The Maoists may want a ceasefire for breathing space, but an Indian guru says they need breathing exercises to control their anger.

Ravi Shankar, the 46-year-old founder of the Art of Living Foundation in India, who was in Nepal last week says he can make the Maoists give up violence with his meditation and breathing techniques.

The hirsute guru preaches conquering anger and other negative emotions through philanthropy and breathing practices, and was in Nepal on a three-day visit to spread the message of love and harmony.

People who join militant movements usually harbour great stress and fear, which impede thinking and forgiving, Ravi Shankar told followers in Birganj. Revenge becomes the dominant theme in their lives.

The Indo-Asian News Service quotes Ravi Shankar as saying: But inside every culprit there is a victim crying for help. So when the victim is helped, the culprit disappears.

The Indian sage said his breathing techniques help calm passions and make people think positive thoughts, and it has worked with suspected al Qaeda detainees in Mumbai. The Nepal chapter of the Art of Living Foundation conducts courses for prisoners in Nakkhu.