Robert Minor, a professor in Kansas University’s department of religious studies, approaches the Bhagavad-gita from a more academic perspective.

He’s written two books about it: “Bhagavad-gita: An Exegetical Commentary,” 1982; and “Modern Indian Interpreters of the Bhagavad-gita,” 1986.

Minor, who specializes in the religions of South Asia, explained some of the history of the Bhagavad-gita.

“It’s a religious text, which I see coming out of about 150 B.C.E., that’s part of a larger epic. Basically, it’s a sermon, a dialogue between a God named Krishna and his companion, Arjuna,” he said.

“It’s an activist text, and could even be considered violent, though it’s often interpreted as nonviolent. Krishna’s telling Arjuna to fight the battle in front of him, without concern for the results of the battle. It also promotes a certain world view.”

The Bhagavad-gita became popular among those who were part of the anti-British movement in India in the early 1900s, and the British made it illegal for any person to own more than two copies.

“Mahatma Gandhi called it his prayer book. But he took it as allegory, so that Krishna’s calls to fight in the battle, Gandhi interpreted as calls to fight the evil within us. I think that’s not what it meant originally, but that’s a common interpretation today,” Minor said.

There are probably more English translations of the Bhagavad-gita than of any other book from Asia. There are hundreds of translations; the first one came out in 1785, according to Minor.

“Krishna Consciousness is one of the closest modern interpretations I’ve found of the Bhagavad-gita. I think it’s an authentic tradition in India. The actual thoughts (Prabhupada) has are very close to what the Bhagavad-gita” intends, he said.

People attend a Bhagavad-gita study group at Ecumenical Christian Ministries for various reasons.

“I come out of the desire for happiness, and it’s a very slight hint of transcendental bliss. Just the atmosphere, the camaraderie. It’s a taste of heaven, seriously,” said Michael Holladay, a computer engineer from Lawrence.

Stephanie Grebel, a KU junior, is impressed by what she’s learned so far about the Bhagavad-gita.

“I’m curious about different spiritual philosophies, and this is probably the most interesting and elevated one I’ve found yet. It’s helpful in all aspects of life,” Grebel said.