Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert:
It is widely reported in India that they are filming a movie version of the much talked about spiritual travel memoir, “Eat, Pray, Love” which comes highly recommended. WOW! Julia Roberts is back. The book is a travelogue of a New York journalist Elizabeth Gilbert. Reeling from a contentious divorce, a volatile rebound romance and a bout of depression and getting tired of NY, Gilbert takes off to Rome where she studies the art of pleasure and India is for the art of devotion. In Bali, she studies the art of balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.
Despite many criticisms the book has proven a hit with readers. Many people have been inspired by both her travels and the lessons she learned along the way.
There are concerns in India about whether the film will portray Hinduism and Yoga authentically. Like many movies on India, this movie too may get Hinduism wrong once again and may misrepresent religion and land.
Of course, there will be some who will think the film version of Eat, Pray, Love, is a great adaptation, The people of India will be anxious to see how perfectly Julia Roberts does her job of cleaning temple floors as a part of her devotional duty, trying to recite holy chants, and going through grueling hours of meditation.
I have made my own version of eat pray love in my own colourful style with hidden symbols that came to my mind. I wanted it to look positive and exude a woman’s charm.
I have shown a butterfly as symbolic of the spiritual evolution a person has gone through. In ancient mythology, the butterfly stands for beauty, wisdom and knowledge. We are born small like the caterpillar, but as we grow older our true beauty shows like the butterfly. Like a butterfly, art is different, and beautiful in its own way.
Enjoy!
Seshadri