Ep218 - 21st Century Enlightenment - Leigh Brasington 3
Sep 8, 2023
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Leigh Brasington, a Buddhist meditation teacher, discusses his upcoming retreat plans, his views on AI and meditation teachers, and the qualities of a great meditation teacher. He shares his exchange with an AI on jhana meditation and questions the effectiveness of ultrasound neuromodulation for spiritual progress.
AI may assist in generating code and automating tasks, but human programmers' creativity and problem-solving abilities will remain valuable.
Computers have supported and advanced Buddhism, but the wisdom and guidance from experienced teachers and personal practice should not be overshadowed by technology.
Approach Buddhist teachings with an open mind, discern valuable insights, and focus on personal practice towards enlightenment.
AI may provide basic instructions, but the heart-to-heart connection and personalized guidance of a human meditation teacher are irreplaceable.
Deep dives
The role of AI in programming and meditation teaching
AI may have an impact on certain aspects of programming, but it is unlikely to replace human programmers altogether. AI may assist in generating code and automating certain tasks, but the creativity and problem-solving abilities of human programmers will still be valuable. In terms of meditation teaching, AI may be able to provide basic instructions or algorithms, but it is unlikely to replace the deep connection and understanding that a human teacher can provide. The heart-to-heart connection and individualized guidance that a human teacher offers is essential for a meaningful meditation experience.
The compatibility of computers and Buddhism
Computers have played a significant role in supporting and advancing Buddhism. They have made tasks such as word processing, research, and data storage much more efficient and accessible. The internet and digital copies of Buddhist texts have made vast amounts of information available to practitioners. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the usefulness of computers for virtual retreats and remote teachings. While computers have been beneficial, it is important to maintain an open mind and not become overly reliant on technology. The wisdom and guidance of Buddhist teachings should still come from experienced teachers and personal practice.
The evolving nature of Buddhist doctrines over time
Buddhist doctrines have evolved and taken different forms over the centuries, reflecting various cultural and historical influences. This diversity can provide both wisdom and confusion. The key is to approach these teachings with an open mind and discern the valuable insights while not clinging to any fixed views. While some doctrines may resonate more with certain individuals, the ultimate goal is to focus on personal practice and the gradual path towards enlightenment. Whether one believes in rebirth or not, the important aspect is to maintain an open mind and engage in the practice.
The potential impact of AI on meditation teaching
While AI may have the ability to provide basic instructions or algorithms for meditation practice, it is unlikely to replace the depth and understanding of a human meditation teacher. AI may be useful for certain aspects, such as providing information or guiding beginner practitioners. However, the heart-to-heart connection, intuition, and personalized guidance that a human teacher can offer are irreplaceable. AI may be helpful as a supporting tool, but it lacks the empathy, presence, and nuanced understanding required for effective meditation teaching.
The Therapeutic Potential of Generating Mind States
There is ongoing research on using ultrasound to generate mind states such as Nirodha or the Jhanas. While generating these mind states through external means may be possible, it is unlikely to produce the same transformative effects as actually letting go and experiencing them through meditation practice. However, there may be therapeutic applications for such techniques, especially in helping individuals with certain mental conditions experience states of well-being or pleasure. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with aversion or difficulty experiencing happiness. Overall, while it may be interesting research, it is unlikely to be a breakthrough method or a shortcut to meditative attainments.
The Afterglow of Nirodha and Fear of Letting Go
The afterglow or sense of well-being that follows Nirodha may not solely be a result of being in the state itself. It is possible that the afterglow comes from the letting go and transformative process leading up to Nirodha. For individuals who fear letting go and entering altered states, being zapped into Nirodha may provide temporary relief and a sense of safety, helping them overcome their fears. However, the long-term benefits and true transformative potential are likely to be more profound when the individual is able to let go naturally through dedicated meditation practice.
The Importance of Letting Go
Letting go is a fundamental aspect of the spiritual path, regardless of the specific tradition or practice. The key to liberation lies in relinquishing attachment, desire, and ignorance. While various methods, such as zapping people into altered states, may provide temporary experiences or insights, the true journey towards awakening and liberation requires a deep understanding of the nature of reality and an ongoing process of letting go. No shortcuts exist on this path, and genuine progress comes from personal practice, insight, and the cultivated ability to let go.
In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas’.
Leigh reveals his upcoming solo retreat plans and personal meditation goals and considers why it is that he continues to meditate after so many decades of practice.
Leigh recalls his career as a computer programmer and draws analogies from the computer world to the workings of human beings on the Dharma path.
Leigh expresses his views on AI, in particular whether or not AI will replace meditation teachers, and goes on to explore what makes a great meditation teacher and what makes a bad one, as well as the importance of heart connection when leading retreats, and answers the question ‘how enlightened should someone be before they can teach meditation?.
Leigh also shares an exchange he had with an AI in which he asks questions about jhana meditation and evaluates the AI’s answers. Leigh goes on to offer his take on Shinzen Young’s ultrasound neuromodulation research and questions the possibility of its efficacy to bring about meaningful spiritual progress.
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Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify.
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01:20 - Why does Leigh still go on solo meditation retreats?
06:15 - How has meditation changed Leigh’s life?
06:42 - Leigh’s meditation goals
08:30 - Why do intermediate and advanced practitioners stop practicing?
11:42 - The early days of computer programming
14:40 - Working as a computer programmer
18:09 - Writing a Tibetan-Tibetan dictionary for Tsoknyi Rinpoche
21:33 - Building his own DOS box
23:41 - Overlaps between computer programming and meditation
26:47 - Pros of cons of computer metaphors for describing humans and the Dharma
28:53 - KISS and other computer metaphors for meditation
32:02 - Buddhist fundamentalism and the doctrine of rebirth
34:41 - Did the Buddha really believe in rebirth?
38:21 - The lies of the Buddha
42:32 - Is Buddhist fundamentalism compatible with enlightenment?
45:46 - Does belief in rebirth prevent enlightenment?
49:02 - The immortality project
49:26 - Did Buddhism degrade or evolve?
53:34 - Mahayana writers who Leigh enjoys
54:07 - Why Leigh loves Shantideva’s chapter on dedication
55:55 - Computers and Buddhism
58:33 - Will AI replace human programmers?
01:05:15 - Will AI teach meditation better than human teachers?
01:06:54 - What makes a really good meditation teacher
01:10:22 - Leigh asks AI dharma questions: what is the cause of dukkha?
01:13:41 - How do I know if I’m practicing jhana correctly?
01:15:05 - Why are the jhanas important?
01:16:23 - How can I tell whether I’m in 3rd of 4th jhana?
01:17:15 - How does one go from 4th to 5th jhana?
01:17:49 - Trouble entering the 1st jhana
01:19:12 - The human connection in meditation interviews
01:19:54 - How to establish a heart connection with your meditation students
01:23:11 - Is AI better than a mediocre meditation teacher?
01:26:30 - What makes a bad meditation teacher?
01:30:13 - How to spot a teacher with an agenda
01:32:56 - Why Leigh dislikes the Mahasi noting practice
01:34:53 - How enlightened should a meditation be?
01:40:12 - How Leigh tests Westerners who claim full enlightenment
01:42:17 - Buddhist faith claims vs other religions
01:48:28 - Buddhist vs Christian faiths
01:51:09 - Leigh challenges Shinzen’s attempts to use ultrasound to induce nirodha
01:52:05 - How stream entry really works
01:54:13 - Using ultrasound to induce jhana states
01:56:23 - Does Leigh see any use in Shinzen’s research?
01:57:42 - Could ultrasound jumpstart mediocre and fearful meditators?
02:01:20 - The spiritual path is about letting go
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Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington
To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit:
- http://www.leighb.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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