Like it or not, it’s a geeky universe out here, folks. I have friends who have resisted technology, poo-pooed it as the bane of our existence. I disagree heartily with that attitude. Of course, technology can be drastically abused and used for horrendous purposes, bombs being the most appalling of any technology ever invented. But technology has also brought people together who never would have met otherwise, and has brought opportunities to people in all kinds of interesting and creative ways.

For at least ten years now, I have been communicating with writers, photographers, and programmers worldwide via email and online forums. Some of my strongest friendships have blossomed through email, people I would never have met in person had we not bumped into each other online first. I met my first dive buddies online. I made my first Buddhist contacts online. I got my job by posting my resume online!

I’ve heard people say they don’t like computers because they’re impersonal. Well, I have to argue that a computer is only as impersonal as you make your communications. I have had intensely impersonal in-person conversations with people as well. Computer interaction is what you make of it, just like any other form of communication.

My most recent techno-connections have come from something quite different than simple email or forum groups. In the past few months, I have spent quite a bit of time in a virtual world called Second Life. Actually, Second Life is more like a virtual universe, as it contains many worlds created by some amazingly artistic and geeky people. I was hesitant to enter this place, thinking is was game-like, or a place where weirdos hung out. But soon after my entry, I discovered the company I work for has a strong in-world presence in Second Life. Later, I found myself conducting chats for developers as a part of my job. It doesn’t get more fun than that, or so I thought.

Once I realized Second Life was being used quite a lot by companies, I did searches on some of my interests, and discovered that there are many people who share my spiritual path. I found beautiful and peaceful Buddhist temples, where one can read texts, meditate, or walk among butterflies and wind chimes. When I searched on Shamanism, I found an amazing castle where classes are taught on various metaphysical topics, and where sufi storytelling occurs. To my surprise, all of these events are well attended. I have sat in on some amazing talks given by Buddhist monks, chakra teachers, and sufi masters.

Now, I’m excited to say that in addition to giving chats for my geeky real-world job, I am hosting Buddhist meditations and talks in one of the Second Life Buddhist temples I often visit.

Second Life may seem like a strange place to meditate, but many people do not have sanghas in the areas they live in real life. Often personal schedules clash with real world temple schedules. And no matter where we are, whether it’s the real world or a virtual one, there is a connection when you are among people of like minds. I have found that it doesn’t matter whether the person in-world sitting next to you is in the form of a fox, a princess, or disguised as a Christmas Ham. You know all of you are there for the same reason–to share a mutual interest.

A benefit of being in avatar form is that judgment and criticism go out the window. There is just no place for it in a virtual world where everyone is represented by an avatar that may or may not be similar to their real human form. Yet, there is the connection that comes from sharing common interests, such as Buddhism or Shamanism. Friendships are made, business partnerships develop, and spiritual paths often cross.

Maybe I’ll even see you in-world . . .

Tags: second life, spirituality, virtual worlds

This entry was posted on Monday, February 18th, 2008 at 3:26 am and is filed under Buddhism, Virtual Reality. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.