D#008: Kintsugi: Spirited Beyond (Closed)
From Wikipedia: Kintsugi (金継ぎ, "golden joinery"), also known as kintsukuroi (金繕い, "golden repair"), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.
The art of kintsugi is often used as a symbol and metaphor for resilience - a concept that indicates the ability to deal positively with traumatic events, to positively reorganize and rebuild life when facing difficulties while remaining sensitive to the positive opportunities that life offers.
Kintsugi - Spirited Beyond is exactly this: the union of two creative minds - Valarie Muffin Meow (zalindah) and Bambi (norahbrent) - coming together to create something magical and unique as a way to cope with Bambi's RL loss, a place of extreme spirituality and beauty.
The beautiful sakura tree at landing point
The dragon
Visiting the sim is a true spiritual journey, as per the welcome message that each visitor receives upon landing:
"Kintsugi Spirit: Oh Golden Spirit! Your journey begins and you shall meet 13 Spirits who shall guide you. Wish you all the serenity and make plenty of memories."
Two different paths branch off from the landing point, the first one leads the visitor through the beautiful vermillion torii gates to a small pond where koi fishes swim peacefully.
"Rainbow Pond: Bursts of colors, the sound of running water and the little splash of the koi fishes. The koi fish of every color seem to swim closer to anyone who arrives. It is a sweet greeting of the water. There are rumours that there is a koi mermaid who occasionally shows herself and plays with the fish. Little did anyone know, it was a river spirit disguised as a koi mermaid! Passing this area gives anyone a calm feeling before any storm about to happen."
Penguins near the torii gates
The second trail is a water path surrounded by beautiful maple trees that leads the visitor to a tree house surrounded by paper lanterns both in the water and in the air.
" Maple Tunnel: Follow the maple filled water path, come closer, just walk on straight ahead, discover where it will lead. Do not stop now, keep walking, allow your feet and soul to unite as one. Sweet whispers of the maple leaves brush against your ears, 'Stay awhile, stop and listen to the stillness of the water...remember the last time you smiled? What made you smile? Tell us! TELL US!' Most visitors seem to take a long time to exit the maple tunnel, it is a mystery of what kind of spirit guards it."
"Lantern Tree: In the silent ilse of Kintsugi, spirited beyond the depths of unknown, the Animal Spirit that guarded the lantern island felt a tremble within the earth below. Out of fear she ran and called Red, the Spirit of Nostalgia who came rushing only to witness what seemed to be a tragedy disguised as a blessing. The island crumbled and shook, slowly collapsing into water but revealing a majestic tree. It emitted the laughter and happy memories of our long departed furry friends.'Oh!' the Animal Spirit squeaked a ran towards the tree, climbing along its branches and twirling around after finding that soft spot to sleep. Red shook her head chuckling as she watched the lanterns return over the tree, still filled with light for our forever shining in the name of our furry best friends no longer with us."
Inside the tree house
Following the path I found myelf in a secluded Zen garden, minimal and simple, perfect place to practice some meditation. Next to it there is a Neko-shrine, a little temple dedicated to cats, situated on a beautiful and peaceful waterfall.
"The Wise Garden: She was startled as he slowly rested his head on her shoulder. But then the softness of his feathers and the warmth of his breath soothed her. She slowly leaned down resting her head on his shoulder in an embrace only they knew. They stand there in their hug as the world passes by. A bond made in gold. Plenty of untold stories linger around the temple. The Wise spirit treasures them all in his home and perhaps once or twice releases some to the world. Other spirits say he is always silent but when he rarely speaks, it comes out in a strange beautiful eye-opening burst of life. The zen garden allows tranquility for any tired mind."
From the Zen garden, the road path continues and climbs up the mountain among stunning cherry trees. At the end of it, I find myelf in a dense, foggy forest and a fox to welcome me.
"Kitsune Forest: Various sounds reach the ears, the howl of a wolf, the screeching of a bird and the melodic ringing of fireflies. As the lanterns guide you along the road path, maybe you see a sudden rush of nine tails passing by. But was it just your imagination? Who knows..."
Suddenly I find myself in what must have been a city full of life once, with its colorful signs, its narrow alleys full of small shops and restaurants and where, now, silence and peace reign.
"Shirayuri Town: It was once a busy town. People roamed the streets, in laughter and with a rich self realiance. Everyone was friendly, caring and looked after one another. No one will know what happened but it appears that a certain spirit fell in love with the town and decided to 'keep' it? At night, visitors can hear the town come alive as if still inhabited. The deers have claimed it for now just as nature has made its way through."
The journey ends on a secret rooftop from which you have a full view over the entire city and the rest of the sim. The place radiates peace and tranquillity and time seems to have stopped.
"Scarlet's Rooftop: The flower spirit finally shed her wings and revealed her true identity, taking away the flower shed but replacing it with more truth. She was hiding within the flowers and nature that she so loved but she was someone more than that. What she protected were old memories that would never be lost. A spirit of Nostalgia. You have an old book? How about that old worn out flower vase? An old dream catcher? She is the one who preserved them, stitched time into their parts and all it takes is one look to bring you back to that memory lost in time. This is her secret rooftop and if you are among few lucky ones to be drawn towards it, perhaps there is something 'Red' wants you to remember..."
Unfortunately, the sim is about to close in less than 24 hours. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to visit this place of extreme beauty and peace.
My advice to you all: do not limit yourself and hang out in the same usual places. Explore, alone or with your friends and loved ones, there are so many places in Second Life that deserve to be visited and this was one of them.
SIM INFOS
Name: Kintsugi - Spirited Beyond "made with care"
URL: Kintsugi (CLOSING SOON)
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
My partner Dirk for coming with me and for being so patient while I was taking pictures ❤ He is the SL Hotel Inspector, check his website SL Hotel Inspector and make sure to follow him on Flickr Dirk Lemon
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