Illuminating SL’s Spiritual Side
Aug. 23rd, 2005 03:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
avadHmmm...happy to see, happy to see...these emerging architectures...:
from The Second Life Herald
Filed under: Philosophical Issues Sights and Sims— Walker Spaight @ 9:18 pm
story and photograph by Buttery Shortbread
"Avatars of all denominations and spiritual beliefs have a new place to worship in Second Life, at the Interfaith Temple, built only about a month ago by Athel Richelieu, who is not yet out of his teens in his first life (though old enough for SL proper, to be sure).
The beautiful, pure white marble monument he built rises from the sim of Ambulyx. Inside this simple yet very functional worship center is ..., the Ray of Golden Light, which, to myself at least, symbolizes universal spiritual illumination.
I observed out loud that it seemed a bit unusual for someone so young to be so involved with religious pursuits. “I feel more and more in my age bracket are becoming open to spirituality and bringing it into their lives,” Athel said, “though yes, perhaps it is unusual in the United States.”
When asked whether his temple was geared toward the New Age movement, Athel said, “Ahh no, not New Age. I would consider it to be for all faiths, though I would say there is an emphasis on mysticism and inner peace. Mysticism, finding God or Spirit within, is a part of most all major religions and cultures. Hence the meditation pillows, and such.”
“My personal spirituality is very open,” Athel continued, “though right now I feel my personal spiritual teacher and Guru I am following is Mata Amritanandamayi or Amma, a worldwide recognized Saint in the Hindu religion though embracing all. She has spoken at the United Nations, and has followers such as a former US Senator and Yolanda King, Dr. Martin Luther King’s daughter. I would say my life centers quite a bit around spirituality. In my first life I have an altar in my room.”
Athel estimates that the temple receives perhaps several visitors a day, but he is currently not often at the sim. “I am surprised by the interest it has received in such a short time. I will come here randomly and it seems like people visit often. There are some who like to stay and just feel the presence.” One avatar who was visiting during our interview, FarindaFlyingdove Talamasca, mentioned that she likes to visit the sim several times a day.
Athel says would like to be able to hold daily services, though realistically his goal is set for three or four per week. He does not preside over the gatherings except to lead prayer and moderate to keep discussion topics on track. He considers himself as much a visitor to the temple as any other member of SL.
Given those ambitions, I asked whether he hoped to expand to building other churches in other sims. “I do hope to possibly build shrines in the future in other sims,” he said, “but these will most likely be focused on more my personal spirituality and things I feel need focus, rather than Interfaith.”
The temple is also available for weddings, committment ceremonies, memorials or candlelight vigils for peace, you name it. Those who wish to book the site can bring their own items for and someone to conduct the event, or request Athel’s services. There is no cost for that or for use of the sim.
And with the holidays just ahead, Athel hopes that Interfaith Temple will serve to host a number of celebrations of all manner of spirituality. Be sure to get your reservation in soon!"
trackback link
Filed under: Philosophical Issues Sights and Sims— Walker Spaight @ 9:18 pm
story and photograph by Buttery Shortbread
"Avatars of all denominations and spiritual beliefs have a new place to worship in Second Life, at the Interfaith Temple, built only about a month ago by Athel Richelieu, who is not yet out of his teens in his first life (though old enough for SL proper, to be sure).
The beautiful, pure white marble monument he built rises from the sim of Ambulyx. Inside this simple yet very functional worship center is ..., the Ray of Golden Light, which, to myself at least, symbolizes universal spiritual illumination.
I observed out loud that it seemed a bit unusual for someone so young to be so involved with religious pursuits. “I feel more and more in my age bracket are becoming open to spirituality and bringing it into their lives,” Athel said, “though yes, perhaps it is unusual in the United States.”
When asked whether his temple was geared toward the New Age movement, Athel said, “Ahh no, not New Age. I would consider it to be for all faiths, though I would say there is an emphasis on mysticism and inner peace. Mysticism, finding God or Spirit within, is a part of most all major religions and cultures. Hence the meditation pillows, and such.”
“My personal spirituality is very open,” Athel continued, “though right now I feel my personal spiritual teacher and Guru I am following is Mata Amritanandamayi or Amma, a worldwide recognized Saint in the Hindu religion though embracing all. She has spoken at the United Nations, and has followers such as a former US Senator and Yolanda King, Dr. Martin Luther King’s daughter. I would say my life centers quite a bit around spirituality. In my first life I have an altar in my room.”
Athel estimates that the temple receives perhaps several visitors a day, but he is currently not often at the sim. “I am surprised by the interest it has received in such a short time. I will come here randomly and it seems like people visit often. There are some who like to stay and just feel the presence.” One avatar who was visiting during our interview, FarindaFlyingdove Talamasca, mentioned that she likes to visit the sim several times a day.
Athel says would like to be able to hold daily services, though realistically his goal is set for three or four per week. He does not preside over the gatherings except to lead prayer and moderate to keep discussion topics on track. He considers himself as much a visitor to the temple as any other member of SL.
Given those ambitions, I asked whether he hoped to expand to building other churches in other sims. “I do hope to possibly build shrines in the future in other sims,” he said, “but these will most likely be focused on more my personal spirituality and things I feel need focus, rather than Interfaith.”
The temple is also available for weddings, committment ceremonies, memorials or candlelight vigils for peace, you name it. Those who wish to book the site can bring their own items for and someone to conduct the event, or request Athel’s services. There is no cost for that or for use of the sim.
And with the holidays just ahead, Athel hopes that Interfaith Temple will serve to host a number of celebrations of all manner of spirituality. Be sure to get your reservation in soon!"
trackback link
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
second life aspirations.
Date: 2005-08-23 09:56 pm (UTC)Since I've followed you and your art from opendiary here and now I've moved onto a new blog (newcongregation.blogspot.com) I would actually really like to go to see your work in person next time you are showing in the NY/Long Island area since I will be right there. Please keep me posted.
and I actually had my first showing of my work since college begin in May and it has run throughout the summer here in Chicago, at a Yoga center. (its not a gallery, but its a start). If I can manage to continue to show once I move to New York, it will be quite an accomplishment for me, we'll see. and I will keep you posted, as I would be honored to have you attend and delighted to meet you in person!
-bonnie
Re: second life aspirations.
Date: 2005-09-12 02:37 am (UTC)I will definitely keep you posted. Right now we're concentrating on the wedding...but hopefully will show at some point in fall/winter if I can get my things in order! Send me your email and I'll put it into my mailing list too.
I checked out all those pics of the yoga center gallery back when you posted- it's such a beautiful space! I'm sure you'll sontinue to show in NY- there are SO many places to consider.
I miss you here on LJ (just because the friends page thing is so eeeasssy) but will check on your new blogspot from time to time!keep ME posted.
love,
D