Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-Being

Despite persistent fears that artificial intelligence can stifle creativity and free thought, the technology—when properly used—serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, according to this intermittently intriguing account from bestseller Chopra (Quantum Healing). He contends that as a “dynamic tool that listens... and responds any way it is asked to,” AI can fill the role of a modern-day guru by providing personalized spiritual guidance without risking the personality cults that often develop around human gurus. Chopra also shows how seekers can tap into their “personal dharma,” or “ideal life,” by using AI to break their aspirations into action steps, expand their self-awareness, and process painful memories. Some sections of the book are written by AI based on Chopra’s prompts—ChatGPT’s response to “Please give me a mantra to meditate with today” is “Om Shanti,” which can, the program explains, confer “a sense of inner peace.” In an appendix, Chopra and various AI programs discuss head-scratchers like whether math is a human construct. These sections mostly demonstrate that AI is good at regurgitating self-help bromides and fuzzy mysticism. Things improve when Chopra provides his own down-to-earth advice on reaching one’s “personal dharma,” which includes sensible self-reflection to counteract destructive emotions (“I can see now that getting angry has become a pattern”). Despite some revealing moments, Chopra’s blend of pop psychology and Eastern philosophy doesn’t benefit from being outsourced to tech. (Sept.)