Purpose of Study Groups

The most important follow-up measure of the Gnyana Yagnyas (discourses) is the Study Group program. The basic concept of the Study Group is to study the scriptures by those who have a curiosity and thirst to benefit from the perennial wisdom of the Rishis.

What is read or heard, in order to take root, must be thought over (tat chintanam). The test of clear thinking is in the ability to express our thoughts clearly (tat kathanam). Again, whether our understanding is right and proper, is brought out in the rational and mutual discussion of the Study Group members (anyonya prabodhanam)

Thus, to the sincere and diligent student, the Study Group technique provides an opportunity and a forum for gaining a deep and quick perspective of our scriptures. The forum, in the Satsang atmosphere also fosters and develops brotherly understanding amongst the members and strengthens the “One Family” concept.

How Study Groups are run ?

Each Study Group member is allotted a portion of the text. During the subsequent class the Sevaka summarizes the proceedings of the last class and requests the allotted member to offer his/her contributions.

After the member has finished his contributions and raised questions, the Sevaka requests other members for their supplementary contributions on the topic under discussion, and also answers to questions raised. Repetition of stanzas and word meanings given in the text under study is essential in understanding and in becoming familiar with Sanskrit verses.

After the contributions are over, the Sevaka, as a member of the class also makes his/her contributions. After the 60 minutes of class time, the Sevaka will punctually close the class with the recitation of a prayer by all and quietly disperse with “Hari Om”. By following the procedure with sincerity and enthusiasm, members get the cream of the wisdom of the text under study by the technique of cooperative thinking.

Benefits of Study Group

A. To the memeber & Sevak

  1. Personality Transformation
  2. Inner strength to face challenges
  3. Knowledge of our scriptures and culture
  4. Clarity of thinking
  5. Poignancy of expressions
  6. Self Discipline
  7. Sense of brotherhood
  8. Patience and perseverance
  9. Art of listening
  10. Sense of belonging to the global Chinmaya Family

B. To the families of participants

  1. Happiness and harmony at home
  2. Better value system
  3. Effective role models for children
  4. Strengthing of family bond

C. To the Society, Nation and the World

Individuals living an integrated life make a healthy society. Such societies help to build a strong nation and peaceful world.

 

"World transformation can be brought about by individual transformation alone - by Swami Chinmayananda"

Class Schedule

Bhagavad-Gita Discourse by Swamiji (Saturday): 
AM Session: 10:00AM - 10:30 AM
PM Session: 2:00PM - 2:30PM

Study Groups (On Saturday): 

 AM Session: 10:30AM - 11:30 AM
 PM Session: 2:30PM - 3:30PM

Agastya Group (AM Session):

Text: Kindle Life
Sevak - Ashok Bhatia

Valmiki Group: (PM Session):

Text: Kindle Life
Sevak: Ashok Bhatia & Premal Joshipura

Vashistha Group (PM Session): 

Text: Tattva Bodha
Sevaks -  Vivek Naik & Kartik Ramprasad

Vishwamitra Group (PM Session): 

Text: Bhaja Govindam
Sevak/Sevika: N.L. Sriram, Lakshmi Gollapudi

Vyasa Group (PM Session): 

Text: Upadesha Sara
Sevaks - Srinivas Gollapudi & Ganapathi Shankar

Sunday Session:10AM - 11:30AM

None