New Books in Buddhist Studies

Building the Future Buddha: A Discussion with Jundho Cohen

Mar 31, 2024

Zen Buddhist teacher Jundo Cohen discusses the future of Buddhism in the era of AI, genetics, and virtual reality. He explores the intersection of technology, ethics, and spirituality, envisioning how technologies can bring Buddhism's ideals to life. The conversation touches on cognitive science, mood modification, and the balance between traditional practices and modern advancements.

59:00

Episode guests

Jundo Cohen

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Technological advancements will shape the future of Buddhism by making ideals achievable through AI, genetics, virtual reality.

Ethical considerations are crucial in integrating AI with Buddhism to prevent potential harm and uphold Buddhist principles.

Deep dives

Addressing the Need for Change in Buddhism

Discussing the necessity to adapt Buddhism to modern contexts and address societal challenges. Exploring the potential for new technologies to enhance Buddhist practices and philosophies, particularly in reshaping human nature and addressing global issues.

Introduction

3min

Buddhism, Technology, and Ethical Evolution

16min

Exploring Technology, Cognitive Science, and Mood Modification for Positive Transformation

2min

Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Spirituality

30min

Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Buddhism for Spiritual Evolution

2min

Gratitude, Podcasting, and Sponsorship for Coaching Services

3min

Jundo Cohen is a Zen Buddhist teacher and founder of Treeleaf Zendo, a digital Zen community with members in over 50 countries. He writes on the intersection of Buddhism, ethics, science, and the future of the planet. He resides in Tsukuba, Japan’s “Science City”. He is the author of The Zen Master’s Dance: A Guide to Understanding Dogen and Who You Are in the Universe (Wisdom, 2020), and is co-host of The Zen of Everything podcast.

In this episode I speak to Jundo about his new book, Building the Future Buddha: The Zen of AI, Genes, Saving the World, and Travel to the Stars (Treeleaf, 2024). The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the future and Buddhism with some fun utopian thought on the way and some disagreement that makes for an interesting exploration.

Jundho claims that tomorrow’s technologies will change Buddhism. AI and robotics, bio-engineering and physical enhancements, genetics and nano-implants, virtual reality and new media, medical miracles and manufacturing marvels, extended lifespans and expanded minds will make many of Buddhism’s most fabulous ideals potentially realizable.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies