What Matters Most? Living Wisely in the Age of AI

8 hours ago
3 min read

What Matters Most?

Living Wisely in the Age of AI

Dear Friend,

I recently attended the Buddhism and AI Conference, where scholars, technologists, and Buddhist practitioners gathered to explore what wisdom traditions might offer in this rapidly changing time.

I spoke on two panels. The first examined attention—how the attention economy increasingly shapes what we notice, how we think, and ultimately who we become. Buddhist practice reminds us that attention is not merely a resource to be captured: what we repeatedly attend to inclines the mind and shapes the heart.

The second panel explored karma and agency in the age of AI. Karma is sometimes misunderstood as fate, but the Buddha taught it as a path of empowered choice: our intentions and actions in this moment help condition what becomes possible in the next. AI systems, too, arise within vast networks of human choices, incentives, and assumptions. They can amplify our collective greed, aversion, and delusion—but they can also be shaped by wisdom, compassion, and ethical restraint.

Amid the speed and uncertainty of this moment, I keep returning to a simple truth: we may outsource many tasks to technology, but we cannot outsource the responsibility of deciding what is worthy of our finite human lives.

This is one reason the contemplation of mortality feels especially important now. Remembering that our time is limited can clarify what matters, restore our agency, and help us live with greater purpose, courage, and love.

From October 26–31, I will once again offer Befriending Mortality: Mindfulness of Death (Maraṇasati) Practices to Cultivate Insight, Presence, Compassion, and Meaning at Spirit Rock. I teach this retreat only every other year, and for the first time, it will be offered both on land and online, making the retreat accessible to those who cannot travel to Spirit Rock.

This is one of the retreats closest to my heart. Open to all ages and stages of practice, it invites us to meet mortality not as something to be feared, but as a profound gateway to living more fully and joyfully. Through the practice of maraṇasati, mindfulness of death, we learn to align with our deepest values, embrace life’s impermanence, and cultivate a peaceful readiness for both life and death.

I will be teaching on land with John Martin and Kodo Conlin, with Frank Ostaseski—founder of the Zen Hospice Project and a beloved pioneer in compassionate end-of-life care—joining us as a special guest. Jeanne Corrigal will lovingly hold the dedicated online cohort. Continuing Education credits are also available for healthcare professionals.

I warmly invite you to join us, either at Spirit Rock or from home.

Looking forward to practicing together in this finite, precious human life.

With care, Nikki

P.S. For those interested in exploring the wider conversation about Buddhism and AI, links to the conference agenda and recorded talks are below.