12 aims of Sastric Study
1. To help students memorize and recall the (theoretical)
knowledge which forms the foundation of their ongoing
progress in Kåñëa consciousness. Kno
2. To deepen students’ understanding of the Kåñëa
consciousness theology, particularly through studying it
from a wide range of perspectives and through developing
thoughtfulness and introspection. Und
number 3 -- SC/Rea
To equip students with the ability to see through the eyes of çästra,
and with a Kåñëa conscious worldview. Ultimately, to assist the
students in realizing scripture, reestablishing their relationship with
Kåñëa and remaining conscious of Him at all times and in all places.
This includes “Realization”
Although çästra-cakñus ultimately means and requires full realization,
this Aim is also delivered at different levels leading up to full
realization of the Absolute Truth.
4. To help students apply the Kåñëa consciousness theology, with
reference to:
(a) their external practices
(b) their inner development and to help them develop appropriate Vaiñëava
qualities and behavior. PeA Personal application
5. To enhance devotees’ desire and ability to preach effectively. PrA
Preaching application
6. To help create learned vaiñëava theologians who are expert in
assisting the Society through application of çästric knowledge to a
wide range of personal, social, moral, topical and theological issues.
ThA Theological Application
7. To facilitate devotees in:
(a) understanding and appreciating the mood and mission of Çréla
Prabhupäda
(b) perpetuating that understanding within the Society and its members.
M+M
8. To ensure that devotees develop moral and
academic integrity in the interpretation, evaluation and
application of çästric knowledge. AMI
9. To simultaneously cultivate within devotees:
(a) deep acceptance of the spiritual authority of çästra
(b) a mood of open and honest inquiry and a desire to factually
understand and realize the import of Vedic knowledge. AUT
10. To help build and maintain students’ faith and conviction in:
(a) the process of Kåñëa consciousness
(b) the çästra as its foundation. F+C
11. To develop students’ analytical, interpretative and evaluative skills,
particularly in respect
to the practical application of çästric knowledge. Eva
12. To encourage students to take responsibility for their
learning and develop healthy study
habits by:
(a) enhancing their desire to study Çréla Prabhupäda’s books
(particularly by
nurturing their appreciation of çästra and çästric study, and by
demonstrating
çästra’s relevance to everyday life)
(b) equipping them with the appropriate learning skills. RfL
Introduction to the Gita
Five main topics:
The Supreme Personality of Godhead-Isvara
The Jiva -The soul within the body
karma
time
Prakriti
nature
Action
Kala
The Bhagavad Gita is divided into 3
sections
Chapters 1-6 Karma Yoga
Chapters 7-12
Chapters 13-18
Jñana Yoga
Bhakti Yoga
Why is Bhakti in the middle?
• Shhhhhhhhh! It’s a secret!
(Rahasya) The goal of all sastra!
• Bhakti yoga gives life to both Karma and Jnana
yogas!
• This secret is only revealed to
those who have proven their sincerity
• Because Bhakti is so precious
and important it is protected.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1
The sections of Chapter one
A. Setting the scene (1.1-13)
B. Signs of Victory
(1.13-20)
C . ARJUNA'S Arguments (1. 21-46)
The significance of Dharma Ksetra
Dharma= that aspect of something which is
essential to it’s nature.
Water
Has to be liquid
The living entity has to serve
Serving God according to Sastra
Is real dharma
Preparations for war-- What did they do?
My sons
And
The Sons of Pandu
Vs 1-13
Signs of victory
verses. 14-20
Pancajanya,
Devadatta, Paundra,
Anantavijaya,
Sughosa and
Manipuspaka
Kuruksetra
Krsna as Bhakta Vatsala
Verses 21-27
Behold the Kurus
assembled here!
Compassion— How can I kill my kinsman
and guru?
Enjoyment-- How will I enjoy the kingdom
alone?
Saintliness and fear of sinful reactions -By
killing such great men I will incur sin. They
are worthy of worship.
Destruction of the family- The elders of the
family will be killed!
Arjuna, having thus spoken
on the battlefield, cast aside
his bow and arrows and sat
down on the chariot, his mind
overwhelmed with grief.
Verse 46