S2, E2 - Dharma Teacher and Technologist Kenley Neufeld on AI, Mindfulness and Samadhi - Recorded at Deer Park Monastery, California

Mindful Conversations with Shamash & Calvin

• The episode discussed a conversation with Kenley about technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

• Kenley expressed a positive outlook on both technology and AI, emphasizing its potential to induce a spiritual mind state known as samadhi

• The concept of brain scans and AI's ability to reconstruct images based on brain activity was explored, with the recognition that current technology is at its early stages.

• The idea of using brain scans from experienced meditators as reference points to help others achieve similar states of mind was considered.

• Potential benefits of AI were discussed, such as self-understanding and insights about oneself based on data collected by technology.

• The debate surrounding AI as a shortcut to spiritual states and the impact it may have on personal growth and suffering was addressed.

• The episode touched on the notion that AI is already influencing human behavior through algorithms and the content presented to individuals.

• The negative aspects of AI, such as social media's role in causing suffering through comparison, judgment, and addictive behaviors, were acknowledged.

• The importance of aligning AI with values and the seven Cs (compassion, community, contribution, consciousness, etc.) was emphasized to counteract potential negative consequences.

• Mindfulness, self-awareness, and the quality of prompts used with AI were highlighted as factors influencing the outcomes and ethical implications of AI interactions.

  Show Links

  1. Centre for humane technology: https://www.humanetech.com/

  2. Science.org: https://www.science.org/content/article/ai-re-creates-what-people-see-reading-their-brain-scans

  3. Olympic level meditators: Daniel Goleman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10J6crRacZg

  4. Shenzen Young https://www.mountaincloud.org/shinzen-young, and Hacking Enlightenment video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spukj-4sYS0

  5. Mo Gowdat’s book Scary Smart https://www.mogawdat.com/scarysmart

  6. Basics Values Test ⁠https://personalvalu.es/⁠

  Find out more about Kenley at https://kenleyneufeld.com/

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