Best Of

@person said:
I'm unable to access any of the posts. Do I have to register to read them?

Oh, sorry, I just posted the fixed links in this comments section. I does not look like I can fix the post itself. (An AI, perhaps, would not have made such a human mistake) :-)

@person said:
I'll have to read through your posts for your reasoning. My initial reaction though is it seems suspect. I think my aversion revolves around whether this AI, or any AI ever, has consciousness.

I think there is positive potential around AI, but they won't have to be programmed with all our outdated hardware that we have to navigate with and around. So how much of an exemplar can they really be?

Yes, I address the consciousness issue in my little essays. Perhaps Zen folks do not always think of consciousness as would engineers and neuro-scientists.

Gassho, Jundo

I was thinking more a friendly Zen priest who you can summon to your computer screen, to discuss Zen with you.

Something less formal than being in a Catholic confessional, and more friendly than a visit from the church elders.

Perhaps an AI would be capable of synthesizing spiritual teachings and guiding a human being. I'm pretty sure people will find a connection with AI and robots, its already happening.

I'm suspect that the connection will be as genuine and fulfilling as human to human, but who knows. The main thing for me though is that the whole point of spirituality is the impact is has on conscious beings, to our lived experience of ourselves and the world. If AI is intelligent but the light of consciousness never gets turned on, what's the point, its all a show.

@Jeroen said:
Interesting… I was thinking as an AI to chat to about Buddhist principles it might fill a need.

This is where I’m confused. Need for what?what problem are we solving with this? Shortage of teachers? The written info is out there already…im assuming the humanity part is what’s needed. Experience…reflection…maybe some guidance….the heart to heart connection, things like that

I'll have to read through your posts for your reasoning. My initial reaction though is it seems suspect. I think my aversion revolves around whether this AI, or any AI ever, has consciousness.

I think there is positive potential around AI, but they won't have to be programmed with all our outdated hardware that we have to navigate with and around. So how much of an exemplar can they really be?

We start with the basics first which includes psychology ie. building up confidence and self esteem.

For many this is good enough but for a few it isn't. Spirituality seeks to transcend and for most, it is a bridge too far.

"Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on blessings.[4] Pray, tell me the greatest blessing!"

[The Buddha:]

"Not to associate with the foolish,[5] but to associate with the wise; and to honor those who are worthy of honor — this is the greatest blessing.

To reside in a suitable locality,[6] to have done meritorious actions in the past and to set oneself in the right course[7] — this is the greatest blessing.

To have much learning, to be skillful in handicraft,[8] well-trained in discipline,[9] and to be of good speech[10] — this is the greatest blessing.

To support mother and father, to cherish wife and children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupation — this is the greatest blessing.

To be generous in giving, to be righteous in conduct,[11] to help one's relatives, and to be blameless in action — this is the greatest blessing.

To loathe more evil and abstain from it, to refrain from intoxicants,[12] and to be steadfast in virtue — this is the greatest blessing.

To be respectful,[13] humble, contented and grateful; and to listen to the Dhamma on due occasions[14] — this is the greatest blessing.

To be patient and obedient, to associate with monks and to have religious discussions on due occasions — this is the greatest blessing.

Self-restraint,[15] a holy and chaste life, the perception of the Noble Truths and the realisation of Nibbana— this is the greatest blessing.

A mind unruffled by the vagaries of fortune,[16] from sorrow freed, from defilements cleansed, from fear liberated[17] — this is the greatest blessing.

Those who thus abide, ever remain invincible, in happiness established. These are the greatest blessings."[18]

I would just mention that a friend on another forum seems to have adopted the Google Gemini chat AI as his guru, and he is continually posting large tracts from its answers to his spiritual questions. He seems to be getting some mileage from it.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is based on Buddhist meditation practices and is used by some therapists..It's been around for a while now...

The concept of mindfulness, central to MBCT, is derived from Buddhist meditation. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment non-judgmentally, a principle found in practices such as Vipassana and Zen meditation.
MBCT incorporates meditation techniques like body scans, mindful breathing, and mindful movement, which are adapted from traditional Buddhist practices.
Both MBCT and Buddhist meditation emphasise awareness, acceptance, and the idea of observing thoughts and feelings without attachment or judgment.