A.I. and Spirituality? - Chinmaya Mission Philippines Talks About It!

 - May 6, 2023, Saturday.

- Artificial intelligence has once again been the talk of the town lately, with intriguing and intimidating features in the latest advancements in technology. More intriguing is what does the latest trends in AI technology say about the being and future of mankind? In a slight diversion from my usual travel posts, let me talk a bit about my recent speaking engagement! It still fits in my general blogging interests since this is related to some extent to my rather cultural posts. This time, I once again go back to Chinmaya Mission Philippines as one of their speakers for their event entitled "Are We Ready for AI?"

- Chinmaya Mission Philippines is a Hindu spiritual organization started by Swami Chinmayananda in the 1950s. It aims to make Hinduism more approachable and understandable to its devotees. In the Philippines, they're based in their new home in Taguig (I've been to Chinmaya events in the past, but this is my first time to visit their new building!) At times, they organize special events such as this talk to as a way to have conversations between spirituality and current trends. This is one of the things I admire about the organization. Chinmaya Mission Philippines is one of the spiritual organizations supported by the local Indian community.

Chinmaya Mission Philippines' new building!

Left: image of Ram and Hanuman. Right: image of Swami Chinmayananda.

Some books for sale. These are meant to help children learn more about their gods and spirituality.

Of course I had to look my best.

- The talk had 6 pairs of speakers that tackle an aspect of AI and spirituality. Some talked about AI and school, AI and fitness and wellbeing, AI and spirituality from both children's and the elderly's perspectives, as well as AI and relationships. I spoke with my partner, yoga instructor Glen, about the implications of AI in our teaching profession. All talks generally provided ways as to how AI can help us with our daily tasks, but also how there are certain things that (as far as we know) cannot be replaced by AI. In my case, I shared that while AI can help in teaching or learning, nuanced and personalized guidance and being a role model are still things that only human teachers can do well. Finally, Brahmacharini Satarupa-ji, the head of Chinmaya Mission Philippines, shared how AI will always be created by humans, who possess "Natural Intelligence" (NI). Natural Intelligence allows people to reflect, discern, question, meditate, among other things that make us human. While there are AI apps, as shared by some speakers, that help people learn more about their religion or beliefs, it is up to people to practice and carry out those lessons in life.

With my partner speaker Glen, who by the way told me that I was a yogi. Maybe not the body-bending kind like him, but in mind and spirit. Long story short, I've been able to meditate and share the art of meditation to others, and apparently, that is yoga according to Glen. Thank you for letting me know Glen!

Thanks to my friend Sharon for getting this awesome shot!

Brahmacharini Satarupa-ji during her talk.

This was during the open forum after the talk. I got this photo from my friend Sharon. 

Photo of the event, from the Chinmaya Mission official Facebook page.

 - I learned so much from all the other speakers, and it was nice hearing where they all come from. Glen and I were the only non-Indian speakers, but I didn't actually feel that we were out of place. As for me, it was nice reconnecting with my Indian friends, and meeting new people as well. The crowd was vibrant, as is has always been in Chinmaya events. 

With Glen, after the talk.

It's an honor to have a photo with Brahmacharini Satarupa-ji.

With Geeta, the main organizer of the talk.

With Jasmine, who invited me to be a speaker for the talk!

- To cap the night, my good friend Jasmine and I had a really filling dinner as a pat on our back for all our hard work - especially for Jasmine! Jasmine was part of the tech crew of the whole event! It was a really long day, but I really enjoyed spending time learning from other people. Who knew that there are fruitful intersections between AI and spirituality, and that they don't have to go against each other?