High in the Himalayas, in the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, monks are turning to an unlikely source for spiritual guidance: artificial intelligence.
An AI-powered chatbot called BuddhaBot is being used to answer questions and offer advice based on the words of the Buddha, allowing users to seek guidance anytime and anywhere.
The system was developed by a professor at Kyoto University who also serves as a temple abbot, part of an effort to merge advanced technology with religious practice and encourage people to remain engaged with Buddhism.
On a cold afternoon in late January, in Bhutan’s capital of Thimphu, Choten Dorji, secretary of the Bhutanese Monastic Council for Administration and Development Affairs, sat at his computer and opened the BuddhaBot website.
Asked how to stop feeling jealous of others, the system responded within seconds.
“Ultimately, that will cause suffering. Therefore, it is important to follow the teachings of the (Buddhist scripture) Dhammapada and strive for purification of mind and the practice of compassion.”
The chatbot draws on Buddhist scriptures to produce responses designed to guide users through everyday dilemmas and spiritual questions. For Dorji, the appeal lies in its clarity.
“It’s logical and ideal,” he said. “BuddhaBot is truthful and never lies.”
BuddhaBot was developed by the research laboratory of Seiji Kumagai, 45, a professor of Buddhist studies at Kyoto University, in collaboration with the Kyoto-based AI startup Teraverse. Kumagai said the idea grew from a simple but ambitious concept: creating a system that would allow people to converse with the Buddha through technology.
The project began taking shape around 2014, when a temple acquaintance approached Kumagai with concerns about the declining state of Buddhism in Japan. Some estimates suggest that as many as 30 per cent of temples in the country could disappear by 2040.
The conversations prompted Kumagai to consider how technology might help. By 2019, discussions with colleagues and collaborators had produced the idea of a conversational AI system that could provide guidance rooted in Buddhist teachings.
SOURCE: Kyodo
Such a system could offer consultations that people might find difficult to have with human monks, he said, and might also help address the shortage of monks.
An early version of BuddhaBot was completed in 2021. That system relied on a question-and-answer format based on Buddhist scriptures it had learned from text data. But the answers were often too short, leaving users dissatisfied.
Despite the problems, it had attracted attention.
When BuddhaBot was introduced at a conference on esoteric Buddhism in 2022, Bhutan’s Central Monastery expressed strong interest, saying it “definitely” wanted to adopt the technology.
Two years later, the team developed a more advanced model, BuddhaBot Plus, using generative AI technology based on ChatGPT. The new version can provide interpretations and expanded explanations drawn from Buddhist teachings.
That system was implemented in Bhutan in 2025, and around 450 monks are now using it on a trial basis.
Dorji said he hopes to expand the number of users in the future.
For Kumagai, the project has also reflected shifting attitudes toward the use of AI in religion.
At the beginning of development, he said, critics in Japan argued that using AI for religious purposes was unacceptable. But as AI technology has become more widespread, those views have softened.
Interest has begun to spread beyond Japan and Bhutan. Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka and Thailand have also expressed interest in adopting the system, according to Kumagai.
Still, challenges remain.
One concern is the phenomenon known as “hallucination,” in which AI systems generate answers that are not based on factual information.
To reduce that risk, the developers have separated the display of original scripture passages from interpretations generated by the AI system. Even so, Kumagai said users must still apply their own knowledge and judgment when reading the responses.
The project continues to evolve. In February this year, Kumagai announced the development of a humanoid robot equipped with BuddhaBot Plus.
He hopes that combining robotics with AI could further expand how Buddhist teachings are shared.
“We can maximize the potential of Buddhism by utilizing AI,” Kumagai said.
SOURCE: Kyodo
gnlm
High in the Himalayas, in the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, monks are turning to an unlikely source for spiritual guidance: artificial intelligence.
An AI-powered chatbot called BuddhaBot is being used to answer questions and offer advice based on the words of the Buddha, allowing users to seek guidance anytime and anywhere.
The system was developed by a professor at Kyoto University who also serves as a temple abbot, part of an effort to merge advanced technology with religious practice and encourage people to remain engaged with Buddhism.
On a cold afternoon in late January, in Bhutan’s capital of Thimphu, Choten Dorji, secretary of the Bhutanese Monastic Council for Administration and Development Affairs, sat at his computer and opened the BuddhaBot website.
Asked how to stop feeling jealous of others, the system responded within seconds.
“Ultimately, that will cause suffering. Therefore, it is important to follow the teachings of the (Buddhist scripture) Dhammapada and strive for purification of mind and the practice of compassion.”
The chatbot draws on Buddhist scriptures to produce responses designed to guide users through everyday dilemmas and spiritual questions. For Dorji, the appeal lies in its clarity.
“It’s logical and ideal,” he said. “BuddhaBot is truthful and never lies.”
BuddhaBot was developed by the research laboratory of Seiji Kumagai, 45, a professor of Buddhist studies at Kyoto University, in collaboration with the Kyoto-based AI startup Teraverse. Kumagai said the idea grew from a simple but ambitious concept: creating a system that would allow people to converse with the Buddha through technology.
The project began taking shape around 2014, when a temple acquaintance approached Kumagai with concerns about the declining state of Buddhism in Japan. Some estimates suggest that as many as 30 per cent of temples in the country could disappear by 2040.
The conversations prompted Kumagai to consider how technology might help. By 2019, discussions with colleagues and collaborators had produced the idea of a conversational AI system that could provide guidance rooted in Buddhist teachings.
SOURCE: Kyodo
Such a system could offer consultations that people might find difficult to have with human monks, he said, and might also help address the shortage of monks.
An early version of BuddhaBot was completed in 2021. That system relied on a question-and-answer format based on Buddhist scriptures it had learned from text data. But the answers were often too short, leaving users dissatisfied.
Despite the problems, it had attracted attention.
When BuddhaBot was introduced at a conference on esoteric Buddhism in 2022, Bhutan’s Central Monastery expressed strong interest, saying it “definitely” wanted to adopt the technology.
Two years later, the team developed a more advanced model, BuddhaBot Plus, using generative AI technology based on ChatGPT. The new version can provide interpretations and expanded explanations drawn from Buddhist teachings.
That system was implemented in Bhutan in 2025, and around 450 monks are now using it on a trial basis.
Dorji said he hopes to expand the number of users in the future.
For Kumagai, the project has also reflected shifting attitudes toward the use of AI in religion.
At the beginning of development, he said, critics in Japan argued that using AI for religious purposes was unacceptable. But as AI technology has become more widespread, those views have softened.
Interest has begun to spread beyond Japan and Bhutan. Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka and Thailand have also expressed interest in adopting the system, according to Kumagai.
Still, challenges remain.
One concern is the phenomenon known as “hallucination,” in which AI systems generate answers that are not based on factual information.
To reduce that risk, the developers have separated the display of original scripture passages from interpretations generated by the AI system. Even so, Kumagai said users must still apply their own knowledge and judgment when reading the responses.
The project continues to evolve. In February this year, Kumagai announced the development of a humanoid robot equipped with BuddhaBot Plus.
He hopes that combining robotics with AI could further expand how Buddhist teachings are shared.
“We can maximize the potential of Buddhism by utilizing AI,” Kumagai said.
SOURCE: Kyodo
gnlm
The Digital Myanmar Forum and Exhibition was held at the Yadanabon Teleport building within the Yadanabon New City project in PyinOoLwin on 27 and 28 February, with the aims of accelerating digital transformation in public service sectors, including government administration, enhancing cybersecurity knowledge, boosting the digital competitiveness of businesses, fostering connections between technologists and the workforce, and building a technological ecosystem.
To meet the goals of the ASEAN Digital Master Plan, it is necessary to strive to implement an Inclusive Digital Community, a Trusted Digital Ecosystem, an Innovative Digital Economy, a Future-Ready Workforce, and Sustainable Digital Transformation.
At present, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly advancing, prompting many ASEAN countries to prioritize the responsible use of AI. ASEAN nations are aligning their AI ethical standards with one another to ensure safe AI applications. As digital systems expand, online fraud is also increasing. To combat this, ASEAN countries are strengthening information-sharing networks more than ever. In Yadanabon New City, young people have the opportunity to exchange ideas and showcase innovations, while local and international technology companies present new digital technologies, providing valuable support for national development.
This technology exchange event provides new opportunities for technology entrepreneurs, experts, and enthusiastic students to connect. It allows domestic technological innovations to be recognized and showcased, and opens up opportunities to manufacture locally based electronic devices and ICT equipment. Technology is crucial for national development, and in line with the saying “Technology shapes the future,” the knowledge and experience gained from this event are believed to become a driving force for the country’s development.
The youth of Myanmar already possess the capabilities to compete internationally. The government is supporting and providing opportunities to nurture the creative potential of young people, which bodes well for the country’s future development. Through technology exchange and exhibition events like the one in Yadanabon New City, young participants can create software, hardware, and innovative solutions capable of standing on the global stage. Student projects from such events are expected to serve as foundational building blocks for the development of Myanmar’s future digital economy.
The aim is to implement innovative technologies to facilitate smooth cross-border trade among ASEAN countries through digital systems, enable the effective use of AI and establish AI safety and security networks, enhance the digital knowledge and skills of the regional workforce, cultivate high-level technology experts and promote the use of technology within workplaces, and apply digital technologies to address environmental conservation and climate change challenges.
This technology exchange event provides new opportunities for technology entrepreneurs, experts, and enthusiastic students to connect. It allows domestic technological innovations to be recognized and showcased, and opens up opportunities to manufacture locally based electronic devices and ICT equipment. Technology is crucial for national development, and in line with the saying “Technology shapes the future,” the knowledge and experience gained from this event are believed to become a driving force for the country’s development.
gnlm
The Digital Myanmar Forum and Exhibition was held at the Yadanabon Teleport building within the Yadanabon New City project in PyinOoLwin on 27 and 28 February, with the aims of accelerating digital transformation in public service sectors, including government administration, enhancing cybersecurity knowledge, boosting the digital competitiveness of businesses, fostering connections between technologists and the workforce, and building a technological ecosystem.
To meet the goals of the ASEAN Digital Master Plan, it is necessary to strive to implement an Inclusive Digital Community, a Trusted Digital Ecosystem, an Innovative Digital Economy, a Future-Ready Workforce, and Sustainable Digital Transformation.
At present, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly advancing, prompting many ASEAN countries to prioritize the responsible use of AI. ASEAN nations are aligning their AI ethical standards with one another to ensure safe AI applications. As digital systems expand, online fraud is also increasing. To combat this, ASEAN countries are strengthening information-sharing networks more than ever. In Yadanabon New City, young people have the opportunity to exchange ideas and showcase innovations, while local and international technology companies present new digital technologies, providing valuable support for national development.
This technology exchange event provides new opportunities for technology entrepreneurs, experts, and enthusiastic students to connect. It allows domestic technological innovations to be recognized and showcased, and opens up opportunities to manufacture locally based electronic devices and ICT equipment. Technology is crucial for national development, and in line with the saying “Technology shapes the future,” the knowledge and experience gained from this event are believed to become a driving force for the country’s development.
The youth of Myanmar already possess the capabilities to compete internationally. The government is supporting and providing opportunities to nurture the creative potential of young people, which bodes well for the country’s future development. Through technology exchange and exhibition events like the one in Yadanabon New City, young participants can create software, hardware, and innovative solutions capable of standing on the global stage. Student projects from such events are expected to serve as foundational building blocks for the development of Myanmar’s future digital economy.
The aim is to implement innovative technologies to facilitate smooth cross-border trade among ASEAN countries through digital systems, enable the effective use of AI and establish AI safety and security networks, enhance the digital knowledge and skills of the regional workforce, cultivate high-level technology experts and promote the use of technology within workplaces, and apply digital technologies to address environmental conservation and climate change challenges.
This technology exchange event provides new opportunities for technology entrepreneurs, experts, and enthusiastic students to connect. It allows domestic technological innovations to be recognized and showcased, and opens up opportunities to manufacture locally based electronic devices and ICT equipment. Technology is crucial for national development, and in line with the saying “Technology shapes the future,” the knowledge and experience gained from this event are believed to become a driving force for the country’s development.
gnlm
Global energy demand is increasing year by year, and according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, in 2025 it will rise by 2.2 per cent compared to 2024. At present, nine per cent of the world’s energy demand is being met by nuclear energy. It is also noted that under the World Net-Zero Carbon Emissions plan, programmes are being implemented to combine the use of renewable energy with nuclear energy.
In addition, nuclear technologies in agriculture support safer and more secure food production that is more resilient to climate change. Programmes such as mutation breeding have produced crop varieties resistant to drought, water scarcity, pests, and diseases. Likewise, sterile insect techniques, which prevent reproduction, have helped reduce the use of pesticides, while also protecting ecosystems and enabling sustainable harvests in the long term.
This collaboration has enabled Myanmar to begin developing its nuclear energy sector and lay the foundational groundwork for its advancement. As an initial step, Myanmar is working closely with ROSATOM to establish a small nuclear power plant. The country is striving to meet its growing electricity demand and provide power to small-scale industries as well as rural communities by peacefully utilizing nuclear power to generate electricity for the interests of the people and the nation.
Nuclear energy is also a form of green energy with low carbon emissions and can provide stable electricity. Radioisotopes and nuclear imaging technologies have transformed methods of disease detection and treatment. Early diagnosis of cancers and precise targeted therapies through radiotherapy have saved millions of lives each year and greatly improved the quality of life for countless people. Nuclear medicine is an example of how scientific knowledge can provide valuable services for humanity.
When nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes across various sectors, it brings numerous benefits to humanity, but it also has certain limitations. When using nuclear energy, it is necessary to systematically manage radioactive waste to avoid harming natural ecosystems, to prevent radiation leakage from nuclear materials, and to establish reliable safety measures in advance to ensure that nuclear accidents do not occur. Myanmar has been a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 1957 and has participated in the agency’s Technical Cooperation programmes.
Since 2022, Myanmar has signed memorandums of understanding with the Russian Federation and the state-owned nuclear corporation ROSATOM to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This collaboration has enabled Myanmar to begin developing its nuclear energy sector and lay the foundational groundwork for its advancement. As an initial step, Myanmar is working closely with ROSATOM to establish a small nuclear power plant. The country is striving to meet its growing electricity demand and provide power to small-scale industries as well as rural communities by peacefully utilizing nuclear power to generate electricity for the interests of the people and the nation.
Global energy demand is increasing year by year, and according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, in 2025 it will rise by 2.2 per cent compared to 2024. At present, nine per cent of the world’s energy demand is being met by nuclear energy. It is also noted that under the World Net-Zero Carbon Emissions plan, programmes are being implemented to combine the use of renewable energy with nuclear energy.
In addition, nuclear technologies in agriculture support safer and more secure food production that is more resilient to climate change. Programmes such as mutation breeding have produced crop varieties resistant to drought, water scarcity, pests, and diseases. Likewise, sterile insect techniques, which prevent reproduction, have helped reduce the use of pesticides, while also protecting ecosystems and enabling sustainable harvests in the long term.
This collaboration has enabled Myanmar to begin developing its nuclear energy sector and lay the foundational groundwork for its advancement. As an initial step, Myanmar is working closely with ROSATOM to establish a small nuclear power plant. The country is striving to meet its growing electricity demand and provide power to small-scale industries as well as rural communities by peacefully utilizing nuclear power to generate electricity for the interests of the people and the nation.
Nuclear energy is also a form of green energy with low carbon emissions and can provide stable electricity. Radioisotopes and nuclear imaging technologies have transformed methods of disease detection and treatment. Early diagnosis of cancers and precise targeted therapies through radiotherapy have saved millions of lives each year and greatly improved the quality of life for countless people. Nuclear medicine is an example of how scientific knowledge can provide valuable services for humanity.
When nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes across various sectors, it brings numerous benefits to humanity, but it also has certain limitations. When using nuclear energy, it is necessary to systematically manage radioactive waste to avoid harming natural ecosystems, to prevent radiation leakage from nuclear materials, and to establish reliable safety measures in advance to ensure that nuclear accidents do not occur. Myanmar has been a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 1957 and has participated in the agency’s Technical Cooperation programmes.
Since 2022, Myanmar has signed memorandums of understanding with the Russian Federation and the state-owned nuclear corporation ROSATOM to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This collaboration has enabled Myanmar to begin developing its nuclear energy sector and lay the foundational groundwork for its advancement. As an initial step, Myanmar is working closely with ROSATOM to establish a small nuclear power plant. The country is striving to meet its growing electricity demand and provide power to small-scale industries as well as rural communities by peacefully utilizing nuclear power to generate electricity for the interests of the people and the nation.