Opting Hinduism not religious gimmick: Julia Roberts

Oscar winner Hollywood star Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman), the recent convert to Hinduism, says, “My opting for Hinduism is not a religious gimmick”.

In her telephonic interview published on the online edition of The Hindu (English daily which claims itself as “India’s National Newspaper” with a readership of over four million) dated November 13, Roberts adds: “It is similar to Patsy of Razor’s Edge by Somerset Maugham. We share a common aspect of finding peace and tranquility of mind in Hinduism, one of the oldest and respected religions of civilization”.

 Roberts argues: “No, I have no intention of demeaning any other religion simply because of my fondness for Hinduism. I don’t believe in comparing religions or human beings. A comparison is a very mean thing to do. I have received real spiritual satisfaction through Hinduism.”

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it appeared that Roberts was tired of materialism and was exploring genuine spirituality.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, interpreting wisdom of ancient Hindu scriptures, suggested Roberts to realize Self (through meditation), which was pure consciousness and dwelled in all of us. Real happiness, instead of coming from the outer world, would come from within. Although God was beyond space and time, yet could be found within one’s heart through meditation.

Quoting Shvetashvatara Upanishad, Zed pointed out to Roberts to be always aware: The world is the river of God, flowing from him and flowing back to him. Stressing meditation, he quoted Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: meditate upon Self, and finally realize Self, you come to understand everything in life.

Rajan Zed further said that seeing Roberts’ devotion, he would pray God to lead her to the ‘eternal joy’. If she needed any assistance in deeper Hinduism exploration, he or other Hindu scholars would be glad to help, Zed added.

Roberts reportedly became interested in Hinduism after seeing a picture of Hanuman devotee Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, who died in 1973 and whom she never met. She revealed in the past that entire Roberts-Moder family went to temple together to "chant and pray and celebrate. I’m definitely a practicing Hindu”. According to reports, Roberts has been interested in yoga for quite some time. She was in Haryana (India) in September 2009 to shoot “Eat Pray Love” in an ashram (hermitage). In January 2009, she sported a “bindi” (vermillion mark on forehead) during her trip to India. She has a production company called “Red Om Films”, and “Om” in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe. There were reports that she was trying to adopt a child from India and her kids shaved their heads during her last visit to India. Roberts, however, grew up with a Catholic mother and Baptist father.

Julia Fiona Roberts, 43, 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 moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Source: Press Release