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Sukha: Perspectives on Bliss from the Gita

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  Sukha:  Perspectives on Bliss from the Gita  Course Overview The Bhagavad Gītā offers profound and practical insights into the nature of happiness ( sukha ) and suffering ( duḥkha ). Rather than treating happiness as a fleeting emotional state, the Gītā presents it as an outcome of right understanding, inner discipline, and equanimity. This course explores the Gītā’s vision of happiness by examining sorrow, suffering, their causes, and the means to transcend them. It also studies different dimensions of sukha , the dangers of attachment to pleasure, and the possibility of abiding peace that arises from transcending the duality of sukha and duḥkha . The course also serves as the concluding part of the Pañcakośa series , focusing on Ānanda as experienced through sukha and duḥkha , and the Gītā’s guidance on going beyond this dual experience.   Course Content 1. Understanding Suffering ( Duḥkha ) Great sorrow and human suffering Causes of su...
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Prana and Manas in the Light of Bhagavad Gita!

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Prana and Manas in the Light of Bhagavad Gita! Weekly Classes| Starts Feb 14, 2025 According to the Vedic Panchakosha system, the Pranamaya Kosha and Manomaya Kosha follow the Annamaya Kosha. These layers represent the vital energy that sustains life and the mind, which lies at the core of human existence. While the Vedic perspectives on the Panchakosha are well-known, insights from the Bhagavad Gita on these layers are rarely explored in depth. This series of sessions delves into the Pranamaya and Manomaya Koshas, unraveling their significance through the lens of the Bhagavad Gita to offer fresh perspectives on human existence.    Prana, the vital life energy, holds a pivotal place in human existence. The Bhagavad Gita references Prana and Vayu on several occasions, highlighting their profound roles. It discusses Pranayama as a practice for purifying oneself, deepening meditation (Dhyana), and attaining higher states of realization—all of which will be explored in these sessi...
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"Embodied Wisdom:: Understanding Annamayakosha through the Bhagavad Gita"

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  "Embodied Wisdom: Understanding Annamayakosha  through the Bhagavad Gita" Weekly Classes     Annamayakosha, the physical body or "food sheath," is the outermost layer of the human constitution according to the Vedas, sustained by food. Gita is a Smriti and as per the tradition, Smritis help in are deeper analysis of   Shruti. Thus, exploring Annamayakosha through the lens of the *Bhagavad Gita* deepens our understanding of the body's nature and its role in spiritual growth, fostering disciplined living essential for inner purification, peace and self-realization.   Sri Krishna refers to concepts related to Annamayakosha using terms such as *deha, sharira, gatra, kalevara, tanu, anna, and ahara in about 55 shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita. In these classes, we will engage in a systematic textual exploration of select shlokas, including verse chanting, word breakdown, and insights from traditional commentaries, to understand Sri Krishna's profound t...
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6 Vedic Epithets of Goddess Lakshmi for Meditation| Mantartha

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6 Vedic Epithets of Goddess Lakshmi As we approach Varalakshmi Vratam, a day dedicated to worshipping the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Mantra Artha Initiative is delighted to share six divine epithets of Goddess Lakshmi, drawn from the first mantra of Sri Suktam. These sacred names, enriched with profound meanings from traditional Sanskrit commentaries, guide us in meditating upon the goddess to attain her grace and prosperity for ourselves and our nation. Read on ... 1.   Hiraṇyavarṇā ( हित-रमणीय-वर्णाम्)          Meaning   : The one whose form is golden and pleasing, worthy of meditation.      -   Hita : Bestower of all that is desired, fulfilling every need.      -   Ramaniya : Radiant with beauty, possessing all auspicious qualities.   2.   Hariṇī ( पापहरणशीलाम्, हरिणी कृष्णमृगी तद्वन्मुग्धाम् इत्यर्थः )          Meaning   : The remove...
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