The Mandala is a detailed sand representation of the residence of the Medicine Buddha and one will be constructed by Tibetan monks over four days in Paris while simultaneously being displayed virtually in Second Life.

This confluence of technology and religion will get the message out about the situation in Burma, according to members of the Mind Science Institute and executives at a London think tank called Unfrozenmind, who have collaborated on the Second Life simulcast of the actual event.

Not everyone - okay, no one outside the Chinese government - is all that happy about things in Burma these days so they believe this will promote awareness of the situation there and aid Monks and Nuns of Burma in their efforts at independence.

"This is about technology with a moral compass and about the promotion of universal human values" said Alexei Levene, Marketing Director of Unfrozenmind.

Says Ven, Geshe Thupten Khedroup, Meditation Director of MindScience Institute. "Monks and Nuns of Burma have shown great compassion and courage demonstrating for freedom and democracy. Those who believe in human rights and human dignity must show solidarity with the Burmese people. This Mandala is dedicated to the peace and happiness of all beings, and especially to those who are suffering in Burma at this time."

Both the actual and virtual Mandalas are free events open to everyone. If you want to check it out in Second Life, go here.

Info on the MindScience Institute here.

"Unfrozenmind Ltd is a Strategic Innovation thinktank that helps executives and organizations to create BrandNewOceans by learning to design their futures."

That's their description. I have no idea what that means but it sounds like the coolest job ever and you can try to schmooze your way into joining them here.