What does the Bhagavad Gītā actually mean when it tells us to do our dharma? And how on earth are we supposed to know what ours is?
In this first part of a two-part exploration, I dive into one of the Gītā's most compelling and complicated ideas: dharma. We'll look at what it means to act in accordance with our responsibilities, how we might distinguish dharma from ego and our own conditioning, and what happens when the things that give our lives meaning begin to change.
We'll also meet Duryodhana, whose story raises some uncomfortable questions about what it means to know your path and follow it. Because simply being certain about what you're doing doesn't necessarily make it the right thing to do.
And then there's the bigger question: what if the whole idea of svadharma, or our own particular dharma, isn't quite what we've been led to believe?
This isn't about finding a tidy answer or uncovering a grand life purpose. It's an invitation to think more carefully about how we live, the choices we make and the stories we tell ourselves about what we're here to do.
Come and explore the Bhagavad Gītā with me
The Gita Chat Club starts this Thursday, 5 November!
Over six live discussions we'll explore the text together, compare translations and commentaries, share ideas and follow the interesting rabbit holes that emerge when curious people get together.
This isn't a lecture series where I'll tell you what the text means. It's a nourishingly nerdy space for good conversations, different perspectives and exploring the Bhagavad Gītā in company. You don't need to be a Sanskrit scholar or have read the whole text. Just bring your curiosity.
The series is $120, or free with my $20/month Patreon tier.
It's $120 for the series, or free with my $20/month Patreon tier.
Check out the brand new Gita chat Club here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/gita
Support this show and access all the extra goodies on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald