Religious texts more powerful in countering violence: Rijiju

Religious texts were more powerful than security forces in countering violence, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Monday.

"Whenever I meet Buddhist leaders, I always say religious texts (dharma shastra) are more powerful than our police and armed forces. Religious teachings and knowledge are the most powerful. If the teachings are spread everywhere, then we would not need to use force to stop violence," Rijiju said here at the Bengal Buddhist Association.

He was speaking during the closing ceremony of the 150th birth anniversary of Karmayogi Kripasaran Mahasthavir, who is credited for reviving Buddhism in the east.

Advocating Buddha's teachings of love and compassion, Rijiju said his messages were more relevant in today's world than they ever were.

He said India's security situation was being weakened by "many people."

"There are problems in so many parts of our country - the northeast, Kashmir and central India. Many people are trying to damage India's situation.

He said that every morning, he reads reports of various intelligence agencies (on the security situation).

"There are so many killings, so many conflicts, so much violence and to control the violence we are also required to use force and it is not a very happy situation," he lamented.

Rijiju stressed peaceful methods of conflict resolution rather than use of force.

"In the home ministry, we try to force peace. If somebody is trying to destroy tranquillity, we use our uniformed forces... our police and army. But if religious teachings go deep into the minds of every individual of society, then why would we need force?

"We have to have this conflict resolution if we go through Buddha's teachings. I feel his teachings are more relevant today than it ever was," he said.

Rijiju also echoed Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's message on Buddhism.

"I heard the Dalai Lama's message yesterday (Sunday) and he said 'don't consider Buddha's message in a religious context but take it as a science'. His message of love and compassion is applicable to all," the minister said.