Thinking about joining a Bhagavad Gita class but not sure what to expect? You are not alone. Many people feel curious about the Bhagavad Gita but hesitant to walk into a class without knowing what it looks like. This guide walks you through exactly what happens, who attends, and what you will take away.

What Is the Bhagavad Gita?

The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Sanskrit scripture that forms part of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. Often called simply “the Gita,” it is a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna, who reveals himself as the Supreme Being. The conversation covers profound topics: the nature of the self, the purpose of life, the meaning of duty (dharma), the mechanics of karma, and multiple paths of yoga. It is studied by academics, philosophers, and everyday people around the world — and it is considered one of the most important texts in human history.

Who Attends a Bhagavad Gita Class?

At ISKCON Silicon Valley, Bhagavad Gita classes draw a diverse group: software engineers and parents, retirees and college students, Hindus by birth and people with no prior connection to Indian culture. No background is required. Classes are taught entirely in English, and no knowledge of Sanskrit is assumed. The only requirement is curiosity.

What Happens in a Typical Class?

A standard Bhagavad Gita class at ISKCON Silicon Valley runs 60 to 90 minutes and follows a consistent format:

1. Opening mantra / verse reading — The Sanskrit verse is read aloud so students hear the original sound.
2. Word-by-word translation — Each Sanskrit word is broken down and translated into English.
3. Purport study — The class explores the commentary, usually drawing from Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita As It Is, the most widely distributed edition worldwide.
4. Open discussion — Students ask questions and share how the verse connects to their own life situations.
5. Closing prayer — A brief closing chant or mantra brings the session to a peaceful end.

The pace is relaxed and welcoming. No one is tested, graded, or put on the spot.

What Topics Come Up?

Depending on where the class is in the Gita’s 18 chapters, you might explore:

• The difference between the body and the soul (Atma vs. Deha)
• The three modes of material nature (goodness, passion, and ignorance)
• Karma: how actions create consequences across lifetimes
• The four types of yoga described in the Gita: Jnana, Karma, Dhyana, and Bhakti yoga
• The nature of the mind and how to focus it
• The concept of surrender and devotion (bhakti)

Is It Religious? Do I Have to Believe Anything?

The Bhagavad Gita is a philosophical text as much as a spiritual one. Many students come simply for the wisdom without any intention of converting to Hinduism or Vaishnavism. The class is a study, not a sermon. You are welcome to bring your own questions and skepticism — in fact, good questions are encouraged. No one will pressure you to change your beliefs.

What Should I Bring?

Just yourself. A copy of Bhagavad Gita As It Is is helpful if you want to follow along, but the teacher will guide you through the verses. Wear comfortable clothes. If attending in person at the Mountain View temple, you will be asked to remove your shoes at the door — a standard practice in all ISKCON temples.

Kids, Teens, and Adults — Do We All Go Together?

At ISKCON Silicon Valley, classes are age-grouped. Saturday School for children ages 0–14 runs separately from adult Bhagavad Gita study groups. Teens have dedicated sessions, and adult classes tend to go deeper into philosophical commentary. Online classes are also available, so you can join from home anywhere in the US.

How Do I Get Started?

The easiest way to start is to visit our classes page and filter by your age group, preferred format (in-person or online), and location. Classes are held at our Mountain View, Dublin, and Fremont locations, and several are offered fully online via Zoom. Most classes at ISKCON Silicon Valley are free or by donation — there is no enrollment fee for the standard Bhagavad Gita study groups.

Wondering what regular study offers long-term? Read about the 5 proven benefits of Bhagavad Gita study.

Whether you have read the Gita before or have never heard of it, your first class is a low-pressure, welcoming experience. Come with an open mind, and let the text speak for itself.

Gaurav Verma

Kirtan Volunteer · ISKCON Silicon Valley

Gaurav has been leading bhajans and kirtans in Bay Area homes for more than 10 years. He teaches harmonium for kirtan on YouTube, shares bhajan albums on SoundCloud, and coordinates the Vrindavan Mellows home kirtan service across the San Francisco Bay Area.