Julia Roberts says essence of Christmas and Diwali is the same

Nevada (US), Nov 3 (ANI): Oscar winner Hollywood star Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman), the recent convert to Hinduism, says 'Diwali should be celebrated unanimously throughout the world as a gesture of goodwill'.

In her 'Diwali wishes', published on the website of India's leading English daily The Times of India dated November three, Roberts adds that essence of both Christmas and Diwali is the same as both "are festivals of lights, good spirits and death of evil".

Roberts further points out that Diwali (Hindu festival which falls on November five) "not only belongs to Hinduism but is universal in nature and in its essence too. Diwali ignites the values of self confidence, love for humanity, peace, prosperity and above all eternity which goes beyond all mortal factors... When I think of Diwali, I can never imagine a world broken into fragments by narrow feelings of communalism and religion which does not care for human benevolence."

"Ever since I developed my liking and fondness for Hinduism, I have been attracted and deeply fascinated by many facets of the multi dimensional Hinduism... spirituality in it transcends many barriers of mere religion", Roberts stated. Talking of India, she promised "to return to this sacred land again and again for the best of creativity".

Welcoming Roberts for attempting to fathom the depths of Hinduism and pointing to its universality, eminent Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Hinduism had a universal appeal which was very practical. It offered something to every seeker of every path and disposition.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested Roberts to achieve the "state of permanent joy" through various techniques mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. She should realize the Self and practice regular mediation as right meditation would result in intense inner wakefulness. Taittiriya Upanishad told us that "meditation is Brahman (the supreme Godhead)" and directed us to seek Brahman through meditation. If Roberts needed any help in deeper Hinduism exploration, he or other Hindu scholars would be glad to assist, Zed added. (ANI)