The Buddhist Temple in Second Life
The Buddhist Temple on Tarington
I’ve been attending meditations and Buddhist talks for some time now in Second Life. In fact, I blogged about it some time ago in an article called Meditation and Buddhist Practice in Second Life. Now, I am excited about having a new Buddhist Temple on Tarington right behind the house I’m renting!
Don’t get me wrong, though, I will still be attending those other temples and sanghas, joining in on those group meditations, as I find them extremely beneficial to my practice. But there is something really special about having a temple in your own backyard, and I am truly grateful to the owners Raven and Arthurs for building this place.
Moving off my old property was not easy, and these folks have helped me feel right at home from making small changes on my house, to creating this beautiful temple in the space between my house and my neighbors. And this temple has some features that are great to have so close to home.
Doing Tai Chi
One activity I really like in-person as well as SL is tai chi. On the side yard of the temple, tai chi balls have been set out. Of course, your physical body does not get the energy rewards of doing in-person tai chi, but it is fun and relaxing to watch your avatar go through the moves.
Of course, if you truly want to benefit, get off your butt and follow along with your avatar! An avatar in tai chi motion can prove to be a good teacher, even when you are the avatar. Tai chi balls are not programmed with the full set of tai chi forms, but the ones that are there can be beneficial, and you can always add on to those with your own forms if you know them.
It’s interesting to me how people who are not in SL perceive the environment as being very static and “unreal.” But as we SL citizens know, that is not often the case. In-person activities can be included with SL events, including doing something like meditation or tai chi.
Chakra Crystal Bowl Meditation
I’m also excited that I am leading meditations in the new Buddhist Temple as well. Arthur allowed me to set up my crystal bowls for special sound chakra meditations. I’m very excited about this, as it allows me to share beneficial meditations with others, encouraging spiritual and body awareness with my fellow SL’ers. Many people have not heard of crystal bowl meditations, and it’s a special treat to experience. Unfortunately, in-person these types of meditations can be difficult to locate. Bringing these meditations to SL allows for so many more people to participate and benefit. And the neat thing about the crystal bowls in SL is that they work the same way as in-person as long as you don’t use a headset.
I will be scheduling regular Buddhist mindfulness meditations and chakra crystal bowl meditations at the Buddhist Temple on Terington.
Touch the Dalai Lama
Be sure to stop by to enjoy the temple’s:
- Tai chi balls
- Meditation mats
- The crystal bowls
- Radio channels that provide guided meditations and Buddhist talks
- The Tibetan prayer wheel that chants Om Mani Padme Hum
- The Buddha that explains the Four Noble Truths, and another with meditation instructions
- The Dalai Lama, who gives you wise comments upon touching him
- Group meditations
Lastly, I want to mention there are homes and buildings for rent on Tarington for great prices. Maybe you can be my neighbor. Be sure to go to the Info Center on the third floor, which you can also get to from the teleporter just outside of the temple and throughout the property.
Dana Oceanlane
Tags: Buddhism, Meditation, second life