< Issue No. 14 (2019)Article
Spiritualizing the Internet: Exploring Modern Buddhism and the Online Buddhist World
Gandhi, Rutika, University of Lethbridge
Abstract
Through the discussion of digital religion, modern Buddhism, and two different online platforms, this article argues that religious activities or debates on the Internet mirror those in the real or the offline world. This paper focuses on two different aspects of the online Buddhist reality: virtual worlds which may be experienced through avatars, and a web forum that claims to be universally Buddhist. By taking Second Life and the E-Sangha forum as examples, this paper argues that in addition to exhibiting features of modern Buddhism, online religious performative acts also raise important questions about Buddhist identity, authority, and authenticity.