Nevada (US), Aug 5 Hindus have extended warm welcome to Oscar
winner Hollywood star Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman) into the Hindu fold.
September issue of women's fashion magazine Elle, on which Roberts, 42, is
the cover girl, reportedly says: The entire Roberts-Moder family, she
reveals, goes to temple together to "chant and pray and celebrate. I'm
definitely a practising Hindu," says Roberts, who grew up with a Catholic mother and
Baptist father. And since in Hindu cosmology souls can be reincarnated in
other bodies, where does she see herself in the next life? "Golly, I've
been so spoiled with my friends and family in this life," she says. "Next time
I want to be just something quiet and supporting."
Noted Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today,
heartily welcomed Roberts into Hinduism. She would appreciate rich, diverse and
long tradition of Hindu philosophy; and its interpretation of the nature
of reality, he added.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that
if Roberts needed any help in deeper Hinduism exploration, he or other Hindu
scholars would be glad to assist.
Rajan Zed suggested Roberts to realize the Self. Ancient Hindu scripture
Katha Upanishad points out that when wise realize the Self, they go beyond
sorrow. Self is supreme and those who meditate on Self are freed from the
cycle of birth and death. When one realizes Self, there is nothing else to be
known.
According to reports, Roberts has been interested in yoga for quite some
time. She was in Haryana (India) in September last to shoot "Eat, Pray, Love"
in an ashram (retreat). In January 2009, she sported a "bindi" (vermillion
mark on forehead) during her trip to India when she also visited Taj Mahal
with husband Danny Moder. She has a production company called "Red Om
Films", and "Om" in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe.
Roberts lead "Eat, Pray, Love" (Ryan Murphy) is releasing in USA and Canada
on August 13.
Julia Fiona Roberts, one of the most successful Hollywood actresses besides
a producer and fashion model, has won best actress Oscar for "Erin
Brockovich" and earned Oscar nominations for "Pretty Woman" and "Steel Magnolias".
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one
billion adherents and going back to God is its ultimate goal.
