Introducing Cosmo

I've had a second avatar in Second Life for a while. It's just handy to have someone to check out permissions and that sort of thing. I've decided to fit her out for active duty and get her out and about a bit more. Her name is Cosmo Laryukov and I've decided to make her a furry. I've heard that people react differently to furries ... I guess I'll find out.

Cijian Temple

My explorations in this area are proving to be very fruitful. Just wandering around after my visit to the Dharma Gate Monastery I came upon this delightful little shrine. Upon entering I was given a notecard explaining the purpose of the temple and a little bit about what could be found there. The Temple is Taoist. You're also told how to (virtually) participate in the rituals.

This I do and after a bit of trial and error, I complete them successfully. This is really a very lovely place. The build is quite detailed but the information is very good. Also, being able to participate in the rituals is truly wonderful.

I recommend that you pay a visit to this exquisite little temple. It can be found at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mieum/70/127/82/?title=Cijian%20Temple

Dharma Gate Monastery

I found myself at the Dharma Gate Monastery after crossing the bridge from the Little Yoshiwara Susano-o Shinto Shrine. Again, this is a very peaceful place with a lake with a fountain (and fish) leading into a small stream.

There is a large statue of the Buddha and some large prayer wheels constantly spinning. I see a large building and head towards it. When I get closer I can see that there are a number of red witches hats and a sign that alerts me: 'The Mieum Museum of Buddhism is under construction'. Apparently, it will be open in 2008. My curiosity gets the better of me and I wander into the building anyway. There is nothing more than the building at this stage but it looks as if it will be interesting.

I retrace my steps and go back towards the lake. There's a bridge that leads to building across the stream so I cross. The Japanese-style building is quite beautiful. Once inside I can see it's a shrine with several statues, incense and candles. There is nothing by way of explanation.

I leave to continue my exploration. I move to the back of the building only to find myself in the Zen Retreat Tea House! (Before I forget, you can find the Dharma Gate Monastery at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mieum/40/197/78/?title=Dharma%20Gate%20Monastery). Overall, the Monastery is a nice build though still under development (I think). It's a peaceful place to go and spend some time but not a lot of information to be had.

Little Yoshiwara Susano-o Shinto Shrine

Now this is more like it - immersion! From the very moment I arrive. I'm totally surrounded by a beautiful build build that really does make me feel like I'm there. Also very convenient was the notecard and landmark giver right next to me when I TP in. The notecard provides an overview of the group that owns this build and also an overview of Shinto as well.

I meander along a pretty path that winds between the blossom trees and come to a shrine. Again, there are notecards to explain what I would do to prepare for a ritual. It's very pleasant with babbling water coming from a fountain, bells and birdsong.

I wander back along the path by the stream until I come to the bridge next to where I first arrived. I cross over the stream and into the Dharma Gate Monastery.

Institute of New Religions & Ideology

My interest was piqued by an exhibition I saw advertised called 'Death by Design'. I teleported over to see it and found myself on an island called the Institute of New Religions & Ideology - how intriguing!

The exhibition is arranged as if in a museum. I can't help but think that it doesn't make the best use of Second Life. It would be so much more interesting if it was interactive in some way. Thursday's Fiction was truly thought-provoking. In contrast, this was interesting but hardly engaging.

The build was created by Guardian Light Publications and a quick look at their website is very interesting (far more interesting and useful than their Second Life presence!) A look in another building shows another museum-like build - this time displaying information, two-dimensionally, about various minority religions.

I didn't hang around here too long. It's much easier to go to the relevant website for this kind of two-dimensional information. Why struggle with camera controls when there's an alternative? Still, the build is quite nice, very atmospheric. You can find the Institute of New Religions and Ideology at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zarflabbo/186/238/68/?title=Institute%20of%20New%20Religions%20and%20Ideology.

Beliefnet Island

I was already familiar with beliefnet.com so when I saw there was an island as well, I decided to go and explore. The first thing that strikes me about the island is that it's an attractive build. There are plenty of places to sit and relax; flowers and trees, sweeping views and rolling green hills.

It would have been helpful to have a map on arrival but as I didn't, I just wandered off. I came to an amphitheatre where a poll was being taken. Being a rainy Monday morning (in Australia), I decided to participate. There's a running tally of answers so you can see how people answered. That done - nothing too challenging - I chuffed off to the next spot I could see.

I went to an area that resembled the ying yang symbol, collected a notecard and was asked to meditate. There were a couple of big screens but nothing showing while I was there.

I saw a channel running between two islands and a small boat. I climbed aboard and circumnavigated the islands to see if I'd missed anything. The island appears to be still under development. I'll check back in a month or so to monitor progress.

Skeptical Buddhists Sangha

I've been teaching a meditation course at Uni all semester so I thought it might be a good idea to get some practice in and teach one in Second Life too. I decided to check out what was around before I got underway. My search took me to the Skepical Buddhists Sangha. Imagine my surprise once I arrived, to find the sim was actually named after my hometown of Toowoomba. I was just there (at the real one) on the weekend visiting my mother!

The premise of the SBS (Skepitcal Buddhists Sangha) is that the original teachings of the Buddha were corrupted by their contact with other religions. And really what the Buddha said was that a seeker shouldn't believe anything that he or she hadn't tested and tried for themselves.

You're given a mala and a prayer mat on arrival. It's a pleasant and peaceful build. But more than just a nice place to go, there's also some discussions happening too. You can participate in a discussion group that meets every Sunday (12:30pm and 6pm SLT) or a meditation group also on Sundays at 7pm. These events take place in a skybox which you can teleport to from outside the main building.

Once there you can meditate by yourself quietly (outside of class times) but there are also class notes if you're engaged on a more serious exploration of Buddhism.

Overall, a pleasant and a relaxing place to spend some time. I've made a note to return when there is a discussion going on!