Bhakti Sastri – Module 4: Bhagavad Gita (chapters 13-18)

presenter – Vasudeva das

dates: Aug 11th – Dec 15th

time – weekly on Mondays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

(be aware that classes may go longer occasionally)

location – online

admission – $151

*NOTE: you will receive an email with the zoom link prior to the first session

for questions regarding this program, please contact Vasudeva Das at [email protected]

Bhakti Sastri is an advanced level course for committed Bhakti practitioners. Students will deepen their understanding of spiritual knowledge, learn how to connect spiritual teachings back to the original Vedic texts, and also learn and be encouraged to implement teachings into practical life applications.

There are 6 modules, which are offered successively and independently. This means that students can enroll in each module on its own as they are released, regardless of having taken any previous modules, and without having to commit to any subsequent modules. Students must register and pay for each module separately.  Each module consists of a weekly class which spans the timeframe of 2-4 months, depending on the volume of content for that particular module.

Students must complete all 6 modules in order to receive their Bhakti Sastri degree.

Module 4

The Bhagavad-gītā, the very essence of all Vedic wisdom, is divided in 3 sections:

1. Karma-yoga (Chapters 1-6)
2. Bhakti-yoga (Chapters 7-12)
3. Jñāna-yoga (13-18)

This last module of our Bhagavad-gita As It Is study covers Chapters 13-18, generally understood as the jnana-yoga section. But even for those who practice bhakti-yoga, these chapters enlighten us with essential knowledge about the eternal self, the Supreme Lord, material nature, and their interrelations. Krishna teaches us very practical knowledge about three modes of nature: how does nature bind us, and how can we become free from her bondage by God’s grace? Finally, we will see how the Bhagavad-gita reaches its crescendo when Krishna reveals to Arjuna his most confidential instruction, the most sublime secret of all secrets.

Note: Even if you did not complete the first modules of Bhagavad-gita you can still enroll in this module.

Module 1: Nectar of Devotion

Module 2: Bhagavad-gita Chapters 1-6

Module 3: Bhagavad-gita Chapters 7-12

Module 4: Bhagavad-gita Chapters 13-18

Module 5: Isopanishad

Module 6: Nectar of Instruction

Students will need to get a copy of their own book, or access a free online resource: https://vedabase.io/en/

Vasudeva Das, originally from the Netherlands, started his journey on the path of bhakti in 1997. Since then, he has lived as a monk for 16 years in various ashrams in India and Europe, engaged in intensive practice of bhakti-yoga and study of Sanskrit and Vedic bhakti texts, such as the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. He received initiation in the bhakti lineage of Sri Caitanya in 2003 from his guru, HH Kadamba Kanana Swami. In 2016 he earned a BA in Vaishnava Bhakti Theology with honors from the University of Chester, UK. Vasudeva currently lives with his wife in the East Village, New York City, where he serves as the head priest and senior educator at the Bhakti Center. As a scholar of Sanskrit, he is engaged in various translation projects and also tutors individual students. Vausdeva’s main aspiration in life, however, is to constantly serve Krishna (God) and his devotees with a selfless and humble heart.

• one must cancel 48 hours in advance of a workshop/event to receive refund
• credit card processing fees apply