Introducing The Buddhism & AI Initiative
Announcing a new effort to help shape a wiser AI future
Seeing all things as impermanent and deeply interconnected is core to Buddhist practice. This understanding enables us to realize that not only are things always changing, but we have a say in shaping what that change looks like.
AI is rapidly sparking unprecedented change. From our individual patterns of attention to the social and geopolitical order, to how we learn, work, connect, and find meaning in our lives. The scale and pace of change is so dramatic that we seem to be approaching an evolutionary turning point, making it possible to imagine radical possible futures. There are already significant risks and real cause for concern. And yet there also appears to be great opportunity to shape what comes next.
Who is in a position to meaningfully act on these opportunities? In whose interest, and according to what values and intentions?
We believe that Buddhist voices have a crucial role to play in ensuring that the trajectory of AI development is aligned to benefit all beings. Indeed, AI is raising deep questions about the nature of reality and mind that Buddhism has been exploring for millennia.
That’s why today, we’re announcing the Buddhism & AI Initiative, a collaborative effort to bring together Buddhist communities, technologists, and contemplative researchers worldwide to help shape the future of artificial intelligence.
Buddhism & AI Initiative
So far, we've spoken with 50+ Buddhist leaders, AI professionals, and social innovators about how Buddhism and AI may impact each other.
There is broad agreement that Buddhist perspectives and insights—rooted in interdependence, compassion, and relational ethics—can inform wiser approaches to AI development and governance. At the same time, AI is poised to impact Buddhism, transforming how hundreds of millions of people across the globe study and practice the Dharma. We are interested in both sides of this dynamic:
Buddhism’s Insights for AI: Buddhism’s 2,600 years of studying the human mind have resulted in rich insights which offer alternative perspectives–and new technical research agendas–for AI development, sentience, and alignment. Buddhism also speaks to how we might seek to respond to the various harmful psychological and social impacts of AI. Buddhism’s theories of consciousness also provide counterpoints to dominant materialist views, with implications for how to evaluate the promises and perils of AI.
AI’s Impact on Buddhism: AI tools have the potential to help translate rare Buddhist languages like Pali and Tibetan, or support practice with AI-powered personal meditation teaching. But these same tools raise challenges: How do we ensure that AI serves the authentic transmission of teachings without compromising the human connection at the heart of Buddhist practice?
These are today’s questions, but tomorrow’s AI will be even more powerful, opening the door to radical possibilities. As this uncertain future dawns, the dialogue between Buddhist thought and AI will become increasingly essential—not only for the preservation of Buddhist practices but also for the cultivation of a future in which human dignity can flourish amidst rapid technological advances.
Our work is unfolding in 3 stages:
Field Assessment: Through networking and research, we are building a map of individuals and organizations doing relevant work at the intersection of Buddhism, contemplative research, and AI.
Future Vision: As we generate a better understanding of existing projects, we also want to understand what’s missing. Where is the field going–and where could it go, with wise guidance? Stage two of our work aims to work with key members of our network to envision positive human-AI futures—and how to get there.
Action: Having developed a vision of where we ought to go, we will prioritize projects and work to catalyze funding and support for the most impactful directions. At present, we expect this to include a range of efforts from grassroots work supporting Buddhist teaching & community support, to technical projects inspired by Buddhist wisdom.
Join the conversation
Whether you're a Buddhist practitioner, technologist, researcher, policymaker, or simply interested in how wisdom traditions can help shape a more positive AI future, we’d love to connect:
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our research, network spotlights, and upcoming initiatives at the intersection of Buddhism, contemplative wisdom, and AI.
Share with others who might be interested in bridging contemplative wisdom and emerging technology.
Reach out directly at hello@engagedbuddhists.ai if you're working at this intersection or want to get involved.
Meet our core team and learn more about our work to map the Buddhism/AI landscape.
May this work benefit all beings.
Here in support.
I notice a conspicuous lack of diversity in your core group.