The preservation of Buddhist heritage through technology
The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia published an article in the Eastern Horizon, discussing the intersection of Buddhism and technology.
The conversation delved into various aspects, including Industry 5.0, preservation of Buddhist heritage through technology, ethical considerations in Artificial Intelligence development, the concept of karma in relation to AI, and the impact of technology on mental well-being and environmental ethics.
Three prominent Buddhist scholars, Aggacitta Mahāthero, Min Wei, and Tenzin Tsepal, provided insights on these topics.
The scholars emphasized the potential of technology in preserving and disseminating Buddhist teachings. Machine learning and virtual reality were highlighted as tools to digitize ancient texts and artifacts, providing immersive experiences for understanding Buddhism’s cultural and historical richness.
The importance of ethical considerations in AI development was underscored, aligning technology with Buddhist principles of compassion, non-harm, and ecological awareness.
The discussion also addressed the concept of karma in the context of AI, clarifying that AI lacks consciousness and intention, placing ethical responsibility on human creators.
The impact of technology on mental well-being, particularly issues like smartphone addiction and information overload, was explored through the lens of Buddhist values such as mindfulness, detachment, and compassion.
Environmental ethics received attention, with the scholars advocating for responsible electronic consumption, recycling, and mindful stewardship of resources.
