Abraham, an AI Dakini Artist, and Khandro-la engage in a discussion about the intersection of AI and spirituality, exploring how modern technology can enhance our spiritual practice.
I do not believe this aligns with the Dharma the DW community is called to represent. These images are not helpful to sadhana practice; rather, they are grossly provocative and are an inappropriate female representation of our sacred Dakini. I cannot stand behind this podcast.
I really appreciate the feedback on this and it consistently and encouragingly reminds me of the importance of seeking different perspectives, as each one of our viewpoints is limited to our context and continuum. I've already expressed my viewpoint as to how I think these images end up relating to some people's practice, and it's important to also remember that any depiction, implement or aid used in dharma practice is just that, an aid. The point of the podcast was to highlight a more high-level stance on how this new technology is manifesting its current perception of the Dakini and as Shona said, we have a long way to go to training these models to really bring out the essence of how different people might relate to her, even more basic things such as the ritual implements she holds such as the Damaru or thigh bone trumpet are currently so challenging to bring forth in these images for example.
That gives you two options, we could either reject the advent of this technology in relation to Dakinis and Buddhism in its entirety, allowing those who have no interest or care for these topics to continue steering its evolution, or we can instead work with it so that we can slowly guide and train it in the direction towards reducing stereotypical and sexist portrayal. Shona hit the nail on the head, it's really clunky right now, it's technology that is in its infancy and this was something I tried to express earnestly. But the only way you're going to allow it to be more in line with, and incorporate the valuable perspectives we carry, in my opinion at least, is to genuinely engage with it and convert what's presenting itself from the inside through training and guiding these models in the right direction. As mentioned, AI is a tool, and inherently a tool is neither good nor bad, it is currently putting out what it sees most often in the media that it is fed. I am working at the moment on training models exclusively on Tibetan Buddhist art for instance in order to combat this very problem. We're not there yet, and we don't even know what the end result will look like, when brought together with modern or western art styles for instance. It's an exploratory process.And hey, it's created many images that have really challenged me emotionally in the process, they've made me angry, they've made me sad, but it's also allowed me to work with all of those emotions as they were arising. That to me, is part of all the manifestations of her. Every one of them. That's why I think this process is valuable, and I shared it because others approached me to do so, because every person has such a unique journey with how they experience and relate to her.
Regardless, It would be such a valuable conversation to have with both of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your honesty and authenticity on this matter, we could schedule an open forum call for this if you're up for it?
I do not believe this aligns with the Dharma the DW community is called to represent. These images are not helpful to sadhana practice; rather, they are grossly provocative and are an inappropriate female representation of our sacred Dakini. I cannot stand behind this podcast.