Celebrating the birth of the Bhagavad Gita
The Hindu festival Gita Jayanti is a call to embody the wisdom of The Bhagavad Gita to guide us in the modern day world. Throughout this month we’ll take four different texts from the Bhagavad Gita and thread it through our practice. We take bow pose to honour Arjuna, the archer, who is also representative of the individual soul – the atman; and our mantra honours Krishna, recognised in the Bhagavad Gita as highest consciousness.
Gita Jayanti, celebrated on the 11th day of the waxing moon (in 2025 this falls on Monday 01st December), marks the day a sacred conversation took place between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, giving rise to the Bhagavad Gita. Observing this festival involves fasting, prayer, and spiritual practices aimed at seeking blessings, dispelling ignorance, and mastering the senses.
An ancient text in a modern world
The Bhagavad Gita, revered as one of the most profound scriptures in Hindu philosophy, continues to resonate deeply in the modern world. This ancient text, a dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, delves into the nature of life, duty, and spirituality, providing timeless insights into the human experience.
At its core, the Bhagavad Gita teaches the path to liberation through Bhakti, or devotion. In an age where individuals often grapple with anxiety, confusion, and a sense of purposelessness, the Gita’s teachings offer clarity and guidance. The metaphorical framework within the text presents a rich tapestry of life’s journey.
- The chariot symbolises the physical body, and the five horses represent our senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. This imagery serves as a reminder of how our senses can lead us astray if not guided properly.
- The reins of the chariot signify the mind, which plays a crucial role in steering our senses. In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions are abundant, the Gita urges us to cultivate control over our minds to lead a more focused and fulfilling life.
- The charioteer symbolises intellect, guiding our thoughts and decisions.
- The passenger represents the soul, the eternal essence of our being.
- Krishna, as the super soul, embodies the inner witness, reminding us of our connection to a higher consciousness.
These teachings are profoundly relevant in contemporary society. The Gita encourages individuals to rise above the chaos of external circumstances and cultivate inner strength through self-awareness and mindfulness. In a world filled with material pursuits and fleeting pleasures, the Gita’s emphasis on devotion and selflessness provides a counterbalance, urging individuals to seek deeper meaning and connection in their lives.
Gita Jayanti – a poignant reminder of these teachings
As practitioners fast and engage in prayer, they reflect on the lessons imparted in the Gita, seeking to strengthen their devotion and understanding. The rituals of this festival bring about a collective spirit of spirituality and introspection, providing an opportunity to connect with the divine and with one another.
Be it stress, social discord, or existential dilemmas, the principles of the Bhagavad Gita advocate for a harmonious approach to life. They encourage individuals to maintain equanimity in the face of adversity and to act with righteousness. The Gita teaches us that true success lies not in the fruits of our actions but in performing our duties with dedication and devotion.
The Bhagavad Gita remains a beacon of wisdom, illuminating the path for those seeking truth and purpose in their lives. Gita Jayanti is not just a celebration of the text itself but a call to embody its teachings in our daily lives. As we honour this auspicious day, we are reminded to cultivate our inner strengths, embrace our roles in life with sincerity, and connect with the divine through devotion, ensuring that the timeless wisdom of the Gita continues to guide us in the modern world.
December Classes
Thurs 04th December – business as usual!
Thurs 11th & 18th December – the ever wonderful Sam Watts will be covering classes while I am hosting a yoga retreat in Finland.
Sat 27th December – replaces xmas day class and will be extended by 30mins! 10am – 12pm
Pose of the month
Pose – Bow
Sanskrit – Dhanurasana [धनुरासन
Pronounced – dha-noo-RAH-suh-nuh
Type – Backbend
In this pose the body is bent backwards much like an archer’s bow with the torso and legs representing the body of the bow and the arms the string. This pose creates openness in the chest, strengthens the upper & mid back and improves shoulder mobility
Mantra of the month
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudeva
I bow to Vasudeva, the consciousness that resides in the heart of all
This sacred phrase honours Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in Hinduism, his avatar is Lord Krishna who is often called Vasudeva – The significance of a 12 syllable mantra such as this is to grant liberation, purity and blessings.
