Indian guru asks climate talks to subsidize love

UN-led talks on climate change are looking at giving billions of dollars to poor countries. But an Indian spiritual leader is telling delegates that they instead should subsidize love.

Shri Shri 1008 Soham, who helps guide the massive Kumbh Mela pilgrimage on the Ganges River, journeyed from his Himalayan cave retreat to the Mexican beach resort of Cancun to spread his message.

Wearing a flowing yellow robe and attached turban -- his UN accreditation badge hanging around his neck -- the guru known as Babaji questioned if the conference was looking at the big picture.

"We talk about climate change. But what about the climate inside us?" he asked.

"We are all the time talking about subsidizing the fund to the developing countries. It is fantastic. I feel very fortunate.

"But what about subsidizing the essence of human love? Compassion, accepting and respecting each other to share the collective responsibilities of our planet," he said.

Babaji voiced regret that "very little have I seen spiritual masters" at the two-week conference, saying they could encourage respect for "Mother Earth."

AFP: Indian guru asks climate talks to subsidize love