Academic discussions focus on AI, human consciousness, mental well-being and the continuing role of teachers in the digital age
LEH: Whether artificial intelligence can contribute to inner peace, explain the nature of the mind or replace the human teacher formed the central thread of discussions as a three-day National Seminar on Buddhist mind training and artificial intelligence concluded at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) on Friday.
Held on the theme “Buddhist Mind Training and Artificial Intelligence: Capacity for Engagement and Response”, the seminar brought scholars, faculty members, research scholars and students into discussions on the philosophical, ethical, social and educational questions emerging from the rapid spread of artificial intelligence.
The concluding technical sessions on Friday focused particularly on the limits of AI in addressing questions of consciousness and mental well-being, and on whether technology can substitute for human engagement in education.
In Technical Session 1, chaired by Dr Lobsang Tsewang, Prof Tashi Tsering examined whether ultimate happiness could be achieved through a combination of Buddhist mind-training practices and artificial intelligence.
Ngawang Sertso, an Acharya Final Year student, explored whether AI could establish that the mind is naturally pure and that negative thoughts are temporary. The discussion also examined the limitations of technology in addressing philosophical questions concerning consciousness and the mind.
Dr Sarita Kumari subsequently examined the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings on mind training in the age of artificial intelligence, focusing on the continued relevance of mental cultivation amid changing technological conditions.
Technical Session 2, chaired by Dr Konchok Rigzen, turned to questions of social well-being, mental peace and education.
Dr Tsewang Yangjor examined the potential of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, as understood in the Theravada tradition, as a means of social upliftment.
The President of SWC discussed whether AI alone could produce peace and tranquillity in the mind, drawing on personal experiences with the technology and considering both its potential benefits and its possible effects on human mental states.
Assistant Professor Jigmet Lhamo addressed perhaps the most directly practical question of the session: whether AI alone can replace a qualified teacher.
From a Buddhist perspective, she underlined the continuing role of human teachers in understanding the psychological, emotional and individual needs of students — areas where AI, by itself, may not be able to provide adequate support.
The presentations were followed by active question-and-answer sessions involving scholars and students. The discussions allowed participants to test the claims made by the speakers and examine the relationship between technology, mental cultivation and human agency.
Seminar concludes with reflections on AI and Buddhist thought
The closing ceremony was presided over by Chief Guest Dr Arjun Sabrawal, IPS General, ITBP. Prof Tashi Tsering and Dr Urgyan Dadul attended as Guests of Honour, along with Vice Chancellor Prof Rajesh Ranjan and Head of the Bhot Bauddh Darshan Department, Geshe Dakpa Kalsang.
The proceedings of the three-day seminar were presented in Bhoti by Khenpo Konchok Namdak and in English by Research Scholar Jigmet Chorol.
Participants and members of the academic community shared their experiences and reflections on the discussions. Geshe Lobsang Ngodup, Khenpo Sonam Palden, President of Alumni CIBS, Tsering Dorjee, Dr Konchok Tsetan and Tenzin Lundup were among those who spoke.
Tsering Dorjee also expressed the hope that an international seminar could be organised at the Institute in the future.
The participation of nuns as both speakers and attendees was highlighted during the closing session, with participants noting that their involvement added to the range of perspectives brought into the academic discussions.
The ceremony included felicitation of guests and distribution of certificates to speakers. Dr Sabrawal and Vice Chancellor Prof Rajesh Ranjan also addressed the gathering.
The seminar concluded with the National Song followed by the National Anthem.
Over the three days, the discussions moved beyond the promise of artificial intelligence to examine a harder question: what remains uniquely human when technology begins to engage with the mind, learning and well-being? The seminar’s discussions suggested that while AI may offer new tools for education and intellectual inquiry, questions of consciousness, mental cultivation, emotional understanding and human relationships continue to demand engagement beyond technology alone.
