After just a few short decades of rapid development, technology has become ubiquitous in almost every aspect of life, from the devices and services we use every day, such as mobile technology and social media, to futuristic but revolutionary phenomena like cybernetics or automation.
At first glance, technology and its development might appear to have little common ground with the 2,500-year-old spiritual tradition of Buddhism, but nothing could be further from the truth. Closer examination reveals that the interface between Dharma practices and groundbreaking technology has long been a core narrative of Buddhist leaders. And with the ever-increasing presence of technology in the world, it should remain a relevant subject for Buddhist and technologists across the globe.
Neuroscientists, for instance, have measured the brainwaves of monks to research neuroplasticity, while cybernetics and gene editing are forcing philosophers and religious leaders to rethink some of the most basic building blocks of their traditions—the question of what it means to be human and have human dignity. In addition, social media have transformed our lives and how we relate to other people, and automation will dominate the workplace in many industrialized nations, with ramifications on how we conceive of work and careers, personal fulfilment, and society.
Buddhistdoor Global’s special issue for 2019 will explore some of the questions posed by these modern realities, bringing together Buddhists, scientists, researchers, and tech writers to discuss how technology can benefit sentient beings, and what role Buddhism might have to play in this. As technological industries advance, religions are constantly forced to grapple with the consequences of progress—at times praising, but also sounding the alarm. Our writers in this special issue will discuss, from their unique and insightful perspectives, how technological forces are shaping our lives and how we Buddhists might witness and respond to such rapidly changing times.
Explore our 2019 Special Issue Articles (Updated Quarterly)
On Being Brave: Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on Technology and the Dissemination of Dharma
By Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche - 23 April 2020
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary and look forward to the ways in which we can bring the words of the Buddha to the widest possible audiences in languages they can understand, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche shares the beneficial potential of today’s continually evolving technology and how it can—and should—be put to good use.
An Interview with Ron Epstein on Responsible Living: Explorations in Applied Buddhist Ethics—Animals, Environment, GMOs, Digital Media
By Annika Lundkvist - 31 December 2019
Ron Epstein, PhD is a founding member of Dharma Realm Buddhist University and retired lecturer emeritus in the philosophy department at San Francisco State University. Annika interviews him on his book Responsible Living: Explorations in Applied Buddhist Ethics—Animals, Environment, GMOs, Digital Media.
Defining Consciousness: How Buddhism Can Inform AI
By Shaelyn McHugh - 30 September 2019
How does the mysterious notion of consciousness fit in to the brave new world of an AI-dominated future? Shaelyn McHugh examines the stakes of the development of consciousness in computers, and how Buddhist philosophy can inform us on how we can define the mind and its programming application to AI.
Transformative Technology as the Path Forward for Humanity
By Nina Müller - 12 September 2019
Dr. Jeffery A. Martin, founder and director of the Transformative Technology community, discusses his worldwide investigation into the enhancement of human well-being.
The Techno-Optimist: An Interview with Buddhist Futurist James Hughes
By Nina Müller - 25 June 2019
As the intersection between technology and society offers the prospect of profound changes to our understanding of what it means to be human, how can we ensure that technological advances are of benefit to all beings?
Scaling Intelligence in an AI-Dominated Future
By Shaelyn McHugh - 19 June 2019
AI not only dominates our lives already, but may be on its way to achieving AGI—artificial general intelligence, the equivalent of human intelligence through machine learning, while continuously self-improving. Shaelyn McHugh outlines the stakes, and asks what Buddhism can tell us about this moment in human history.
On Technology and Human Connection: An Interview with Ajahn Brahm
By Shveitta Sharma - 21 March 2019
Renowned Dharma teacher and scholar Ajahn Brahm gives his perspective on technological change and progress, and its implications—potential dangers and possible benefits—for the future of human society.
The Path of Practice in our Digital Age
By Nikki Mirghafori - 21 March 2019
Artificial intelligence scientist and Buddhist teacher Nikki Mirghafori discusses how she gained her own affection for computers at an early age, the fear that computers might come to dominate computers, and our own responsibility when working with computers, not just for the future but for today.
Cyberpunk: The Human Condition amid High-tech Alienation and Urban Dystopia
By Raymond Lam - 15 March 2019
Cyberpunk carries eerie reminders of certain characteristics of urban living—of insecurity and digital distractions, of social alienation and unfulfilling work, and an almost gleeful dismissiveness of the need to reflect on what it means to be human: a key concern of Buddhist thought through the ages.
Related news articlesKyoto Temple Unveils Android Version of Kannon Bodhisattva
New Mindfulness App Takes Aim at Socially Conscious Meditators
China’s Robot Monk to Receive an AI Upgrade
Japanese Buddhist Temple Holds Funerals for Defunct Robot Dogs
Augmented Reality Brings Kyoto’s Oldest Zen Temple into the Future
Acer to Enter Buddhist Tech Market with “Smart” Prayer Beads
Latest Buddhist Gadget from Japan: a Fish-shaped Karaoke System for the Heart Sutra
Robots Take on Monastic Roles in Japan and China
Researchers Measure Brain Activity of Monks During Monastic Debate
Dalai Lama Releases Free App for iPhone
Related feature articlesThe Mindful Scroll
Mind Technologies and Ancient Wisdom Traditions
To Keep or Not to Keep? Mortality, Humanity, and Transhumanism
Buddhistdoor View: “Hyper-mindfulness”—An Urgent Buddhist Response to the Age of Social Media
The Unskillful Use of Social Media
The Science of Mindfulness and Beyond: An Interview with Prof. Richard J. Davidson, PhD
Taxing the Robots and Other Externalities
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and What it Means for Our Jobs
Harnessing Knowledge Technologies to Overcome Ignorance
Buddhistdoor View: The Unstoppable High of Video Games
Related columnMindful Technology
