Animoca Brands and The Sandbox Collaborate to Launch Virtual Peace Sanctuary

Animoca Brands, a leader in digital property rights through NFTs and gaming, has joined forces with its subsidiary The Sandbox and Smobler, an innovative metaverse architect, to unveil the Universal Peace Sanctuary. This immersive experience within The Sandbox metaverse mirrors the upcoming physical center in Lumbini, Nepal. Both initiatives aim to foster peace, unity, and cultural understanding worldwide.

A Vision for Global Harmony

The Universal Peace Sanctuary, currently under construction in Lumbini, is the brainchild of Dzogchen master His Eminence Shyalpa Rinpoche. The digital version allows users to interact with diverse experiences that promote global harmony. Within The Sandbox’s vast virtual landscape, the Sanctuary uses decentralized technology and creative storytelling to educate participants. H. Em. Rinpoche aims to “make peace more fashionable than war,” and this initiative reflects that vision.

H. Em. Rinpoche emphasized, “Unconditional love is the true source of peace in the world. And while it is great to build temples on pilgrimage sites such as Lumbini, we all need to build temples of tolerance and peace within our own hearts.” He noted the Sanctuary’s purpose as a neutral space for everyone, including diplomats and world leaders, to explore peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

As players navigate the Universal Peace Sanctuary, they will uncover layers of its rich history and significance. Each location offers insights into major historical conflicts and their impacts, guiding players toward achieving inner peace as a path to world peace.

Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, stated, “We are very excited to work with Smobler and His Eminence Rinpoche on the digital version of the Universal Peace Sanctuary, a project that promotes inclusive and harmonious spaces in both the real and virtual realms.” He believes the Sanctuary will foster engagement and contribute positively to both the physical world and the open metaverse.

While gaming often embodies excitement, Loretta Chen, founder and CEO of Smobler, remarked on the unique synergy: “We had the privilege of working on the Bhutan-Verse for the Kingdom of Bhutan, so the Universal Peace Sanctuary was familiar territory for us.” She envisions the digital Sanctuary as a blend of tranquility and purpose, offering everything from meditation to engaging puzzles.

Sebastien Borget, co-founder and COO of The Sandbox, expressed his hope that players will immerse themselves in the Sanctuary, discovering new cultures and participating in events. “The Sanctuary is a place of acceptance, remembrance, and engagement,” he added. The ongoing construction of the physical Sanctuary doesn’t limit participation; individuals worldwide can contribute to peace initiatives through metaverse activities.

Borget concluded, “The Universal Peace Sanctuary will stand out not just for its architecture but also for its admirable mission to make peace more fashionable than war.” This initiative serves as a poignant reminder of our collective pursuit of enduring peace and the well-being of all life, echoing H. Em. Rinpoche’s teachings on compassionate living.