Supportive Virtual Buddhist Communities

By Dana Nourie | July 4, 2011

Meditating in Second Life

I’ve been part of several Buddhist communities in my area, but over time found them lacking in various ways. I was excited to discover that in Second Life (SL), a virtual universe of worlds and communities of all kinds, had a big Buddhist population. Not only that, there are communities for all the traditional schools of Buddhism as well as more. One day, I stumbled onto the Skeptical Buddhist’s Sangha. From time to time, I also went to the traditional talks and meditations in SL.

Skeptical Buddhist's Sangha

Joining a virtual Buddhist community has advantages. It’s convenient, assuming you have a computer that can handle the free software, it’s free, and you can get support for your practice no matter where you live.

The people in SL can be every bit as committed to their practice as those you’ll meet in physical communities, and  just as supportive. Virtual interaction may sound odd, even impersonal, but I have found it to be anything but. In fact, I have met several members of the Skeptical Buddhist’s Sangha in person several times now. Some of my closest friendships are my Second Life Buddhist friends.

In Second Life, you can find Places and Groups dedicated to Buddhism in all flavors. You can attend silent or guided meditations, chanting, talks and teachings, as well as lively scheduled discussions.

Secular Buddhism is building community in Second Life to add to the other traditions. We are hoping you’ll join us for talks, discussions, meditations, and social events.

Getting Started!

Becoming a Second Life citizen and joining Buddhist groups is free and easy. Once you’re in Second Life, you’ll need to get used to moving around in a 3D virtual world. Some people take longer to acclimate than others. Be patient, and don’t hesitate to instant message (IM) any of us for help, once you figure out how to IM.

  • Download and install the Second Life viewer on your computer by clicking Join Now on the SL site.
  • During the set up process, you’ll get a free avatar and a name.
  • Once registered, log into Second Life by launching the viewer.
  • Take the time to go through the help tour, which will teach you how to walk, sit, fly, look around, etc.
  • Join Buddhist Groups by Searching on the group names listed below, clicking on the group when you see it, then clicking Join Group. By joining groups, you will receive notices of events such as talks, meditations, etc.
  • Visit some of the common Buddhist places and enjoy!

Drum Circle Social

Join Groups

Joining a Group means you are signing up to receive notices In SL about the topic of interest, in this case Buddhism. To join Buddhist groups, type the follow titles in the Search box in the viewer:

  • Secular Buddhists
  • Skeptical Buddhist’s Sangha
  • Skeptical Reader’s of SL
  • Insight Meditation
  • Secular Community
  • Basics of Buddhism (Taught at The Buddha Center, every Sunday)
  • SL Buddhists
  • Buddha Center
  • Pragmatic Buddhists of Second Life
  • Kannonji

You can join any or all of the these groups. Once the group appears in your Search, click the group title, and then click Join Group. That’s it! From there on out, you’ll receive notices of upcoming events, talks, meditations, etc.

Places to Visit

People to Friend

  • Dana Oceanlane (that’s me)
  • Ted Sivanand (Ted Meissner, The Secular Buddhist)
  • Ryuko Naminosaki (Owner of Skeptical Readers in SL)
  • Joan Ixito
  • Starsitter Quality (Owner of Skeptical Buddhist’s Sangha)

If any of you SL citizens want to be added to this list for other Secular Buddhist to Friend you, just let me know and I’ll add you.

More Information

See you in Second Life!

Posted in Articles and tagged , , , , , , ,