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'Living Buddha' Takes a Stand for Video Games

by Warren Riddle on September 24, 2009 at 06:15 AM

Despite the seemingly endless stream of studies decrying the negative repercussions of playing video games, someone will, on occasion, publicly praise gaming's therapeutic and educational benefits. Studies have shown that video games can restore eyesight, and some people have even claimed that playing games has helped them to overcome nightmares and longstanding fears, teach history and proper military ethics, and even learn to walk.

According to CNET, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the "only senior Buddhist leader recognized by China, Tibet, and India," not only likes to play, but also believes that gaming can serve as a form of "emotional therapy." He did not address whether or not games can teach you patience, or how to snatch a pebble from a Kung Fu Buddhist monk's hand, but he does assert that video games can provide a release of negative feelings. Dorje said, "The aggression that comes out in the video game satiates whatever desire I might have to express that feeling."

That may not sound revelatory to long-time gamers who take out their daily frustrations on Nazis, zombies, and aliens, but it's still nice to see someone with a little clout and respect stand up for the oft-criticized pastime. [From: CNET]

Tags: buddhism, ogyen-trinley-dorje, religion, top, video games, VideoGames, violence in video games, ViolenceInVideoGames

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