%0 Book Section %B The Changing World Religion Map %D 2015 %T Virtual Buddhism: Online Communities, Sacred Places and Objects %A Connelly, L %K Buddhism %K online communities %K sacred place %K Virtual %X Until recently, there has been a dearth of research which focuses on Buddhism online. This chapter contributes to our understanding of the relationships between media, religion and culture and specifically explores the themes of authority, community, identity and ritual. Examining Buddhism on the internet helps us to identify the position of Buddhism in society, the possible implications both online and offline and how people engage and communicate in a place (cyberspace) not constrained by geographic boundaries. An interdisciplinary approach, drawing from material culture, anthropology and religious studies examines how Buddhists, primarily in the U.S. and U.K., use the internet in daily life. This includes how they express their belief, practice Buddhist rituals, develop communities and communicate with others. “Virtual Buddhism” is illustrated by examples of virtual places, ritual and religious artefacts found in the online world of Second Life and how social media (Facebook and blogs) are used by Buddhists and non-Buddhists. This chapter provides an introduction to some Buddhist groups and individuals who use the internet and mobile technologies to engage with Buddhism. The discourse raises a number of questions, for example, why Buddhist communities are evolving online and the blurring of boundaries between offline and online environments which could challenge traditional concepts of Buddhist authority. Understanding how the internet is being used in the 21st century, is a huge undertaking. The examples presented provide insights into how some individuals are using mobile technologies, social media, and virtual worlds to establish Buddhism online, offline, and negotiate both spheres simultaneously. %B The Changing World Religion Map %I Springer %C Dordrecht %P 3869-3882 %G eng %U https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-017-9376-6_204#citeas %1 Brunn, S %0 Book Section %B Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in New Media Worlds %D 2012 %T Virtual Buddhism: Buddhist Ritual in Second Life %A Connelly, L %E Campbell, H. %K App %K Buddhism %K religion %K Second Life %K technology %K Virtual %X Digital Religion offers a critical and systematic survey of the study of religion and new media. It covers religious engagement with a wide range of new media forms and highlights examples of new media engagement in all five of the major world religions. From cell phones and video games to blogs and Second Life, the book: provides a detailed review of major topics includes a series of case studies to illustrate and elucidate the thematic explorations considers the theoretical, ethical and theological issues raised. Drawing together the work of experts from key disciplinary perspectives, Digital Religion is invaluable for students wanting to develop a deeper understanding of the field. %B Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in New Media Worlds %I Routledge %C 2012 %G eng