12 aims of Sastric Study

1. To help students memorize and recall the (theoretical) knowledge which forms the foundation of their ongoing progress in Kåñëa consciousness. KnoKno

2. To deepen students’ understanding of the Kåñëa consciousness theology, particularly through studying it from a wide range of perspectives and through developing thoughtfulness and introspection. UndUnd

number 3 -- SC/Reanumber 3 -- SC/ReaTo equip students with the ability to see through the eyes of çästra, and with a Kåñëa conscious worldview. Ultimately, to assist the students in realizing scripture, reestablishing their relationship with Kåñëa and remaining conscious of Him at all times and in all places. This includes “Realization”Although çästra-cakñus ultimately means and requires full realization, this Aim is also delivered at different levels leading up to full realization of the Absolute Truth.

4. To help students apply the Kåñëa consciousness theology, with reference to:(a) their external practices

(b) their inner development and to help them develop appropriate Vaiñëava qualities and behavior. PeA Personal applicationPeA Personal application

5. To enhance devotees’ desire and ability to preach effectively. PrA Preaching PrA Preaching applicationapplication

6. To help create learned vaiñëava theologians who are expert in assisting the Society through application of çästric knowledge to a wide range of personal, social, moral, topical and theological issues. ThA Theological ApplicationThA Theological Application

7. To facilitate devotees in:(a) understanding and appreciating the mood

and mission of Çréla Prabhupäda

(b) perpetuating that understanding within the Society and its members. M+MM+M

8. To ensure that devotees develop moral and

academic integrity in the interpretation, evaluation and application of çästric knowledge. AMIAMI

9. To simultaneously cultivate within devotees:(a) deep acceptance of the spiritual authority of

çästra

(b) a mood of open and honest inquiry and a desire to factually understand and realize the import of Vedic knowledge. AUTAUT

10. To help build and maintain students’ faith and conviction in:(a) the process of Kåñëa consciousness

(b) the çästra as its foundation. F+CF+C

11. To develop students’ analytical, interpretative and evaluative skills, particularly in respectto the practical application of çästric knowledge. EvaEva

12. To encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and develop healthy studyhabits by:

(a) enhancing their desire to study Çréla Prabhupäda’s books (particularly bynurturing their appreciation of çästra and çästric study, and by demonstratingçästra’s relevance to everyday life)(b) equipping them with the appropriate learning skills. RfLRfL

Introduction to the GitaFive main topics:The Supreme Personality of Godhead--

Isvara

The Jiva --

The soul within the body

Prakriti

nature

Action

Kala

timetimekarma

The Bhagavad Gita is divided into 3 sections

Chapters 1-6 Karma Yoga

Chapters 7-12 Bhakti Yoga

Chapters 13-18

Jñana Yoga

Why is Bhakti in the middle?• Shhhhhhhhh! It’s a secret!

(Rahasya) The goal of all sastra!

• Bhakti yoga gives life to both Karma and Jnana yogas!

• This secret is only revealed to

those who have proven their sincerity

• Because Bhakti is so precious

and important it is protected.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1

The sections of Chapter one

A. Setting the scene (1.1‑13)

B. Signs of Victory

(1.13-20)

C . ARJUNA'S Arguments (1. 21‑46)

The significance of Dharma KsetraDharma= that aspect of something which is

essential to it’s nature.

Water Has to be liquid

The living entity has to serve

Serving God according to Sastra

Is real dharma

Preparations for war-- What did they do?

My sonsMy sons

AndAnd

The Sons of PanduThe Sons of Pandu

Vs 1-13

Signs of victory Signs of victory verses. 14-20verses. 14-20

Pancajanya, Pancajanya, Devadatta, Paundra, Devadatta, Paundra, Anantavijaya, Anantavijaya, Sughosa and Sughosa and ManipuspakaManipuspaka

Kuruksetra

Krsna as Bhakta VatsalaKrsna as Bhakta VatsalaVerses 21-27Verses 21-27

Behold the Kurus Behold the Kurus assembled here!assembled here!

Compassion—Compassion— HowHow can I kill my kinsman can I kill my kinsman and guru?and guru?Enjoyment--Enjoyment-- How will I enjoy the kingdom How will I enjoy the kingdom alone?alone? Saintliness and fear of sinful reactions -Saintliness and fear of sinful reactions -By By killing such great men I will incur sinkilling such great men I will incur sin. . They They are worthy of worship.are worthy of worship.Destruction of the family-Destruction of the family- The elders of the The elders of the family will be killedfamily will be killed!!

Arjuna, having thus spoken Arjuna, having thus spoken on the battlefield, cast aside on the battlefield, cast aside his bow and arrows and sat his bow and arrows and sat down on the chariot, his mind down on the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief. overwhelmed with grief.

Verse 46Verse 46