Bringing the gita to life
An introduction to the story and teachings of the
bhagavad gita

The next course will take place on zoom at 5pm UK time (BST), which is 9am PDT and 12 noon EDT on the following dates in 2023:
Sunday 1st October
Sunday 8th October
Sunday 15th October
Sunday 22nd October
Sunday 5th November
Sunday 12th November
Sunday 19th November
Sunday 3rd December
Week 1: Understanding the story of the Gita. Exploring how the battlefield and the characters represent aspects our own minds. The concept of dharma and what it means in modern life.
Week 2: The nature of the eternal Self. Introducing the core spiritual teaching of the Gita and how we can come to know this Pure Consciousness as our own essence, unlimited by any sense of insecurity or smallness.
Week 3: Karma Yoga. What it means to ‘surrender the results of your actions’ and how do we do this in practice. Why does Krishna tell Arjun that he must fight, when an important yogic practice is ahimsa (non-violence)? Exploring the meaning of the word yagya (sacrifice). How to act in alignment with the values of yoga.
Week 4: Skill in action and being the ‘non-doer’. What does Krishna mean by ‘skill in action’ and how to act while remaining the ‘non-doer’. How the gunas are involved in action.
Week 5: The three gunas. The nature of the three gunas, why they are so emphasised in the Gita and how they impact our daily experience. Why does Krishna tell Arjuna he must ‘transcend the gunas’?
Week 6: Equanimity and meditation. What the Gita says about equanimity and how we can cultivate it in our own lives. Looking at the practice of meditation as a path to equanimity.
Week 7: The nature of Krishna and Bhakti Yoga. Who or what is Krishna? What does he really mean when He tells Arjuna to be devoted to Him? What is Bhakti Yoga and how can it be practised today?
Week 8: Gyana Yoga and Dharma. How is Gyana Yoga (the Yoga of Knowledge) practised and why is it so important in the Gita? Coming back to the concept of dharma and what Krishna’s ultimate teaching about it is. What happens at the end of the Gita.
There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions and answers.
Practices relevant to the teachings will be suggested after each session.
A link to the zoom recording will be sent out after each session to everyone signed up to the course (including to anyone who hasn’t been able to attend ‘live’.)
If you have any further questions about the course, I’d be happy to answer them. Please get in touch via my Contact page.
Highly Recommend
I really enjoyed the Secret of Om class. I did not know much about it at first and Katharine helped me understand the related concepts whenever I had any questions. Now I feel that I have a much better understanding only after 3 classes. Highly recommend this course!
Soo Lyuh
Relatable and Clear
Katharine has an amazing ability to explain everything in a relatable way and with clarity. She delivered the Secret Of Om course in a real-world context, with the overview of different Yogic paths and schools of philosophy. She encourages everyone to ask questions and contribute to discussions openly. She is keen ensure each person feels comfortable and has an academic understanding of the course content, whilst also encouraging self-reflection and meditative practice to make the learning experiential.
Hilary Bradley
Would Recommend
This course was fantastic for someone who’s never read the Gita before. I loved that Katharine dealt with sections of work (themes), rather than reading chapter by chapter. I would recommend the course to anyone who has never read the Gita before but also to those who need to refresh themselves on it.
Samantha Wills
Applying The Teachings
I have many translations of the Bhagavad Gita but really wanted (and needed) a teacher to help guide my understanding. Katharine does a wonderful job of breaking down and explaining verses to help you apply the teachings to your everyday life.
Andi Adkins
Loved The Meditations
Really enjoyed our sessions and the course was just right for me. I had some knowledge about the Gita but only very basic. We went through each session, allowed time to have questions and a discussion and then went into the new one. Loved the meditations after each session too. Katharine is very knowledgable and always ready to answer any questions yet allowed space for us all. Would very highly recommend studying with her.
Judit Barrass
Looking Forward To Taking More Courses
Thank you, Katharine, you have a wonderful, kind, supportive way of teaching which I would recommend to others and I am looking forward to taking more courses with you in the future.
Sue Fryer
A Really Inspiring Teacher
The lessons of The Gita were shared beautifully, not only with passion and spiritual context, but also translated into day-to-day practical techniques and guidance on how to apply the teachings. Katharine is a really inspiring teacher and is available to support your learning (both in the group setting and individually if required), encouraging questions and discussion throughout the course. Katharine draws on her own direct experience and personal journey bringing authenticity and demonstrating her extensive knowledge.
Hilary Bradley
Just What My Soul Needed
I really enjoyed the course Bringing Gita to Life as it was just what my soul needed at the time. I could also very much relate to the topics as they were explained simply and with a lot of attention. The level of the course wasn’t too high or too low, just the right level, where we could enjoy going deeper into the teaching of the Gita each time. Thanks Katharine.
Ildiko Bakos
A Teacher’s Teacher
I came across Katharine through her brilliant newsletter. I have taken The Wisdom of the Gita and The Secret of Om and Advaita Vedanta courses with her. She is a teacher’s teacher who has such a depth of knowledge and understanding of yoga philosophy and yogic texts. As a yoga practitioner and teacher with over 20 years experience she has guided me to a greater understanding and awareness to the ‘state of yoga’ and the part of myself which is unchanging and eternal which has brought a more peace and understanding to my life. Highly recommend.
Kate Beatty
Deeper Insight
“I absolutely loved Katharine’s course on the Yama and Niyama. She is so knowledgeable and manages the group perfectly. I gained a lot from joining the group, including a deeper insight into the yama and niyama, it was also a joy to learn alongside others and meet new people. Looking forward to the next time I can join you for another course!!“
Beckie Shuttleworth
Can’t Wait To Learn More!
“Thank you so much Katharine for helping me understand the Upanishads. I really appreciate your explanations and your input. I also thank you so much for answering our questions with kindness and gentleness. Can’t wait to learn more!“
Pierlo Bolla
Very Well Explained
“I recently completed the Advaita Vedanta online course with Katharine. I enjoyed the course very much. The content was very well explained with the use of slides and questions and answer sessions. There was also a WhatsApp group to connect with others on the course and to ask further questions so I never felt alone. The course was also recorded and downloadable so that I can re visit as many times as I like, this is invaluable to me. I would recommend this course if you would like to go deeper into Yoga Philosophy.”