Japan has come up with a demographic solution to its aging population and its decline in young people choosing to become Buddhist monks. Japan’s temples are revered and sought out by tourists, especially in Kyoto. This Chat GPT robot monk is posed as a possible solution. It has been fed Buddhist writings and can answer questions asked of it. I immediately notice how easily it sits cross legged on the floor! I am jealous. I also notice how its head is empty! We all strive for that, don’t we? As for Chat GPT known to hallucinate frequently, not sure what’s in store for innocent tourists asking it questions. If I met it I would ask it why this world is full of endless paradoxes.
This new robotic and AI world makes me want to stick my bare toes into some thick gooey mud.
One Seeker's Story 