Could a computer create a convincing and accurate article about meditation? Could it even teach meditation? I decided to find out.
I’ve been hearing a lot about ChatGPT, which stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer.” Apparently, some websites are using it to write articles, and most readers wouldn’t notice, especially if the website doesn’t disclose that the author is a computer recombining information found elsewhere on the internet.
I thought it would be interesting to chat with ChatGPT and see what it knows about meditation. Initially, I kept getting a message saying the server was too busy, but eventually, I managed to have a conversation with the AI.
I asked ChatGPT about its name, and it explained that it’s called OpenAI’s GPT-3, or simply ChatGPT. It’s a state-of-the-art language model developed to generate human-like text based on the input it receives. I wanted to know where it gets its information, and ChatGPT said it was trained on vast text data from the internet and other sources, using machine learning algorithms. This training allows it to generate human-like responses to various questions, although its information is limited to data available up to 2021.
When I asked about the benefits of Buddhist meditation, ChatGPT listed physical, mental, and spiritual benefits and mentioned that these might vary depending on the individual and the specific meditation practice.
I was curious about the different kinds of meditation in Buddhism, and ChatGPT explained that there are many forms, each with its own unique focus, techniques, and benefits. It mentioned mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and anapanasati (breath awareness) as some commonly practiced forms.
I noticed it listed loving-kindness meditation and Metta meditation separately, although they refer to the same practice. I pointed out the mistake, and ChatGPT acknowledged the error, stating that “Metta” is a Pali word for “loving-kindness.”
I asked if there are any downsides to practicing meditation, and ChatGPT mentioned potential risks such as bringing up unresolved emotions or physical discomfort. It advised approaching meditation with caution and seeking guidance from a qualified teacher.
To find a qualified teacher, ChatGPT suggested looking for recommendations from friends or using online resources. It emphasized the importance of feeling comfortable with the teacher and potentially attending a few classes or workshops to ensure their approach aligns with your needs.
Next, I requested simple meditation instructions. ChatGPT provided a basic guide for mindfulness meditation, encouraging regular practice to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
I asked about experiencing swirling colored lights during meditation. ChatGPT explained that it’s not uncommon and can result from various factors, including changes in blood flow in the brain. It reassured that these experiences are normal but advised consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
When I asked if it had ever meditated, ChatGPT reminded me it doesn’t have a physical body or consciousness and could not meditate in the traditional sense. I followed up by asking which practice it would choose if it could meditate, and the AI explained it doesn’t have personal preferences or experiences but noted that different forms of meditation can be useful for various individuals.
I asked about Bodhipaksa, and ChatGPT described him as a Buddhist teacher and author, founder of the Wildmind meditation website, known for his approachable teaching style and contribution to mindfulness and meditation practices.
Afterward, I reflected on the conversation. The AI had done a good job of synthesizing information into coherent statements. Its response to my question about meditation must have come from reliable sources, as it matched what I would write. However, it made an error by listing loving-kindness and Metta meditation separately. Also, the first two responses about finding a qualified teacher were not that helpful.
Despite not experiencing colored lights myself, I found its explanation informative. Overall, I think AI like ChatGPT could write a decent article on meditation, although it would lack personal anecdotes. It was flattering to see its kind description of me and my work.
Could AI lead a meditation? It provided written instructions, but leading someone through a meditation is different. It might be possible to feed it guided meditation recordings for it to learn, but I’m skeptical about its ability to do that well.
ChatGPT did a good job summarizing information in an easy-to-read format. However, its repetition about Metta meditation was awkward, and its apology reminded me of therapy. It’s strange and intriguing to think about AI in writing.
Reflecting on AI, it feels like a sophisticated search engine that doesn’t credit its sources. Sometimes it mashes up information well, other times poorly, and it doesn’t always get things right. The AI isn’t truly intelligent; it’s just mimicking patterns.
Despite its limitations, AI can still be helpful, like in pattern recognition or interpreting medical images better than specialists in some cases. It’s important to remember AI lacks real-world understanding. As a reminder from a commenter named Nathan Edwards said, “AI doesn’t know anything at all; it’s just mashing words together.” So while AI can be both fun and useful, it’s essential to recognize its limits and not overly rely on it for accurate information.