Q. What do you think of the recent Supreme Court ruling on Section 377 that criminalises homosexuality?

Sri Sri: When the world is changing fast in the 21st century, it is unfortunate that we are hanging on to to an old British law, which the British themselves have discarded.

Q. Some people say that homosexuality is not part of Indian culture. What do you make of that?

Sri Sri: Our culture has never ostracised anybody. Indian culture is the most broad-minded and inclusive. There are many instances of even transgenders in Indian mythology, if you read the Yoga Vasishtha and the Puranas.

Q. There is even a school of thought that spirituality is intimately connected to sexuality.

Sri Sri: Spirituality is the holistic view of human existence. It is not a discipline. Its range is from the macrocosm to the microcosm. The bliss of Samadhi is described as a thousand units of sex. Celibacy happens naturally with the experience of deep Samadhi. Indian spirituality talks of moderation – neither suppression nor indulgence, for both will cause illness. Of course, it encourages one to transcend the gross pleasures to move on to universal love.

Q. Why is there so much stigma against same sex love in our country?

Sri Sri: Homophobia is there not just in our country, but in many parts of the world. It is people who are fanatics who spread stigma.

Q. What is your message to the LGBT people in India?

Sri Sri: I just want to tell them that God loves them and to not harbour feelings like guilt, anger, shame, or any other negative emotions. I would like them to know that this orientation is in many people, though they may not acknowledge or label themselves. They should not feel isolated or cut off from the rest of the population. I would like them to meditate and realise they are not just flesh but scintillating, glowing consciousness, which is love.