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Their actions and decisions are a result of their In a discussion many years ago between the Dalia
programming and the data they process, and any Lama and scientists, he was asked whether computers
ethical or moral considerations are the responsibility of could become sentient beings. In other words, could
their human creators and users. computers one day have minds that create karma? He
The moral responsibility lies with the individuals said that if a computer or robot is sophisticated enough
and organizations that create and deploy these to serve as the basis for a mental continuum, there is
technologies. Buddhist ethics, which emphasize no reason why a mindstream could not connect with
compassion and non-harming, can be a valuable guide such a machine as the physical basis for one of its lives.
in ensuring that AI and robots are used in ways that However, this is not saying that a computer is mind, or
benefit sentient beings and do not cause harm. that we can artificially create a mind in a computer.

Min Wei: In the context of Buddhist philosophy, karma How can Buddhist values help address the negative
refers to the ethical principle that one’s actions have impact of technology on our mental well-being,
consequences, influencing future experiences and such as smartphone addiction and information
conditions. Karma is a result of intentional actions overload?
carried out by sentient beings, driven by volition
and consciousness. AI and robots, as of now, lack Aggacitta: Buddhism places a strong emphasis on
consciousness, self-awareness, and the ability to mindfulness, the practice of remembering the right
generate intentions or volition. Therefore, from a view of conditionality and discrimination between
Buddhist perspective, they wouldn’t accumulate karma wholesome and unwholesome things, reminding
as they do not perform actions based on volition oneself to apply that right view and looking back at
and intention. However, as technology advances one’s mind to see how it is performing. Mindfulness
and AI becomes more sophisticated, it might raise can help individuals become aware of their technology
ethical questions about the potential development of usage patterns and the impact on their mental well-
conscious, sentient AI. But presently, AI and robots, being. The Buddhist concept of the Middle Way
lacking consciousness and intent, do not generate encourages moderation and balance in all aspects of
karma in the Buddhist sense. life. This principle can be applied to technology use
by avoiding excessive screen time, setting boundaries,
Tsepal: The Sanskrit word karma literally means action, and finding a balanced approach that doesn’t lead to
and refers to the intentional physical, verbal, and mental addiction or mental strain.
actions that we sentient beings create all day long.
Potentials from the actions we create are stored on our Detachment from material possessions and desires
mindstream, which later give rise to experienced effects, is another important Buddhist value. Applying this to
so to create karma necessitates having a mind. Artificial technology, individuals can learn to detach from the
Intelligence does not experience what’s happening; AI constant need for validation, likes, or notifications on
operates based on limited algorithms and programming, social media, reducing the emotional attachment to
not conscious intention. these platforms.

In order to determine whether machines could possess Encouraging compassion in online interactions can
mind, scientists try to pin down what is meant by mitigate the negative effects of cyberbullying, trolling,
“consciousness.” Large language models such as LaMDA and online hostility. Periodic digital detoxes, where
and ChatGPT certainly seem conscious and human- individuals intentionally disconnect from screens, can
like in ability, however AI is just software, running on be aligned with the Buddhist practice of retreats and
hardware. I don’t find any mention of karma in the meditation. This can help refresh the mind and reduce
scientific literature. the stress of constant connectivity.