Project by  Kedi Liu and Yu Lu

Abstract Virtual reality offers new possibilities for religious and spiritual experiences, particularly in contexts where access to physical religious spaces is limited. This study explores the role of immersive sound in reconstructing Buddhist temple environments within VR. Given the scarcity of Buddhist temples in Europe, VR provides an alternative for practitioners seeking authentic auditory and spatial experiences. Additionally, this research examines a future-oriented hybrid religious soundscape incorporating elements from Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Taoism, fostering interfaith engagement.

The study evaluates user experiences in two VR soundscapes, a traditional Buddhist temple and a multi-religious hybrid space, using presence and emotional perception questionnaires. Results indicate that while the traditional Buddhist soundscape enhances tranquility and sacredness, the hybrid environment promotes inclusivity and exploratory engagement. The findings contribute to the discourse on immersive audio's role in virtual religious spaces and highlight potential applications for interfaith experiences in digital environments.