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 Vedas
2. Body, Soul and
Reincarnation
3. Destiny or Karma?
4. Modes of Existence
5. God & Transcendence
6. 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
Session 5
Session 6
KIRTAN Yoga
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
Contents

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 3
Connection 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 1-6
Section 2: Chapters 7-12
Section 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: cdm@pamho.net
www.iskconcongregation.com
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ISKCON Mayapur
Chakra Building, office 127-128