Posted on 12/09/2004 3:13:31 PM PST by fishtank
Lords of the Rings star embraces Buddhism
Item 9652 • Posted: Wed, Dec. 08 2004 • Weblogged by ReligionNewsBlog.com
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Hindustan Times (India), Dec. 6, 2004 http://www.hindustantimes.com
Another Hollywood star Orlando Bloom is to become a Buddhist. The Lord of the Rings star, 27, took part in an hour long ceremony at a centre to commit himself to the faith, according to a Mirror report.
Orlando, who jealously guards his private life, joined 60 other fledgling Buddhists at the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement HQ at Taplow Court Mansion in Maidenhead, Berkshire. A visitor was cited: "He looked really happy. He looked comfortable and quite excited."
Bloom was presented with his Gohonzon, a scroll with Chinese and Sanskrit characters on it. Dressed in jeans, a camel coloured sweater and shirt, he accepted his scroll from centre director Ricky Baynes. An onlooker said: "He shook Ricky's hand like the other people getting their Gohonzons and looked calm."
"When everyone had theirs we all clapped and cheered. Afterwards we all had a cup of tea together and Orlando went to the gift shop. People were queuing up to get his autograph and have their picture take with him. He was very friendly and didn't seem to mind."
Orlando said his Gohonzon would take place of pride in his home. It is likely to be kept in a wooden shrine, surrounded by candles. He would chant the holy Japanese mantra nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the scroll twice a day. He must also read and recite two chapters from the Lotus Sutra holy scripture.
Orlando, who played elf Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, has never publicly spoken about his religious faith but has often been seen clutching Buddhist prayer beads.
I love the trilogy; I love the movies--its a shame that in every interview I've seen with cast members, a leftist bent is revealed. When I watch the movies, I have to try to ignore the fact that Viggo Mortensen who played Aragorn, my hero, wears a "No War for Oil" t-shirt in real life.
Ahh, no we get to Freeper material.
The BEST comments were from John Rhys-Davies. I guess dwarves are less easily deceived than blue state/country weenies?
(Yes, to all, I know JR-D is from the UK.) Heck, so is Tony Blair!
Don't leave me in suspense, please?--I had not seen his comments. What was the gist of them? Save me obiwan fishtank, you're my only hope..
Do a Freep search on "Rhys" and you'll get more.
Walking talking proof that money can't buy you class.
Wow!! Just finished reading; this man is very brave and my new hero...now if only he LOOKED like Aragorn..or Faramir...or even Boromir..
Any word on Sean Bean's politics?
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