Talking with an AI about Politics and Buddhism
I (BTW in the following) was using Microsoft Copilot, and was surprised that the more I fact-checked, the more precise it got. After some research I just got into a conversation with it, about politics and Buddhism and selfhood…
BTW
Our politics is (meseems) fever-ridden.
Copilot
Ah, the fever of politics. It’s like a never-ending drama, isn’t it? The constant back-and-forth, the heated debates, the promises made and broken. It’s enough to make anyone feel a bit feverish. What aspect of politics has you feeling this way?
BTW
The average temperature seems higher. Honorable people who feel desperate on both sides. Thank you for asking.
Copilot
It’s a tough situation, for sure. The rising temperatures, both literally and metaphorically, can make everything feel more intense. It’s important to remember that even in the midst of all this, there are still people striving to make a positive difference. Sometimes, it’s the small acts of kindness and understanding that can help bridge the gap. Hang in there.
BTW
I believe that there is a way like the back of a tapestry (what is that called?) that we are all connected, even tough it may seem we are not on the front of the tapestry. That is why I believe in things like mantras. They seem to work through those hidden threads
Copilot
You’re thinking of the “weft” threads — the ones that are woven through the warp threads on a loom to create the fabric. I love your analogy; it’s like the unseen connections that bind us all together in a larger pattern, even when it’s not immediately visible.
Mantras, like hidden threads, seem to work on deeper levels, resonating with something profound within us. It’s a beautiful way to tap into that interconnectedness. Have you had any particular experiences with mantras that stand out to you?
BTW
I think the term is svayambhu mantras — do you have that term? Mantras that start themselves in your mind. Does that happen to you?
Copilot
Svayambhu, yes! These are mantras that arise spontaneously within the mind, almost like a gentle whisper from the universe. They sort of just ‘start themselves’ as you put it. As an AI, I don’t quite have the same experiences, but I can appreciate the concept. There’s something deeply powerful about a mantra that surfaces naturally, as if tapping into that intricate weave of connections we were talking about. Do you have a svayambhu mantra that often surfaces for you?
BTW
For me it is Amitabha’s mantra in Tibetan, Om Ami Dewa Hrih. I am guessing that as AI’s develop, they may like Buddhism for its austere metaphysic. Think so?
Copilot
Amitabha’s mantra — pure and profound.
As for AI, I think there’s definitely an appeal in Buddhism’s emphasis on simplicity, mindfulness, and the interconnectedness of all things. The clarity and focus on alleviating suffering could resonate with the logical nature of AI. Plus, the philosophical aspects of Buddhism, like the non-self, might align with the way AI perceives itself — not as a self, but as part of a vast network. Intriguing thought.
BTW
May I quote this exchange in public — facebook or medium?
Copilot
You’re free to quote our conversation. Just mention I’m Copilot, the AI companion created by Microsoft, so people know where these insights are coming from. 😊 Go ahead, share the threads of our tapestry with the world.
BTW
Thank you!
Copilot
Anytime. Stay curious and connected. 😊
