| | | | Ashmit Patel with the Dalai Lama | Ashmit Patel confesses that his role in Banaras has left him an enlightened soul. It's been a year now that the actor has been religiously practicing Buddhism.
Says Patel, "Buddhism is not a religion, but a way of life. I've always been spiritually inclined and a few incidents during my schedule in Sarnath, for my film Banaras last year, led me to pursue it seriously."
Lightning strikes
Talking about his experience, he says, "We were shooting a scene that had me standing against a stupa in Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.
The scene required thunder and lightening as the backdrop. Our director had plans to digitally enhance it and include the special effects on the editing table.
But minutes after setting up the camera, the sky was overcast. It started drizzling and there was lightning, too. I have no logical explanation for this incident."
Buddhist initiation
The actor's first brush with Buddha's preaching, happened while interacting with students of a local Tibetan school near Sarnath. "There was this 18-year-old guy, Sohan, who introduced me to the philosophies.
Incidentally, my character's name in the film is Soham. Gradually, I was interested in Buddhism and started reading books. I realised that it's very contemporary, moderate and leaves me with mental peace."
21st century guru
The actor had a chance encounter with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists, in Delhi this February. "The first thing he told me was, "Be a 21st century guru.
Each one of us has been given a healthy mind and it's what we make our life out of." I got most of my answers. He helped me understand the difference between expectation and reality, the root of widespread unhappiness."
"Since Buddhism does not believe in idol worship, I do not collect idols of Lord Buddha. However, I have a beautiful Buddha painting in my bedroom that my mom's friend got me from Malaysia. The painting has actually restored mental calm to me."
Ashmit was scheduled to leave for Dharamshala last month, when he injured his arm at the Bollywood vs England IIFA celebrity match. "It's unfortunate that I couldn't make it this time," he rues. |
Naagin 7
Suggestions / Comments
Health and Fitness
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Udne Ki Aasha
4