After nearly two decades away from Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and six years dedicated to life as a Hare Krishna in Wales, Ben Xi, known in-game as Old School Monk, has made a surprising return to the MMORPG he left behind in 2004. This comeback not only marks a return to gaming nostalgia, but also an interesting mix of spirituality and passion for video games.
Ben Xi started playing OSRS at the age of 11, and now, at almost 31, he is returning to the game that was an integral part of his childhood. In his first YouTube video after his return, titled “I Quit Being a Monk to Play RuneScape,” Ben Xi states: “The idea is that you can put the video on in the background and learn a bit of spiritual wisdom while enjoying Old School RuneScape, a game beloved by us all.”
For Ben Xi, his time at the temple was an enriching time in his life, but returning to the game has been like “a big return to the past,” noting that RuneScape is deeply intertwined with his being.
During his time as a monk, Ben Xi devoted himself to the study of Bhagavad-gītā and spiritual practice, and he now combines these interests with his love of OSRS. He explains in his video that, for some in the spiritual community, his return to gaming might seem like a “step back,” but he clarifies that spirituality is not about completely giving up on everyday activities: “That’s a common misconception about spirituality.”
He also reflects on how the patience required to play OSRS aligns with the spiritual principles he practiced as a monk. OSRS players often describe the game as a meditative experience, especially during long sessions of relaxed skills like tree chopping.
In fact, in his latest video, Ben Xi explores the impact of sound vibrations on our thoughts and actions, highlighting how “what we hear impacts the things we think about and the way we act.”
Ultimately, Ben Xi’s return to Old School RuneScape not only represents a return to a beloved game, but also highlights how life’s passions, even those that seem trivial, seem to be able to have a place in each individual’s spiritual and personal journey.
Old School RuneScape removes male and female from character creator and adds mandatory pronouns: players ask for change to be put to a vote
The classic MMORPG, Old School RuneScape, has received a major update, and one of the most notable aspects has been the decision to remove the traditional male and female gender categories from the character creator and introduce the mandatory use of pronouns. A decision that has been met with criticism from the gaming community, who express their concern about the developer’s decisions and the way these changes affect the game experience.