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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 1-6Section 2: Chapters 7-12Section 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]
ISKCON MayapurChakra Building, office 127-128