‘Those behind Gujarat riots don’t know about religion…This is not religion’

•Why did the violence occur

THE reasons are known and there is no point in going into why and what will happen.

Dwelling on the past can only cause pain and dwelling on the future causes anxiety. It is in the present that all should come together to form a bridge of love.

•The people of Gujarat place great emphasis on religion. Your kathas, for instance, draw huge crowds. How can people of faith commit such violence?

These things are done by people who have not done satsang (religious exercise). Those who have done satsang in the true sense — whatever his religion — cannot do all this. There are those who take the cover of religion to commit irreligious acts.

You cannot call that religion. Dharma is not something to wear, it is your skin and your nature.

•What did you find on your peace marches?

I found everyone wishing for peace. I felt I did what I had to do by going to the people. I took the message of Rama which is that we should make a bridge. And only then can we proceed to initiate kalyan (welfare).

• You are involved in social causes. Do you believe there is a link between socio-economic factors and religious conflict?

Vinobaji (Bhave) used to say, ‘‘if production grows and love does not there will always be conflict in society’’. We all wish for the nation’s progress but with it love should also grow.

•What about caste which is still such a strong factor in our society?

….Politicians keep making new divisions. Who will solve them?

•Rama’s name is freely used these days.

In the Geeta it says (utters a shloka). It means: ‘the way an individual worships me that is the way he understands me’. Rama is like a mirror. You can be influenced by him but you can also see your reflection in him.

•What is your view on the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya?

It is a matter of faith for crores of people. Which is why I believe if understanding people come together and talk a solution can be found.

•Do you believe Rama was really born at the controversial site?

Ayodhya is there, the Saryu river is there. So the Lord’s janmabhoomi, even according to history is there.

• Do you believe in the theory that ancient invasions, the destruction of temples and so on, history in short, should be avenged?

I will not go into that but I wish that the country’s akhandtha (stability), shanti (peace) vikas (progress) and vishram (rest) are maintained.

That is what all good people should get together and aim for.

• Should sadhus and sants be active in politics?

The dharma of sadhus and sants is raj priti, not raj niti. But tathasta (neutral) and rashtrawadi (patriotic) wise men can definitely give inspiration to politicians — advise them to act one way or another in the interest of the nation. I mean people who are wedded to rajpriti, not rajniti. Like Gandhiji, for instance.

• Should politicians use religion in politics?

Politicians should not use religion but should be guided by the basics of religion which are truth, love, ahimsa.

Gandhi had truth on his side which is why he was successful. In today’s politics, truth and high principles are ….(shakes his head).

•The VHP claims it is the true representative of the Hindus?

Pauses) I don’t want to go into that. As a citizen of this country I wish for the country’s unity and progress — through love. My religion is love, truth, compassion.

•Hindu, Muslim do you believe in these distinctions?

Some learned person has said we don’t have religion, we have religions. Dharma is satya (truth), karuna (compassion), prem (love) ahimsa (non violence), parhit (other’s interest).

These are all aspects of dharma. Wherever these are there is dharma. You do not need labels.

•How can peace be brought to Gujarat?

In my view whatever events have happened, they should stop and we should build a bridge of paraspar vishwas (trust in each other) and prem (love).

People should go to the victims. The Ramayama talks of Sab Nar kar Hi Paraspar Priti (love of all towards one another).

That is the kind of atmosphere we should create and in the true sense build a Ramrajya which is Prem Rajya (kingdom of love).

• There is a section of people opposed to secularism; they feel that Hindus being in a majority should have the upper hand?

Dharma is not a matter of spardha (competition) but faith (shraddha). The results of competition are not good.

• Finally, can there be peace without punishment of the guilty?

I feel if there is rubbish on the floor, one should (sweeps his foot) remove it (saaf). But one should also forgive (maaf) it. Whatever evils or evil producing elements are there in society they should be removed and forgiven.