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AI brings clear benefits, especially for production As educators, our role includes guiding students to
tasks like creating videos, images, or performing use AI responsibly. While AI can retrieve information
repetitive editing that doesn’t require complex thinking. quickly, we must be mindful of its limitations and
In Buddhist education, it can also serve as a useful teach students how to filter and evaluate what they
support. Since many people find AI engaging, using it as find. We can also design scenario-based questions
a medium for Dharma sharing can be effective. that encourage critical thinking and help students
apply their knowledge to real-life situations. The same
For instance, NORBU, a Malaysian-developed AI chatbot, applies to Buddhist education. AI should support—not
now helps users explore questions about Buddhism. replace—reflection, mindfulness, and discernment. EH

Venerable Gotami (born
Martina Catania, Sicily, 1999) Why I Chose to
is an Italian-born Theravāda
Buddhist nun, ordained in Be a Nun
2022. Known for her fearless
voice, spiritual openness, and By Ven. Siri Gotami
unapologetic style, she teaches
the Dhamma across cultures in
five languages: Italian, English,
Chinese, Spanish and Sinhala.
Long before her ordination,
she was already sharing the
teachings as a laywoman,
gaining recognition for her bold
presence and authenticity. With
a journey spanning Europe,
the U.S., Australia and Asia, she For the interview with Eastern used to attend the local Sri Lankan
Horizon, Benny asked Ven. Gotami Buddhist temple, and one day I
has become a rising figure in
about her first encounter with found myself curious enough to
international Buddhist circles.
Buddhism, the inspiration to remain go. It wasn’t common for an Italian
as a Buddhist nun, the challenges girl to step into a Buddhist temple,
Her vision is to create a she faced as an ordained Western but something about the chanting,
welcoming temple-school, where woman, and her vision for the the scent of incense, and the calm
the Dhamma is taught in a clear growth of the Buddha Dhamma in I felt made me want to return. I
and accessible way, and where the modern world. began going secretly, often changing
people—especially the younger clothes under my jacket to wear
generation—can learn, practice, Benny: Growing up in Italy, a traditional Sri Lankan attire. My
country where Buddhism isn’t a
and grow together. With mainstream religion, how did you family didn’t approve, but deep
humility and faith, she hopes to first encounter the Dhamma? down I knew I had found something
that felt like home.
build a space rooted in kindness,
simplicity, and wisdom, where
Ven Gotami: I first encountered the What inner call or experience
everyone feels seen, respected, Dhamma as a teenager in Catania, led you to choose monastic life at
and empowered to walk their completely by chance — or maybe such a young age?
own path of awakening. by kamma. My science teacher