Educational implications of Bhagavad Gita

This presentation explores the educational implications of Bhagavad Gita. It discusses the metaphysics, axiology and epistemology.

1. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF BHAGAVAD GITA PRESENTED BY ANIE KURIYAN M.Ed SPS. MG UNIVERSITY

2. The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, consisted of 700 verses under 18 chapters within different subtitles. A part of the epic Mahabharata and is contained in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. Literally means the Lords song, i.e., the philosophical discourse of Lord Krishna to persuade the reluctant Arjuna to fight . It is the most popular and sacred book of the Hindus. BHAGAVAD GITA

3. BHAGAVAD GITA: METAPHYSICS Existence of God: The Bhagavad Gita asserts the existence of God, with no supreme truth beside God or Brahma. God is eternal. Nature of Material World: The material world is considered reality but is subjective, dependent, destructible, and changeable . Gunas of Prakriti : The Bhagavad Gita discusses the Gunas (qualities) of Prakriti in chapters 14 and 17. Three qualities: mode of goodness mode of passion mode of ignorance

4. Cycle of Death and Birth: The Bhagavad Gita describes a cycle of death and birth. Living entities ( Jiba ) undergo a process of appearance and annihilation. Cycle of Creation and Destruction: The universe undergoes a cycle of creation and destruction. Brahma as the Source of Living Beings: Brahma is the source of all living beings . Cycle of Creation, Maintenance, and Annihilation: Vedas are manifested from Brahma. Karma , prescribed in the Vedas, leads to Yagna . Yagna produces rain, food grains, and sustains living creatures. After completion of material existence, creatures merge into Brahma energy.

5. The Bhagavad Gita extols three major margas or paths of Yoga (means union, i.e., individual with absolute) which help the aspirant frame his personal nature with the highest goal i.e , realization and union with Brahman . These three paths are: Karma Yoga: the path of Selfless Action Bhakti Yoga: the path of Devotion  Jnana Yoga: the path of Self Transcending Knowledge Although each path is different, the destination is ultimately the same.

6. Karma Yoga – Path of action  Karma Yoga is essentially Acting, or doing one's duties in life as per his/her dharma, or duty, without concern of results. Work is to be performed for its own sake, not for its outcomes . According to Krishna in Gita , Karma yoga is the spiritual practice of selfless action performed for the benefit of others. Karma yoga is a path to reach moksha (spiritual liberation) through work.

7. Bhakti Yoga – Path of loving devotion to a personal god Bhakti yoga is based on the doctrine "Love is God and God is Love". Regarded as the most direct method to merge in cosmic consciousness. Through prayer, worship, chanting and ritual one surrenders himself to God. Bhakti (devotion) may be defined as disinterested service to God. So it is a form of Karma. The Lord himself lifts up his devotees from the 'ocean of birth-and-death'.

8. Jnana Yoga – Path of knowledge/ path of self realization Jnana yoga is also referred to as buddhi yoga and goal is self-realization. The text considers jnana yoga as the most difficult, slow , confusing for those who prefer it because it deals with “formless reality” , the avyakta . The chapter 4 of the Gita is dedicated to the general exposition of jnana yoga , while chapter 7 and 16 discuss its theological and axiological acpects Krishna says that jnana is the purest and a discovery of one’s Atman.

9. Bhagavad Gita: Epistemology As per Gita, yoga is essentially and predominantly the path of knowledge . The yogi's ideal is self realization i.e. the state of purified and controlled mind, purified intellect, strong determination and lost state of false ego, pride, anger and greed. This cannot be attained without knowledge. Position of self realization is the situation of Vidya that is Education.

10. Bhagavad Gita: Axiology  Action is better than inaction. Life depends upon action as none can remain just inactive for a single moment. Inaction is death. Actions are our sphere; fruits are not our concern. We should never be attached to the fruits of actions and at the same time we should never be inactive.  Education is the process of performing one's own duties for the attainment of peace, joy, satisfaction and salvation being rid of the three wraths (lust, anger, fear) with steady mind and wisdom.

11. SALVATION Add a little bit of body text An important goal of teaching Gita is Salvation. Students need salvation from fear, punishments and pressure from teachers and parents. People in general need salvation from violence, conflict, pride, ego , poverty , ignorance, greed , lust and so on. According to Gita , those who are free from anger, are self realized , self disciplined and constantly endeavoring for perfection , are assured of liberation in the supreme.

12. Education According to Bhagavad Gita In order to formulate the principles of education the divine teacher Lord Krishna has not imparted his wisdom to his student as mere dictation like others. The Gita answer the 'why' of such education. The human child in the world is not a tabula rasa or an empty being. He inherits the certain tendencies, instincts, propensities of character, mental dispositions etc. from his past life .

13. Parents give to child only his body but his physical apparatus and soul's doing are his own. This explains individual differences. The Bhagavad Gita gives the principles of education clearly indicating that education is spiritual-social necessity. It is a value and its structure cannot be built on sand.

14. Objectives Of Education According To Bhagavad Gita Development of virtual knowledge Development and modification of personality Adjustment in individual and social aims Development of internal consciousness Development of intellectual and logical ability Establishment of importance of duties in life

15. Curriculum on the Basis of Bhagavad Gita Two types of Gyan (knowledge) Physical ( Art, Science, Engineering etc ) Spiritual ( Knowledge of body and soul)

16. Methods of Teaching  Conversational method Question-Answer method Demonstration method Contemporary method Learning by doing

17. Discipline The moral of Bhagavad Gita entails upon the discipline of the life and performance of one's duty without attachment to the result in sattvic way. Gita rightly strikes at the root of the problem. Ideal personalities of teachers and deep scholarly efforts can save the untracked indiscipline among students. Faith on the instructions of Gita can remove the problem of indiscipline and anomie (Social instability caused by erosion of standards and values) that are prevailing in Indian education.

18. Teacher The teacher must teach his subject with great competence but when the issue of judgment is involved he should let the student free as Arjun was finally left to decide himself whether to fight or not. He must be most balanced. The true teacher not only teaches truth but also demonstrates it. The teacher should be vigilant enough to keep the soul and body of his student as well as his own together.

19. Student  The student, according to the Gita, is not a disciple but a learner. The most required characteristic of an ideal student is to surrender before the teacher accepting his ignorance of the subject he wants to know. Genuineness, humanity, obedience, faith in his teacher are other characteristics of a good learner. He must shun three great vices- Kama, Krodh and Lobha in his personality. The Gita has infinite relevance in a student's life. It has principles with which a student should live and act, rules which he should follow and traits and skills he should master.

20. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS- AT A GLANCE Philosophical Guidance: The Bhagavad Gita provides philosophical Guidance. It can be a source of moral and ethical education . Stress Management: T he concept of detached action ( Nishkama Karma), can be applied in educational settings to help students manage stress and pressure associated with academic performance. Holistic Education: The Gita emphasizes the importance of holistic development, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual. This aligns with the contemporary view of holistic education, focusing on the overall well-being of students .

21. Importance of Learning: The Gita underscores the significance of knowledge and continuous learning. Educational institutions can emphasize the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and a love for learning. Equality of All Paths: The Gita acknowledges the diversity of paths to spiritual realization. Similarly, in education, recognizing and respecting diverse learning styles and individual talents can lead to a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Leadership Lessons: The Gita imparts valuable lessons on leadership and decision-making. Educators can incorporate these principles to nurture leadership qualities among students, encouraging them to make responsible and ethical choices.

22. Focus on Self-Discovery: The Gita encourages self-discovery and understanding one’s true nature. Educational systems can incorporate activities that promote self-awareness and personal growth among students. Service-Oriented Learning: The concept of selfless service ( Seva ) in the Gita can inspire service-oriented learning initiatives, encouraging students to contribute to the community and society positively . Emphasis on Discipline: Discipline is a recurring theme in the Gita. Educational institutions can draw on these teachings to instill a sense of discipline and commitment to one’s studies and personal growth.

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