The Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings for Aspiring Yoga Teachers

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The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual guidebook that offers deep insights into life, yoga, and self-discovery. It’s more than just an ancient scripture; it’s a treasure of wisdom that helps us navigate the ups and downs of life with clarity and grace.

For aspiring yoga teachers, the Gita can be a source of inspiration, guiding them in their journey of both personal growth and teaching. In this blog, we will explore how the Gita’s key teachings can help yoga teachers create meaningful and transformative classes, connecting with their students on a deeper level.

The Context of the Bhagavad Gita

A Spiritual Dialogue

The Bhagavad Gita is essentially a conversation between Krishna, who serves as the divine teacher, and Arjuna, the warrior and seeker. This dialogue takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna is filled with doubts and confusion about his duties.

Krishna helps Arjuna understand the deeper aspects of life and spirituality, guiding him with timeless wisdom.

The setting of the Gita symbolizes the inner battle we all face—struggles, doubts, and moments of indecision. As yoga teachers, understanding this context allows us to relate to the challenges our students face and use the Gita’s wisdom to support them.

Core Themes of the Gita

The Gita introduces several key themes that remain relevant to aspiring yoga teachers today.

• Dharma (Duty): The Gita emphasizes living in alignment with one’s purpose or dharma, fulfilling responsibilities with integrity.
• Yoga as a Path to Liberation: The Gita describes yoga as the union of the body, mind, and spirit—a path to freedom through discipline, self-awareness, and devotion.

Key Teachings for Aspiring Yoga Teachers

Teaching as a Selfless Service (Karma Yoga)

One of the central messages of the Gita is Karma Yoga, or the yoga of selfless action. In teaching, this means sharing your knowledge without attachment to the results.

• Acting Without Attachment to Results: Krishna tells Arjuna, “You have the right to work, but never to its fruits” (2.47). For yoga teachers, this means focusing on the teaching process, rather than expecting specific outcomes from students. Your role is to guide, not to control how students progress.
• Service Through Teaching: Teaching yoga is a form of service. By sharing your skills, you contribute to the well-being of others, helping them along their journey.

Cultivating Inner Balance (Sthitaprajna)

The Gita encourages the practice of Sthitaprajna, or being steady in wisdom.

• Maintaining Equanimity: Krishna says, “A person is said to be established in self-realization when they are unaffected by joy and sorrow” (2.15). As a teacher, this means remaining steady, whether students praise your class or express frustration. Equanimity helps you create a consistent, supportive environment.
• Handling Challenges with Grace: Teaching can be challenging—students may struggle with certain poses, or a class may not go as planned. The key is to handle these situations with grace and composure.

Aligning with Your Dharma

Teaching yoga is about finding your authentic path.

• Teaching with Authenticity: The Gita advises, “It is better to fail in one’s own dharma than to succeed in another’s” (3.35). Aspiring teachers should find their own style instead of imitating others.  Authenticity builds genuine connections with students.
• Following Your Purpose: Reflect on why you chose to teach yoga. Aligning your actions with this purpose keeps you grounded and passionate.

Practicing Detachment (Vairagya)

Vairagya means detachment or letting go of expectations and ego.

• Letting Go of Ego: As a teacher, it’s important to remember that the class is about the students’ growth, not about your performance. Practicing humility allows students to shine without the pressure of perfection.
• Encouraging Students’ Independence: Guide students to trust their inner wisdom rather than relying solely on you. Empowering students helps them grow beyond the classroom.

Emphasizing Bhakti (Devotion) in Practice

Bhakti Yoga involves bringing love and devotion to your teaching.

• Teaching with Love: Approach each class with passion and compassion. When a teacher genuinely commits, students can sense the difference.
• Devotion to the Practice: Stay dedicated to your yoga practice and personal growth. A teacher who continues to learn and grow is more effective in guiding others.

Practical Applications of the Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings

Designing Classes with the Gita in Mind

• Thematic Classes: Use themes from the Gita, such as equanimity or selfless service, to structure your class. You might, for instance, start by sharing a short verse or story that relates to your theme.
• Guided Meditations: Incorporate verses from the Gita into guided meditations to inspire your students’ mindfulness and reflection.

Self-Reflection for Teachers

• Journaling on Dharma: Spend time reflecting on your purpose as a teacher. What drives you? Journaling helps you stay connected to your authentic calling.
• Developing Emotional Resilience: Practice equanimity during challenging classes. Recognize that not every class will go perfectly, and that’s okay.

Inspiring Students Through the Gita

• Sharing Philosophical Insights: Relate the Gita’s teachings to everyday challenges your students may face. This helps make yoga philosophy relatable.
• Encouraging Self-Inquiry: Invite students to reflect on their practice through questions inspired by the Gita, encouraging self-discovery.

Challenges and Opportunities in Applying the Gita

Translating Philosophy into Practice

• Simplifying Complex Teachings: The Gita can be complex, but as a teacher, it’s important to simplify the concepts to make them relatable. Use stories and practical examples that connect with your students’ experiences.
• Avoiding Dogmatism: The Gita’s teachings are tools for exploration, not rigid rules. Present them as guidelines that students can interpret and apply in their own way.

Honoring the Cultural Roots of the Gita

• Practicing with Respect: Always acknowledge the cultural and historical context of the Gita. It’s important to respect the traditions that have shaped yoga.
• Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Apply the Gita’s teachings while being mindful of the modern context of your students. Finding this balance helps maintain the integrity of yoga while making it accessible.

Benefits of Applying the Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings

Personal Growth for Teachers

• Finding Fulfillment: Teaching with a sense of purpose, as advised by the Gita, brings a deeper sense of fulfillment and inner peace.
• Staying Grounded: The wisdom of the Gita can help you stay centered through the highs and lows of teaching, giving you the resilience to handle challenges.

Enhancing the Student Experience

• Inspiring Transformation: By incorporating the Gita’s teachings, you guide students toward a deeper connection with themselves, beyond just the physical aspects of yoga.
• Fostering Community: Teaching through the lens of the Gita helps create a sense of shared purpose, fostering a supportive community of students.

Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita is a powerful guide for aspiring yoga teachers, offering wisdom that goes beyond the physical aspects of yoga.

By integrating its teachings into your classes, you not only enhance your growth as a teacher but also help your students explore yoga as a holistic path to self-discovery.

Whether it’s teaching with love, practicing detachment, or finding inner balance, the Gita’s wisdom is timeless and transformative.

If you’re interested in diving deeper, consider reading the Bhagavad Gita or joining a 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali, where you can explore yoga philosophy and its practical applications.

Let the teachings of the Gita inspire both your practice and your journey as a teacher—helping you create a space for growth, transformation, and connection.