​Mental Aggression Needs to be Replaced by Compassion: Santani Sect Head

NEW DELHI – The mindset of aggression must be replaced with respect for individual liberty in a democracy to ensure global peace, said a senior seer of a Hindu sect. The spiritual leader strongly disapproved of recent actions taken by United States President Donald Trump in Iran, noting that the resulting Middle East conflict has forced the common man worldwide to bear unbearable economic costs.

President Trump gave the green light for joint US-Israeli forces to launch an attack on Iran on February 28, causing severe disruptions to global supply chains and trade.

“I disapprove of any mindset that promotes aggression and a colonial outlook,” said Kalipada Bhattacharjee, head of the Jadavpur-based Sri Sri Kaibalyadham. He noted that the recent conflict in the Middle East is a stark reminder of what happens when an aggressive approach is applied to society.

Bhattacharjee suggested that if the general public is exposed to the teachings of ancient holy books like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, they would be better equipped to restrain aggressive impulses in their daily lives.

“Chanting a holy name is also deeply helpful in calming the mind,” Bhattacharjee said, emphasising the importance of aligning oneself with higher ideals under the guidance of a spiritual guru.

He also highlighted the distinct difference between an academic educator and a spiritual guide.

“A spiritual teacher helps a disciple turn toward the divine to attain inner peace, whereas a regular teacher empowers a student to establish themselves in the material world, primarily in their professional career,” Bhattacharjee explained. He added that complete submission to a spiritual teacher is essential to achieving a peaceful order in both personal life and society at large.

Bhattacharjee, the seventh in succession to lead the spiritual organisation—which has numerous branches across Northeast India—regularly travels to propagate the teachings of his supreme guru, Sri Sri Ram Thakur.

During the interview, Maharaj expressed the view that ‘Vedvani’—a three-volume book collection of letters handwritten by Sri Sri Thakur—could prove to help guide the people of the world in the present times.