Chinmaya Mission UK are pleased to invite you to join our annual Gītā Chanting competition. We will be learning Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gītā titled “Karma Yoga”. The competition will be held on 8th July 2023. The registration for this year’s competitions are now closed. Next year’s competition will be announced around Dec-2023.
There are two categories under the competition
1. Chanting – for children and youth from Reception to Year 12 (up to 17 years). Verses are assigned based on their school year as of Sep 2022
| School Year Group (as of Sep 2022) | ślokas |
| Reception, Year 1 & 2 | 1-10 |
| Year 3, 4 & 5 | 1-20 |
| Year 6, 7 & 8 | 1-30 |
| Year 9, 10, 11 & 12 | 1-43 |
2. Essay – for 17 year olds and above including adults. One page essay (~500 words) on “How is Karma Yoga a practical guide to the art of success without stress”.
Chapter 3 begins with Arjuna’s request to explain in clear terms one path by which he may attain the Highest. Lord Krishna, a compassionate friend and teacher, propounds the path of Action to Arjuna.
Lord Krishna explains that, bound by their inherent nature, all living beings perform actions. Superior are those that perform one’s worldly duties diligently without attachment, and for the welfare of the society.
Text and Audio Links
Ch3_Verses1-21_Text_with_English_Meaning
Ch3_Verses22-43_Text_with_English_Meaning
FAQs
1. Is this event open to people in all countries?
The event is open to those living in the UK or Europe. If you live outside UK/Europe, please visit your local Chinmaya Mission centre for details of similar events happening in your area
2. How will participants learn the verses / meaning?
Children attending Balavihar will learn chanting as part of the class. For those unable to attend in-person BV classes, we offer weekly online Gītā chanting lessons. In addition, for children who wish to learn chanting on their own, use the audio for self-study.
For essay category participants, we offer a combination of books and audio resources e.g. Holy Geeta by Swami Chinmayananda and self-paced courses such as Bhagavad Gita Course and Master Gita Master Life
3. What are the benefits of chanting?
Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, conducted over 500 Geeta Gnana Yagnas. By participating, children gain the precious opportunity to carry forward His work as well as creating a positive vibration within themselves and the environment around. Chanting offers several benefits. A few are listed below:
- Develops pure saṁskaras (impressions) and helps purify the mind
- Chanting vibrations produce a positive impact on the individual and the family
- Could inspire children to explore the meaning of the teachings in our scriptures
- Provides exposure to the Sanskrit language and promotes a sense of cultural identity
- Enables us to develop our memorization skills and develop and use our memory bank
- Equips us with tools that may be used in meditation e.g. ability to sit erect with minimal physical movements, the ability to collect our thoughts and focus our mind
4. Can children outside the age groups (or parents) participate?
The chanting category is primarily aimed at children, but parents are also welcome to use this opportunity to learn chanting and join the essay category. Chanting as a family encourages children even more than doing it alone.
5. Will the competition be held online or in person?
We will have an in-person option for children who are able to travel to Chinmaya Mission UK centre and a virtual option for others
