are the sections of the Chapter? (Please describe how the verses are divided by topics)

5) How does the chapter end?

Questionnaire Part 2

1) Which are Arjuna’s questions in this chapter? (Note the verses’ numbers)

______________________________________________

2) Which are Lord Krishna’s answers?

______________________________________________

3) Which are the analogies presented in this chapter?

______________________________________________

4) Which are the verses that you consider most important in this chapter?

______________________________________________

5) Which are Arjuna’s names?

______________________________________________

6) Which are Krishna’s names?

______________________________________________

Questionnaire Part 3

1) What is the connection with the previous chapter?

______________________________________________

2) What is the essence of this chapter?

______________________________________________

3) What is the connection with the next chapter?

______________________________________________

4) How this chapter relates to your life?

______________________________________________

NOTES______________________________________________

Compiled by Iksvaku dasa (JPS)[email protected]

Questionnaire Part 2Contents

1) What are the contents of the Chapter?

2) Which are Arjuna’s questions in this chapter? (Note the verses’ numbers)

3) Which are Lord Krishna’s answers?

4) Which are the analogies presented in this chapter?

5) What is the main topic of this chapter (and how is related to the Title)?

Questionnaire Part 3Connection and Meaning

1) What is the connection with the previous chapter

2) What is the essence of this chapter?

3) What is the connection with the next chapter?

4)Which is the verse that you consider most important in this chapter?

5) How does this chapter relates to your life?

NOTES____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Srila Prabhupada’s comments on the Gita

All the chapters (1 – 18) and,

Each section

Section 1: Chapters 1-6

Section 2: Chapters 7-12

Section 3: Chapters 13-18

Benefits: Attractive to newcomers Effective tool for experienced and new

preachers Helps preachers organize their own

presentation methods and understanding of the Gita

Awakens further interest in the Gita Facilitates personal spiritual mentoring

All Power Point Presentations, questionnaires, verse sheets and notes are available upon request..

Questions?

Please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]

www.iskconcongregation.com

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ISKCON Mayapur

Chakra Building, office 127-128