By Abhishek Joshi
NHSF City Learning & Sewa Coordinator
This year saw a shift in perspective for Learning at NHSF (UK) City University, where for the first time we introduced a 5-week course based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, known as “iGita”. We decided to look at the scripture from a modern perspective, and how these words of wisdom that were spoken 5,000 years ago are applicable to us as students today, leading a hectic, stressful, university lifestyle. We felt that it was important to look at the themes within the Bhagavad Gita, rather than going through verse by verse, so that the attendees of our course could leave with a wholesome understanding.
The teachings were presented in a contemporary way, which could easily be remembered. For example, our first session was an introduction to the book, and what we can learn from it was summarised into 6 M’s:
1. Model: shows the ideal example of how a student should act, and how to overcome challenges.
2. Map: the Gita is like a Sat-nav; it shows us where we are, what the destination is, and how to get there. It also helps us when we come across obstacles in our journey, and will help us re-calculate the route.
3. Mind: explains the nature of the mind and how to control it – how it can be your best friend and your worst enemy.
4. Mirror: helps us understand our nature, our personality and ourselves. The principle teaching being that ‘We are not this body. But we are a soul.’
5. Masters: we can access the mercy of the Lord through the help of our spiritual masters and teachers.
6. Meditation: as explained in every religion, the most powerful way of connecting to the Supreme is through chanting and glorifying His Holy Names.
Such a simple and effective way of understanding the Bhagavad Gita was presented to us by Srila Prabhupada – the author of the Bhagavad Gita As it is – who taught and showed us that this philosophy is dynamic, relevant and applicable to a modern urban lifestyle. He made the teachings of the Gita very accessible for everyone and created an institution through which people can connect to the lessons of the Gita in a practical way. He showed us that you do not have to live in a forest, live in India, or be over the age of 50 to practice Hindu Dharma.
Overall, it was a very successful first term for NHSF City on the Learning front. Many students felt that they learnt a lot from this experience. One student Ayesha Sharma said: “It made me understand the Gita without reading it, and made me think about what actually is important in life, and how we can grow.” Our enthusiasm to increase learning also attracted students from other chapters to join us, with Kings and LSE coming down and offering their support. We had meditation sessions, gave out Bhagavad Gitas, gave some Prasad (sanctified, holy food), and hopefully opened the eyes of many people to the relevance of the Bhagavad Gita.
It can only grow from here in quantity and quality, and we have some great ideas for the next term…