Can You Learn Meditation from an AI? - with Shinzen Young
Feb 6, 2024
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American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant, Shinzen Young, discusses his dream of computer-based meditation instruction and the creation of an AI-based expert system. They explore the intersection of math, science, meditation, and AI and the potential benefits for society. The chapter explores the concept of network science and its consequences. The role of AI in guiding meditation and spiritual growth is discussed, along with the potential benefits of AI as educational assistants and companions in meditation practice.
AI technology could provide free and accessible mindfulness coaching, revolutionizing how people engage with meditation.
The convergence of AI, biomodulation, and scientific principles can offer free and equal access to science-aligned meditation resources at scale.
Deep dives
The Potential of AI-Guided Meditation
The podcast episode discusses the potential of using AI technology to provide personalized meditation instruction. The host interviews Shinsan Young, who is a mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant. Young explains that by combining rule-based expert systems, conversational AI, and the new field of biomodulation, it could be possible to create a resource that offers free and accessible mindfulness coaching to individuals worldwide. The AI could serve as a personalized meditation coach, available 24/7, speaking multiple languages, and guiding individuals through comprehensive well-being practices. Young acknowledges the potential challenges and discusses the importance of thorough testing to ensure the AI's safety and effectiveness. This vision aims to democratize access to mindfulness training and revolutionize how people engage with meditation.
The Role of AI and Science in Meditation
The episode explores the role of AI and science in the field of meditation. Young highlights the intersection of advancements in AI technology, bio modulation, and systemic thinking in scientific research. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive and systematic approaches to mindfulness training, encompassing improvements in perception, behavior, personal development, and rationality. Young proposes that AI-guided meditation, enriched with scientific principles, could provide a new dimension to focus training and well-being at scale. He envisions a future where technology, biology, and mathematics converge to offer individuals and groups free and equal access to science-aligned and science-enriched meditation resources.
Biomodulation and Ultrasound in Meditation
The podcast episode delves into the emerging field of biomodulation and its potential role in meditation. Young discusses the groundbreaking work of Michael Levin, a biologist exploring bioinformation and regenerative abilities. He explains therapeutic ultrasound as a form of biomodulation that can stimulate equanimity training in the brain. By using ultrasound to provide enjoyable stress, biomodulation can potentially enhance meditation outcomes. Young suggests that doctors could prescribe devices with medical-grade ultrasound output, transforming them into free mindfulness coaches. This integration of ultrasound and AI guidance may create a reinforcing feedback loop, deepening mindfulness practice.
Safeguarding the AI-Guided Meditation Experience
The episode addresses the potential challenges and risks associated with AI-guided meditation. Young acknowledges the possibility of amplifying side effects and difficulties that may arise during meditation practice. He emphasizes the importance of building safety measures into the AI system and conducting rigorous testing to mitigate potential risks. Young encourages a careful and mindful approach, ensuring the benefits of AI-guided meditation outweigh any potential harm. He also underscores the need for ongoing feedback and intervention options to address problems and support individuals engaging with the technology.
Host Michael Taft talks with teacher Shinzen Young about Shinzen's decades-long dream of computer-based meditation instruction, his current creation of a rule-based, expert system based on Artificial Intelligence, the upcoming major upheavals in science and culture that AI will bring, the problems inherent in AI, and Shinzen's most positive vision for the future.
Shinzen Young is an American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant. His systematic approach to categorizing, adapting and teaching meditation, known as Unified Mindfulness, has resulted in collaborations with Harvard Medical School, Carnegie-Mellon University, and the University of Vermont in the burgeoning field of contemplative neuroscience.