Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita (Vedanta, Yoga)
Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is not merely an ancient text; it is a timeless guide to the "inner war" we all face. This introductory course, led by Pedro Nonell, bridges the gap between the historic battlefield of Kurukshetra and the modern search for Self-Knowledge.
By studying the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, seekers learn to navigate life's challenges using the "Sword of Knowledge." The Gita serves as the heart of the Mahabharata, providing a clear path through the complexities of Dharma (duty) and the nature of the eternal Atman.
Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism): Sri Krishna, Arjuna, protagonists, Hinduism, Self-Knowledge, Mahabharata, Dharma...
The message of the Bhagavad Gita is very profound; do not be discouraged if at the first reading of a chapter you do not understand a verse (shloka) or a concept, perhaps the wise comments of Gandhi, Mahadev Desai or Swami Sivananda will help you understand it, or maybe not, and you'll need to read them again later; Surely when you read other verses they will help you understand it. Whatever your path, you will surely need a lifetime to understand and assimilate its profound wisdom.
Subject Syllabus:
- Foreword
- Srimad Bhagavad Gita Upanishad according to Translated into Spanish
- The Gita Makaranadam by Swami Vidya Prakashananda, Translated into Spanish
- Brief introduction to Bhagavad Gita: The Path of Wisdom
- Main protagonists of the Bhagavad Gita
- Sri Krishna: incarnation of Vishnu, cousin and charioteer of Arjuna
- Arjuna: prince and archer of the Pandavas
- Introduction to Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma)
- The Eternal Religion
- Brahman, Karma and reincarnation
- Monotheism or polytheism?
- 19th century: Reform of Hinduism
- Historical Context of the Bhagavad Gita by Sri Sivananda
- The
Mahabharata
according to
- Introduction
- Pandavas and Kauravas
- War tension between both clans
- The great battle of Kurukshetra
- The Bhagavad Gita: central axis of the Mahabharata
- The role of Krishna and Arjuna
- After the battle
- Conclusions
- Analysis of the film “The Mahabharata” by Peter Brook
- Historic context
- The Bhagavad Gita is not about any war, but about your inner war
- The Bhagavad Gita and the philosophy of Yoga
- Key topics for each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita
- Which version of the Bhagavad Gita to choose?
Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita (Karma Yoga Course)
Subject Structure: Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
Introducción al Bhagavad Gita 
Introdução ao Bhagavad-Gita.
If you are studying the advanced courses, 's version of the Gita Makaranadam, with reflections of or , you will discover even more of the inexhaustible wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
An introductory subject on the Bhagavad Gita
For all these reasons, we have prepared this introductory subject, print it, study it carefully, write down what you have to write down, think about it all, investigate, and without any doubt ask your teacher.
Whatever your path, you will surely need a lifetime to understand and assimilate its profound wisdom.
This subject also presents a short summary of the main characters of the Bhagavad Gita: Sri Krishna, Arjuna, Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, Sanjaya, Drona, Bhishma, Vyasa.
Next, the subject “Introduction to Hinduism” is studied, which aims to learn the foundations of Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma (the Eternal Religion), based on the study of the Bhagavad Gita.
Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
A brief introduction will be made to the key concepts of Hinduism: Brahmacharya Atman, OM TAT SAT, Karma, reincarnation, Samsara, Ahimsa (Nonviolence), the detachment from the fruits of action, the Gunas, Prakriti (nature), the Yajna or sacrifice, the Vision of the universe of the Hindus, the caste system (Varnas), Ishvara, Jnana Yoga (Knowledge), Karma Sannyasa Yoga (Renunciation), opposite pairs (dualities), Pranayama, Purusha, Purushottama, Sadhana, Sannyasa, Shastra (rules), Sankhya Yoga (Philosophy), Vedanta, Yogi.
The Absolute Reality
For many Hindus, the Absolute Reality (The Supreme, the Imperishable) is Brahman.
In Hinduism, OM symbolizes the Absolute Reality or Brahman and the entire universe
For Swami Vivekananda, Spiritual heir of Sri Ramakrishna:
This section is basic to be able to subsequently immerse yourself in the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
Next, the historical context of the Bhagavad Gita according to Sri Swami Sivananda.
Subject Example (Es):
Finally, we will study the Mahabharata (according to Swami Vivekananda) and its relationship with the Bhagavad Gita.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Gita about a physical war?
While set on a battlefield, most masters, including Gandhi, interpret the conflict as an allegory for the spiritual struggles within the human heart—the battle between good and evil, ignorance and wisdom.
Who is Brahman in the Gita?
Brahman is the Absolute Reality, the Imperishable, and the Supreme Truth. It is often symbolized by the sacred syllable OM.
What is the role of Sri Krishna?
Krishna acts as the charioteer and spiritual guide to Arjuna. He is considered an incarnation of Vishnu, representing Divine Wisdom and the Personal God (Ishvara).
Do I need prior knowledge of Hinduism?
This introductory subject is designed specifically to provide the foundations of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) necessary to understand the Gita’s deeper philosophical layers.
Conclusion
Embarking on the study of the Bhagavad Gita is a lifelong journey toward equanimity and liberation. Through the insights of Swami Sivananda, Vivekananda, and Gandhi, this subject offers a structured entry point into the Philosophy of Yoga.
Whether you are exploring the historical context of the Mahabharata or seeking practical tools for selfless action (Karma Yoga), the Gita provides an inexhaustible source of light for the soul.
Training: Bhagavad Gita Course - Karma Yoga Course - Master in Bhagavad Gita
Listen to the Bhagavad Gita Recitation in Spanish
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
