Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.                                                                                                                                                                                        ~ Bible

We are living in a technology-driven era which promises all material comforts and convenience. But for peace, love, and kindness, we seek a place that heals us and gives us hope. Churches, temples, mosques or any religious institutions gift us moments of confession, dedication, reflection and prayer. When I saw a digital Jesus in The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California, I was overcome by the sheer brilliance of the idea. The juxtaposition of tradition and modern ideas always inspire me.

The Cathedral of Christ The Light

When I saw this building, I thought it is an office building. When I came to know that this is a church, I thought, interesting! I appreciate experimenting. I love new ideas. Always.

Digital Jesus, The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California, Travel Realizations

The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California

Traditional belief systems play a vital role in shaping up our mind no doubt, but we always create something new and exercise a skill named imagination. It became evident upon entering the church, where a digital Jesus welcomed us.

Traditional belief systems play a vital role in shaping up our mind no doubt, but we always create something new and exercise a skill named imagination. Click To Tweet

Digital Jesus

Digital Jesus, The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California, Travel Realizations

Did you see the digital Jesus?

Digital Jesus, The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California, Travel Realizations

Can you all see him? I zoomed on to his feet (In Hinduism we always bend our head to our deity’s feet). Tradition and environment play a significant role in shaping us. Undoubtedly.

Travel Realizations

The silence soothed me instantly. My mind for the moment was relaxed. The very idea of prayer or a mindful conversation with thyself liberates us from the never-ending to-do list that we all have in this modern age.

The very idea of prayer or a mindful conversation with thyself liberates us from the never-ending to-do list that we all have in this modern age. Click To Tweet
Digital Jesus, The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California, Travel Realizations

Digital Jesus in The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California

Video of The Cathedral of Christ The Light

I always strive to show you all through words, through photographs and through videos. In a way, I give you all a choice. You can read the whole post or just look at the photographs or just view this video. If you really love viewing videos, please subscribe to my Youtube channel.

Outside view of the Cathedral

This modern church in Oakland amidst office buildings, at the side of a busy road, both blends in and stands out among the other buildings nearby.

This modern church in Oakland amidst office buildings, at the side of a busy road, both blends in and stands out among the other buildings nearby. Click To Tweet
Digital Jesus, The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California, Travel Realizations

The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California

When I visited this Church, it was almost evening! For once, just before visiting, I looked up and saw a vermillion sky above.

I looked up and saw them soaring high above the concrete! That very moment I felt I saw "Freedom". Those birds, those moments personified the word. Vermillion sky was all set to welcome those free-flying birds. While my eyes were tracing a downward path, I saw concrete reflected concrete; street lamps were not illuminating the path and surprisingly no one was looking above to witness the ongoing magic. . I questioned myself, are we too much entangled in day-to-day routines that we don't even care to notice these charming scenes that personify freedom? . I questioned to those birds, how can I fly above all these entanglements (these traps) like you all? . I questioned freedom, where do you exist nowadays? . #TravelRealizations

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Surrounding of the Cathedral

The surrounding Lake Merritt, the busy road and the high-rise buildings during the evening was exquisite. I looked afar and witnessed a beautiful sunset that ravished the eye.

Digital Jesus, The Cathedral of Christ The Light in Oakland, California, Travel Realizations

Beautiful evening in Oakland

Travel Realizations

A short trip to this church left on me a long-lasting impression. I have never written about any churches so far. I wrote about two Buddhist temples before; Taungpulu-kaba-Aye Monastery in California and Wat Maha That in Thailand. This is my very first time. I loved everything about it. The architecture, the concept, inside the church and outside the church, all balanced the old and new beautifully.

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