This 16-week course explores the Uddhava Gita, a profound Sanskrit text containing Lord Krishna’s final teachings. It covers topics including nature’s wisdom, yoga practices, devotion (bhakti), societal roles, and spiritual philosophies, offering participants deep insights into Vaishnava theology and practical spiritual knowledge.

UNVEILING THE UDDHAVA GITA

yoga wisdom for the ages

date – wednesdays – november 20th – december 18th and  january 8th – march 26th (16 weeks)

time – 6:00pm

location – online via Zoom

admission – sliding scale between $50 – $108

for any questions, please contact maryallison@bhakticenter.org

Register Here

Though less known in the West compared to its cousin text, the Bhagavad Gita, the Uddhava Gita is unmatched in its depth and breadth, often regarded as a continuation and culmination of the teachings found in the Bhagavad Gita. As Lord Krishna’s final instructions before leaving the earthly plane, the Uddhava Gita provides esoteric wisdom and profound insights into the nature of devotion, yoga, and the pursuit of transcendental knowledge.

Part of the Eleventh Book of the Bhagavata Purana, the Uddhava Gita stands out for its poetic quality, coherent structure, and philosophical sophistication among ancient India’s Sanskrit wisdom texts. This profound philosophical dialogue between Lord Krishna and His intimate devotee Uddhava offers a systematic development of Vaishnava theology on a wide range of topics—from detachment and the contemplative life to passionate love, societal organization, and a spiritually informed theology of nature.

Course Outline:

  • Week 1: Lessons from Nature (Chapters 1-4) 

Explore how nature’s elements and creatures reflect divine principles and impart wisdom on living harmoniously.

  • Week 2: Conditioned and Liberated States (Chapter 5) 

Understand the distinction between the conditioned state of material existence and the liberated state of spiritual enlightenment.

  • Week 3: Bhakti & the Swan Song: Hamsa Gita (Chapters 6-7) 

Delve into the Hamsa Gita, where Lord Krishna discusses the essence of bhakti (devotion) and its supremacy.

  • Week 4: Mystic Yoga (Chapters 8-9) 

Learn about the practices and goals of mystic yoga, as described by Krishna.

  • Week 5: Divine Opulences (Chapter 10) 

Study Krishna’s divine manifestations and their significance in understanding the Supreme.

  • Week 6: Professions and Social Situations (Chapters 11-12) 

Analyze how different professions and social roles contribute to spiritual growth and societal harmony.

  • Week 7: Bhakti Surpasses Piety (Karma) and Analytical Knowledge (Jnana) (Chapters 13-14) 

Examine why devotion (bhakti) is considered superior to mere ritualistic piety and intellectual knowledge.

  • Week 8: The Vedic Path of Piety (Chapter 15) 

Explore the Vedic practices that lead to spiritual advancement and how they are integrated into the path of devotion.

  • Week 9: Elements of Material Creation (Chapter 16) 

Understand the components and dynamics of material creation from a spiritual perspective.

  • Week 10: Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa: Bikshu Gita (Chapter 17) 

Reflect on the teachings of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa, focusing on renunciation and contentment.

  • Week 11: Philosophy of Sāṅkhya (Chapters 18-19) 

Delve into the Sāṅkhya philosophy and its implications for understanding the material and spiritual worlds.

  • Week 12: The Song of King Aila: Aila-gītā (Chapter 20) 

Learn from the experiences of King Aila and his journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

  • Week 13: Process of Deity Worship (Chapter 22) 

Study the principles and practices of deity worship as a means of cultivating devotion.

  • Week 14: Jñāna-yoga: Yoga of Knowledge (Chapter 23) 

Explore the path of knowledge and its role in the pursuit of spiritual truth.

  • Week 15: Bhakti-yoga: Yoga of Devotion (Chapter 24) 

Conclude with an in-depth look at bhakti-yoga, the ultimate path of devotion and love for God.

  • Week 16: Review 

A comprehensive review of the teachings and insights gained throughout the course.

Join us for an enlightening journey through the Uddhava Gita, and discover timeless wisdom that can enhance your yoga practice and deepen your spiritual understanding.

what to expect

  • transformational leadership insights
  • warm and open atmosphere
  • knowledgeable teacher
  • interactive discussions
  • delicious vegan lunch

your teacher

Sri Prahlada is a distinguished leader and scholar with a unique blend of spiritual and academic credentials. He holds a PhD in management and has held faculty positions at prestigious universities in Australia and the UK, focusing his research on compassion in organizations. His work on leadership and the Bhagavad Gita has been published in top-tier academic journals, and he is the author or co-author of five books, including the acclaimed “Leadership Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita.”

Sri Prahlada’s journey began in ashrams in Australia and India, where he was immersed in spiritual teachings from a young age. At just 12 years old, he successfully campaigned for the release of Hare Krishna devotees imprisoned in the former USSR, enlisting the support of then Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who raised the issue directly with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.

Now residing in New York City, Sri Prahlada regularly leads kirtan and delivers talks throughout the city. Known for his soulful voice and deep devotion, he captivates audiences, guiding them on transformative journeys of personal awakening and leadership.

cancelation policy

  • One must cancel 48 hours in advance of a workshop/event to receive refund.
  • Credit card processing fees apply.