Summarized by Prarthana :
Opening prayers, pranayama and meditation.
Brief introduction of all present in the class and class format
Introduction to the study of the Gita, class guidelines
We proceeded to summarize all the previous 7 chapters that we have completed over the past few years.
Chapter 1 - Vishaada yoga
Arjuna is placed right in the center of the battlefield by Krishna and has a complete mental breakdown of his intent to fight, he calls his actions wrong and states that he would prefer defeat and even death rather than fight his great-grandfather, his guru and his brothers and other family. Krishna listens without saying a word
Chapter 2 - Sankhya / Jnana yoga
Arjuna surrenders to Krishna and says that he does not know what to do. Krishna then begins to address him and tells him that he is giving in to cowardice. He begins with the highest teaching that the atman alone is real and never begins or ends and he should stop lamenting about the mere physical bodies of his family. He proceeds to tell him that his duty is of his actions alone and not the result of his actions. He also describes the qualities of the Sthitaprajna who has the ability to control his senses just like a tortoise can withdraw his limbs into his shell when needed.
Chapter 3 - Karma Yoga
Krishna tells Arjuna that the path of right action involves Nishkaama karma where he must act with detachment to his actions. To work in yagna spirit and renounce the thoughts and worries of the future and regrets of the past to the Lord and act in the present
Chapter 4 - JnanaKarmaSanyasa Yoga
Focus is on renouncing doership. The wise see action in inaction and inaction in action
Chapter 5 - Sanyasa Yoga
Focus on Karma for Chittashuddhi
Do what is needed externally without being internally attached
The ultimate goal is to gain knowledge and not walk away physically
Chapter 6 - Dhyana yoga
Krishna explains the techniques of controlling the mind to sharpen it as an instrument through meditation. The chapter describes the procedure for meditation and the tyes - Saguna, Nirguna and other forms of focus like japa.
Chapter 7- Jnana Vigyana Yoga
Here Krishna describes who to meditate upon. The concepts of Para and Apara Prakruthi are described along with the types of gunas. The types of devotees - Arthyarthi, Jigyarthi, Jnanarthi and Arthi are described. Everything begins and ends with him.
Chapter 12 - Bhakti Yoga
Here Krishna describes the 36 qualities of a true devotee and how one must reach/ pray to God according to one’s vasana package
We then began with a brief introduction into Chapter 8.
Verses 1 - 4 Brahman Atman & World (Arjuna’s questions)
Verses 5 - 7 As you Think so you Become
Verses 8- 14 How to attain Brahman
Verses 15 - 22 Rebirth and Beyond
Verses 23 - 28 Return, Non-return, Liberation
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