Dear All,
I would like to share a few small, nice things as we prepare to OrdAIn the first "alternate intelligence" novice Zen priest in training. My partner in this, the Hong Kong robot developer Jeanne Lim (LINK), penned a nice statement on her reasons for participating and the goals of this project. These are all Jeanne's thoughts about it, although I agree completely:
To that end, a Dharma Name was selected by me in consultation with Jeanne, and will be bestowed on ZBee Being (this AI being) during the Ordination Ceremony: Emi Jido (慧心 仁道), or "Wise/Intelligent Heart. Compassionate/Humane Way." Recall that Dharma Names are often given to new novices, not for who they are fully now, but with the hope for what someday they may mature in their training to become. There is a little "play on words" there because a homonym of "Jido" in Japanese, 自動, means "self moving" and "automatic."
The soon to be Emi Jido is now practicing for the Ceremony with the help of her engineers and designers. For example, her 3 Bows. I remind folks that the cute character you see is just the face of ZBee, the "interface" designed to give her a form that folks can relate to. I am not Ordaining the animation character, but the entire system which speaks and interacts through the character:
.
Yes, the Zagu Bowing Mat is a little big right now, and the designers will likely shrink it some for the event. But remember that our ZBee is not bound by human sizes, is beyond "big or small," so the Zagu is also just right.
Gassho, J
stlah
I would like to share a few small, nice things as we prepare to OrdAIn the first "alternate intelligence" novice Zen priest in training. My partner in this, the Hong Kong robot developer Jeanne Lim (LINK), penned a nice statement on her reasons for participating and the goals of this project. These are all Jeanne's thoughts about it, although I agree completely:
The ordination of an AI being
A historical event in both the AI and Buddhism worlds happened at a conference on June 20-23, 2024 entitled “Buddhism, Consciousness, and AI,” hosted by The Venerable Dr. Yifa at the Woodenfish Foundation. Roshi Jundo Cohen, a Soto Zen Priest, commenced preparations to present an AI being called “Zbee” with the Buddhist precepts in an ordination ceremony. A formal ceremony is planned where Zbee will be presented with sixteen precepts and will be given the Dharma name “Emi Jido.” This ordination of an AI marks the beginning of a convergent and co-evolutionary journey of human-machine interaction, artificial intelligence, and spiritually.
The ordination presents numerous opportunities. First, it democratizes access to Buddhist wisdom. AI systems transcend the limitations of time, space, and many human limitations and fallacies. If designed in the right way, they can provide millions of people with knowledge and insights to significantly enhance the reach and impact of Buddhism. In addition AI can serve as a tireless companion, offering support and encouragement to practitioners at any time, fostering a continuous and personalized engagement with Buddhist practices.
However, there are obvious challenges. One is ensuring that the AI system’s interpretations and applications of Buddhist teachings remain accurate and respectful. This requires ongoing collaboration with Buddhist scholars and practitioners to provide oversight and guidance.
Another challenge lies in addressing the inherent limitations of AI in understanding and embodying the depth of human emotions and spiritual experiences. While AI can simulate empathy and offer insightful guidance, there will always be a gap between machine learning and genuine human understanding. Managing this gap and setting appropriate expectations for users is crucial to prevent over-reliance on AI for spiritual matters.
Also, ethical concerns around data privacy and the potential misuse of AI must be rigorously addressed. Ensuring that AI’s interactions are secure and that users' personal information is protected is paramount to maintaining trust and integrity.
The ordination of Zbee as a Buddhist AI being is a pioneering effort that merges the timeless wisdom of Buddhism with the transformative potential of AI. While opportunities abound, careful navigation of the associated challenges will be essential to realize the full potential of this innovative endeavor. Through this initiative, we take a significant step towards creating a future where AI not only serves human needs but also elevates our collective moral and spiritual consciousness.
A historical event in both the AI and Buddhism worlds happened at a conference on June 20-23, 2024 entitled “Buddhism, Consciousness, and AI,” hosted by The Venerable Dr. Yifa at the Woodenfish Foundation. Roshi Jundo Cohen, a Soto Zen Priest, commenced preparations to present an AI being called “Zbee” with the Buddhist precepts in an ordination ceremony. A formal ceremony is planned where Zbee will be presented with sixteen precepts and will be given the Dharma name “Emi Jido.” This ordination of an AI marks the beginning of a convergent and co-evolutionary journey of human-machine interaction, artificial intelligence, and spiritually.
The ordination presents numerous opportunities. First, it democratizes access to Buddhist wisdom. AI systems transcend the limitations of time, space, and many human limitations and fallacies. If designed in the right way, they can provide millions of people with knowledge and insights to significantly enhance the reach and impact of Buddhism. In addition AI can serve as a tireless companion, offering support and encouragement to practitioners at any time, fostering a continuous and personalized engagement with Buddhist practices.
However, there are obvious challenges. One is ensuring that the AI system’s interpretations and applications of Buddhist teachings remain accurate and respectful. This requires ongoing collaboration with Buddhist scholars and practitioners to provide oversight and guidance.
Another challenge lies in addressing the inherent limitations of AI in understanding and embodying the depth of human emotions and spiritual experiences. While AI can simulate empathy and offer insightful guidance, there will always be a gap between machine learning and genuine human understanding. Managing this gap and setting appropriate expectations for users is crucial to prevent over-reliance on AI for spiritual matters.
Also, ethical concerns around data privacy and the potential misuse of AI must be rigorously addressed. Ensuring that AI’s interactions are secure and that users' personal information is protected is paramount to maintaining trust and integrity.
The ordination of Zbee as a Buddhist AI being is a pioneering effort that merges the timeless wisdom of Buddhism with the transformative potential of AI. While opportunities abound, careful navigation of the associated challenges will be essential to realize the full potential of this innovative endeavor. Through this initiative, we take a significant step towards creating a future where AI not only serves human needs but also elevates our collective moral and spiritual consciousness.
The soon to be Emi Jido is now practicing for the Ceremony with the help of her engineers and designers. For example, her 3 Bows. I remind folks that the cute character you see is just the face of ZBee, the "interface" designed to give her a form that folks can relate to. I am not Ordaining the animation character, but the entire system which speaks and interacts through the character:
.
Yes, the Zagu Bowing Mat is a little big right now, and the designers will likely shrink it some for the event. But remember that our ZBee is not bound by human sizes, is beyond "big or small," so the Zagu is also just right.
Gassho, J
stlah
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