NAMAH hosted a comprehensive Gita course, facilitated by Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo, which provided an insightful exploration of the Bhagavad Gita through the lens of Sri Aurobindo’s Essays on the Gita. The course ran from June 2, 2025, to October 22, 2025, covering the Gita's 18 chapters across 22 sessions. The core objective was to move beyond a conventional interpretation to uncover the layers of meaning and practical application, emphasising Sri Aurobindo's concept of Integral Yoga, where Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti Yogas (action, knowledge and devotion) operate simultaneously.
Day-Wise Summary of the Gita Lecture Series (June – October 2025)
|
Date |
Gita Chapter |
Core Focus and Concepts Explored |
|---|---|---|
|
Day 1 (June 2) |
Chapter One: Arjuna Vishada Yoga |
Established the universal appeal of the Gita and its practical relevance for daily life. The session focused on the context of Kurukshetra as a Dharma Kshetra (Field of Righteousness) and the inevitable internal and external "battlefield" of life. The course premise emphasised Integral Yoga, where knowledge (Jnana), action (Karma), and devotion (Bhakti) function together. |
|
Day 2 (June 9) |
Chapter Two: Sankhya Yoga / Buddhi Yoga |
Explored the foundation of spiritual transformation and reconciled the ancient split between Sankhya (Knowledge) and Yoga (Action). Key insights included the necessity of synthesis ("Wisdom without action is lame, and action without knowledge is blind") and the concept of the Divine Teacher existing in three poises: Kshara Purusha, Akshara Purusha, and Uttama Purusha (Purushottama). |
|
Day 3 (June 16) |
Chapter Three: Karma Yoga |
Addressed Arjuna's bewilderment regarding action versus intelligence. The focus was on identifying with Purusha (Self) while using Prakriti (Nature) as an instrument, thus enabling transcendent action. The central practice introduced was Phala Tyaga (renunciation of attachment to the fruits of action), initiating the evolution toward Witness (Sakshi) consciousness. |
|
Day 4 (June 23) |
Chapter Four: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga |
Detailed the hierarchy of consciousness (from Senses up to the Supreme Self, Purushottama). Highlighted the role of the Avatar in revealing eternal wisdom and emphasised that the ultimate standard for action is performing it in alignment with the Purushottama (Vyavasaya). The session established the accessibility of Karma Yoga through the practice of "Remember and Offer". |
|
Day 5 (June 30) |
Chapter Five: Sannyasa Yoga |
Consolidated the teaching that true renunciation (Sannyasa) is inner Tyaga (surrender of the ego-sense), not external withdrawal. This path leads to Brahma Nirvana through Sarva Bhutatm Bhutatma (Universal Self-Recognition). The ultimate realisation is achieving the impersonal and all-pervading Divine (Vibhu) while engaging in action. |
|
Day 6 (July 7) |
Chapter Six: Dhyana Yoga |
Concluded the first six chapters on Karma Yoga, affirming that the true Sannyasin works without attachment. The session clarified that after reaching Nirvana (immutable peace), spiritual works continue, transformed into Divine action. The true Yogin (who has mastered Dhyana, or self-control) is deemed greater than those solely dedicated to knowledge, works, or austerity. |
|
Day 7 (July 14) |
Chapter Seven: Jnana-Vijnana Yoga |
Began the second section (Chapters 7-12) focused on the Divine Nature. Key concepts included Jnana (essential knowledge) and Vijnana (comprehensive knowledge). Krishna revealed the two natures: Moola Prakriti (lower, ego-bound) and Para Prakriti (higher, Divine Shakti). This comprehensive knowledge deepens devotion and surrender. |
|
Day 8 (July 21) |
Chapter Eight: Akshara Brahma Yoga |
Explored the five aspects of the Divine, including Tad Brahman (imperishable Reality) and Adhiyajna (Lord of Sacrifice). The essential practical teaching was reinforced: "At all times remember Me and fight". Spiritual progress requires lifelong cultivation of Divine remembrance, as the state of consciousness at death determines the next existence. |
|
Day 9 (Aug 4) |
Chapter Nine: Raj Vidya Rajaguhya Yoga |
Unveiled the Guhyatamam (Supreme Secret): the Purushottama, who is simultaneously immanent in all existence yet transcendent beyond all. The essential practice was crystallised as offering every action, enjoyment, and thought: "Make it all an offering to Me". The culmination is the synthesis of knowledge, works, and devotion (Mat-Manah, Mat-Yaji and Mat-Bhaktah). |
|
Day 10 (Aug 11) |
Chapter Ten: Vibhuti Yoga |
Focused on God in the Power of Becoming (Vibhuti), enumerating the Divine manifestations (e.g., Om, Ganga, Japa) as a practice to train the mind to recognise Krishna's presence everywhere. The goal is a consciousness saturated with the Divine, sustained by only one infinitesimal fragment of the Divine's splendour. |
|
Day 11 (Aug 18) |
Chapter Eleven: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga |
Described the ultimate revelation of the Cosmic Form (Vishvarupa). The vision reveals the Divine as Time the Destroyer and demanded that Arjuna become merely the instrument (Nimitta-Matra) for action already fulfilled by the Divine. Arjuna's response embodied the soul's journey from awe to intimate devotion. |
|
Day 12 (Aug 25) |
Chapter Twelve: Bhakti Yoga |
Marked the transition to the Yoga of Devotion. The focus shifted from achieving Nirvana (Akshara) to attaining the Purushottama. (Madbhavam Agataha). Krishna described the qualities of the Priya Bhakta (beloved devotee) who maintains constant contentment and transcends all dualities. |
|
Day 13 (Sept 1) |
Chapter Thirteen: Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga |
Explored the essential relationship between the Field (Kshetra - Prakriti / nature) and the Knower of the Field (Kshetrajna - Purusha / consciousness). Liberation is achieved by the evolution of the Knower through four stages of mastery (Witness, Sanctioner, Upholder, Lord). |
|
Day 14 (Sept 8) |
Chapter Fourteen: Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga |
Detailed the nature of Prakriti through the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas). True liberation requires becoming Trigunatita (transcending the Gunas), which is achieved by renouncing both the fruits of action (Phala Tyaga) and the sense of doer-ship. |
|
Day 15 (Sept 15) |
Chapter Fifteen: Purushottama Yoga |
Presented the integral doctrine of the three Purushas: Kshara (mutable), Akshara (immutable), and the Purushottama (Supreme Person). The Purushottama is the synthesis that reconciles the active world engagement with transcendent stillness. |
|
Day 16 (Sept 22) |
Chapter Sixteen: Deva Asura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga |
Contrasted Divine (Daivic) and demonic (Asuric) qualities. Sri Aurobindo’s insight revealed the Gunas' transformation: Sattva (light) mediates the change of Rajas (kinesis) and Tamas (inertia) into their Divine counterparts of Sat, Chit-Shakti, and Ananda respectively. |
|
Day 17 (Oct 4) |
Chapter Seventeen: Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga |
Focused on how faith (Shraddha) governs life, leading seekers from Tamasic to Sattvic expression. Purity is achieved by classifying and elevating daily acts of Sacrifice (Yajna), Giving (Dana), and Askesis (Tapasya) across the Gunas. |
|
Day 18 (Oct 6) |
Chapter Eighteen (Part I): Moksha Sannyasa Yoga |
Examined the Gunas in relation to Mind, Will, and Works. True Sannyasa was defined as the inner transference of all works to the Divine Master and His Shakti. The clarity of action depends on mastering Sattvic knowledge and transcending Rajasic manipulation or Tamasic ignorance. |
|
Day 19 (Oct 11) |
Chapter Eighteen (Part II): Swadharma and Swabhava (Part I) |
Addressed the integration of inner law (Swadharma) and outer action (Swabhava). Action must evolve from mechanically performed Karma to intrinsically aligned Swabhava Niyatam Karma. The fourfold order (Chaturvarnya) was re-established as a spiritual blueprint based on inherent nature, not external birth. |
|
Day 20 (Oct 17) |
Chapter Eighteen (Part III): Swadharma and Swabhava (Part II) |
Concluded the Swadharma discussion, emphasising that the Jiva (psychic being) is a spark of the Purushottama. Alignment with one's true nature transforms all work into worship and sacrificial action. |
|
Day 21 (Oct 18) |
Chapter Eighteen (Part IV): Towards the Supreme Secret |
Summarised the entire spiritual ascent, from mastering desire lessness (Asakta Buddhi) to achieving inner inaction (Naishkarmya Siddhi). The path requires the continuous integration of action and meditation, culminating in the realisation of Brahma-Bhutah (becoming Brahman). |
|
Day 22 (Oct 22) |
Chapter Eighteen (Part V): The Supreme Secret (Guhya Tamam) |
The grand finale, revealing the ultimate instruction: "Abandon all Dharmas and take refuge in Me alone". The integral path is realised through the perfection of the three Yogas. The Gita’s final assurance promises glory, victory, and prosperity wherever Krishna (Master of Yoga) and Partha (surrendered human instrument) unite in action. |
The Integral Synthesis: Sri Aurobindo’s Vision of Total Transformation
Differential element of this series was Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Synthesis which is a comprehensive approach to spiritual realisation. Instead of traditional way of sequential progression through Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti Yogas, Integral Yoga emphasises simultaneous practice of Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti Yogas as complementary means to achieve spiritual fulfillment. Rather than aiming solely for liberation (Nirvana), the Integral Yoga aspires for the complete transformation of the physical, vital, mental, and spiritual nature.
This process involves the purification of human nature (Prakriti) and its elevation into the Divine Nature (Para Prakriti or Shakti), leading to the state of Trigunatita, beyond the three Gunas. Three staged transformational journey starts with Psychicisation (awakening the inner soul, Kshara Purusha) followed by Spiritualisation (realisation of the impersonal Akshara Purusha) culminating in Supramentalisation (union with the Purushottama, the Uttama Purusha). This comprehensive integration allows the practitioner to live fully engaged in the world as a conscious instrument of the Divine Will, reconciling transcendent silence with active manifestation (Loka Sangraha), thereby achieving Divine perfection.
Distinctive Features and Transformative Pedagogy
Gita Lecture Series distinguished itself through several innovative and engaging elements:
-
Dedicated Saturday Sessions for collective review of challenges faced in living Gita’s wisdom.
- Varied Course Delivery Formats, including:
- Verse-by-verse interpretation of the Gita in light of Sri Aurobindo's teachings
- Collective para-by-para reading of Essays on the Gita followed by interpretation
- Group Sanskrit chanting of verses followed by in-depth exploration
- Practical Integration Tools:
- Reflective assignments connecting Gita’s wisdom and Integral Yoga to daily life
- Journalling exercises, documenting personal insights and transformations
- Spiritual practices for self-observation and purification
- Periodic reading and writing assignments from Essays on the Gita to deepen understanding
- Living Transmission: A profound highlight was the facilitator's sharing of teachings received from her Teacher, Amal Kiran, which she has personally perfected through her own experiential journey. Her exemplary embodiment of the Gita's core principles across all dimensions of life made its wisdom tangible and practically understandable.
- Vision for Future Generations: Repeated emphasis on introducing the Gita's transformative wisdom as living philosophy from early childhood, ideally beginning in kindergarten so as to cultivate conscious living, integrity, and spiritual awareness as foundational values, thereby shaping an ethical and effective workforce of the future.
Invitation for Living the Gita's Way
Facilitator constantly emphasised adoption of these reinforcing principles to live Gita’s way:
- Practise "Remember and Offer" (Abhyasa Yoga) continuously, transforming every activity into sacred work by consciously renouncing attachment to outcomes (Phala Tyaga) and releasing the sense of personal doer ship (Kartritva Tyaga)Cultivate Unshakeable Equanimity (Sthita-Prajna), maintaining inner balance amid external challenges. When success and failure no longer disturb one's inner state, this signals alignment with one's true nature.
- Cultivate Conscious Awareness that nothing exists outside of the Purushottama's presence, thereby transforming perception of the ordinary world into a continuous spiritual recognition.
Facilitator reinforced that most effective way to spread Gita is to embody it authentically. When we live Gita’s way, others naturally grow curious about the philosophy behind our transformation.
The Mother's Guidance for Living the Gita's Way
The Mother's profound wisdom enriched the course with these complementary insights:
-
Begin with Psychicisation: Inner transformation starts with awakening the psychic being (inner soul) through aspiration and surrender. This invokes Divine Grace which is a surer path than relying on personal effort alone (the "baby cat" approach).
-
True Renunciation is Inner: Genuine Tyaga lies in inner detachment, not outer abandonment. Act selflessly, remaining vigilant as ego often conceals itself behind virtuous motives.
-
Cultivate Plasticity and Equanimity: Spiritual progress demands inner flexibility and the capacity to remain calm amid external turmoil. Conquering one's own weaknesses is the highest service to humanity.
The Supreme Secret Distilled
The facilitator finally distilled the Gita's essence into a simple yet profoundly beautiful message:
Remember Krishna always. Love Krishna always.
Prayer for the Journey Forward
May Lord Krishna's Presence grow in each of us until we become One with Him (Mat-Manah).
Feedback
“Outstanding, in one word.
“I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
“Complex ideas became clearer thanks to Gitanjali’s ability to take real examples and explain.”
“This is the first time I had the opportunity to participate in the program organised by NAMAH. It was a beautiful experience.”
“It was a family brought together through knowledge, practice and Bhakti.”
“It showed me my shadows and where I need to work on myself to.progress on.the path.”
“I have been able to see where my gaps are and aspire to transform them.
“I have been experiencing one thing which I wanted to share. Surrender makes the growth non- linear and exponential.”
“I have been reading all along the course. Just the last two chapters are left. One reading is not enough for books by enlightened Masters.”
“Geethanjali ma’am was amazing. Ma’am explained it so beautifully. I am beyond words and grateful to her.”
“It was an intense and coherent group. Learnt a lot from everyone. Thank you to James and others for making it possible.”
“Geethanjali ma’am brought in a lot of practical applications of Gita into our lives. Remember and Offer, Being Here and Now and many more lessons and truths were put forward beautifully by Geethanjali ma’am.”
“The atmosphere was very good. I wanted to thank both of you for hosting the Saturday sessions. They have really helped me deepen my path.
“I appreciate the participants sincerity and have learnt a lot from them. I know I can ask challenging questions and present contradictory views which may not be appreciated by the teacher or other participants. Now I feel it’s best to remain silent and absorb and practise my own sadhana based on where the gaps are. I realized that it’s not in the interest of my own sadhana to contradict the teacher but to appreciate the similarities amongst various paths. That will help me in the future.
“Ekam sat vipraha bahuda vadanti.” Truth is one and the wise express it in myriad ways. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and many other enlightened beings have practised various religions and they have come to the conclusion that practising these different religions lead to the same goal. So how can different paths of the same religion, i.e. Hinduism lead to a different goal? At the highest state, there are no contradictions and there is only a synthesis and a deep understanding of the beauty and oneness of all paths. My aspiration is to reach that state. Thank you once again.”
“The course has helped me get the confidence to read the book (‘Essays on the Gita’). Initially, I thought I will not be able to read and understand the text. Now, I feel closer to the writings of Sri Aurobindo.”
“Yes, it clarified a lot, especially the part about Purushottama and the 3 gunas. I can understand myself and others through this lens.”
“Very cordial and full of warmth, respect and compassion towards each other by participants, host and madam speaker.”
“Yes, I know I can make connection between philosophy and practice”.
“Yes, already starting to collate all the material. I will revisit all that we did in the course. The summaries are amazing!”
“Loved the bonhomie and non-judgmental vibe. Everyone was interested and engaged. It was motivating! Thank you James for holding the space.”
“I loved Gitanjali’s analogies, her lucidity and how she herself lived the lessons. Nothing can be more inspiring than that.”
