SASTRA DEEMED UNIVERSITY

SYLLABUS FOR ESSENCE OF BHAGAVAD GITA (OE)

Code : BOSOOS006RO1 / BOSOOS806RO1/ OEH004

UNIT I
Introduction to Gita –Glory of Gita by great personalities–FearfulPsychological condition of
Duryodhana–Arjuna’s concern about the Righteous and Unrighteous scriptural actions
–Impact of impending war in the Kurkshetra–Psychological Depression of Arjuna – His
impatience, conflict and spiritual anguish (Chapters: 1 only)
(12 Periods)

UNIT II
Eternality of the souls – Bimba-PratibimbaBhava relationship of Jivas with God - Sankhya
yoga as key – Nishkama Karma – Characterstic nature of Sthitaprajna – Karma Yoga and its
greatness – Yagna and the wheel of life – Duties of spiritual aspirant – Origin of sin –
subjugation of desire. (Chapters: 2 & 3)
(12 Periods)

UNIT – III:
Bhakti yoga – Divine traits of devotees – purushotama yoga – Tree of life – Jivatman&
senses – The required qualities to attain Brahman, the special characteristics of the Lord, the
origin of the tree of creation; the divisions of the Living Beings and supremacy of the Lord
i.e., Sri Krishna (Chapters: 12& 15)
(12 Periods)

UNIT: IV
Daivasurasampadvibhaga yoga – Divine qualities of Menin spiritual path – Demoniac
qualities of Men, heading downfall – Scriptures alone are the Guide –SraddhatrayaVibhaga
yoga– The threefold divisions of faith – The nature of three types of food i.e., Satwic, Rajasic
and Tamasic – Three types of austerities, sacrifices, charities - Moksha sanyasa yoga –
Tyaga& its type – Three gunas give impetus to karma – surrender to god and its greatness
(chapters : 16, 17, 18).

(12 Periods)

BOOKS FOR REFERENCE:

The Bhagavad Gita with English Commentary by Swami Chidbhavananda

Published by Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam, Tirupparaiturai, Trichy.

COURSE TEACHER