Past Discourses

Gita Study Group
Facilitated by Arvind Naik

This would be a spiritual study group organized regularly, every Sunday morning, 10:15 AM-11:00AM at SV Temple.
Purpose:
To help ourselves become true human being, live a life where our thoughts, words and deeds that are aligned to our true nature and we become one with our ultimate source, the supreme.
Background:
Bhagavad Gita also known as the song of God has been beacon of spiritual path in the east.  The poem authored by Maharshi Ved Vyaas has captured the essence of spirituality in very few words for anyone seeking to start a spiritual journey.   The verses of Bhagavad Gita represents deeper spiritual meanings, albeit difficult to understand for a common person not familiar with the Sanskrit language.  Several Scholars and Teachers have elaborated the significance in various languages and spread the teachings throughout the world. While reading of scripture helps significantly, it is still insufficient to get the grasp of complete message.  The only way to get complete access to the significance of the message is being in the company to the enlightened saints and mystics who not only live the message but are committed to passing it to humanity.  They do so through simple messages, their own living of it and undivided personal attention on individual seekers.   We call them Sat-Gurus or Spiritual Masters.   As seekers we can start reflecting on this message and seek guidance through our Sat-Guru who is completely awake and aware of our need and will help in person or otherwise. This study group is one such effort to start reflecting upon the spiritual message and start seeking the ultimate truth within.
Schedule:
We will start at around 10am with silent prayer and meditation for 5 minutes followed by prayer and then start the study of Gita verses.   We will read the Sanskrit version of Bhagvad Gita from start to end, reflect upon the message of each verse through sharing of various reputed references of the message and discussion of our understanding with examples and quotations around the topic.  Everyone is encouraged to raise the question and share their insight.  Let us avoid any arguments and maintain a loving spiritual atmosphere. The purpose is not to reach an agreement but have personal reflection and take steps towards our own spiritual goals.We will conclude the session with 10 minutes of meditation, a prayer and close by 11AM.

About the Facilitator:
Arvind is an electronics and software engineer living in Twin Cities for last 7 years with his wife and children. He is coordinates Science of Spirituality Meditation Group with his wife and other dedicated volunteers. He has been keen student of spirituality from his childhood has studied Gita and other spiritual scriptures under the guidance of his father. He persuaded spirituality in his young adult life through several teachers and developed deeper interest. He moved to US about a decade ago and continued his study in Western spirituality.