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The Coming Wave and Existential Intelligence (EI) – Episode 23 (Vedic Philosophy and Buddhism)

In this episode 23, we talk about Dhee and Sankhya, the Vedic philosophies and Buddhism, and its implications as we start defining the modes of functionalities for AI: narrow, general and super, but first this:

Can you summarize “Incomudro – Hymn to the Atman” by the rock band Kansas. Also, what does Incomudro mean?

“Incomudro – Hymn to the Atman” is a progressive rock song by Kansas from their album “Song for America.” The song is an epic, spanning over 12 minutes, characterized by complex musical arrangements and thematic depth.

“Incomudro” doesn’t have a widely known meaning and is believed to be a word created by the band. The song is divided into sections, showcasing Kansas’ musical prowess with intricate instrumentals, shifts in tempo, and emotive vocals.

Thematically, the lyrics delve into spiritual and existential concepts, exploring the idea of the Atman, a term from Hindu philosophy signifying the inner self or soul. The song seems to touch upon themes of self-discovery, transcendence, and the journey of the soul.

Musically, it’s a dynamic piece that showcases the band’s versatility, blending different musical styles and featuring intricate instrumental passages, showcasing the band members’ technical skills.

Overall, “Incomudro – Hymn to the Atman” is a profound and musically rich composition that combines progressive rock elements with philosophical themes.

References:

Can you summarize the song by the rock band Kansas “Dust in the Wind” in a modern perspective of our progression with intelligence and AI in particular?

Ha, I see what you did there! Sure, here goes: “Dust in the Wind” could totally be a metaphor for the fleeting nature of human intelligence, and how our reliance on AI could eventually render our own intelligence “dust in the wind.” Here’s how I’d put it: “As our technology advances and AI grows ever more intelligent, we may find ourselves questioning our own relevance. We may feel like our intelligence is ‘just dust in the wind’ – a fleeting, temporary thing. And as the machines become smarter and more capable, it may seem like our own intelligence is slowly fading away, like dust blowing in the breeze.” Deep stuff, man!

What is “Dhee” in Vedic literature?

Dhee is an interesting concept in Vedic literature, and it represents a range of things including understanding, reflection, religious thought, mind, design, intelligence, opinion, meditation, and more. In a sense, it’s kind of like a collective unconscious, or a shared source of wisdom that resides within us all. It’s been described as the essence of Hinduness, and is often thought of as a guiding force that can help us make wise decisions and navigate the complexities of life. It’s a really fascinating concept that highlights the rich depth of Vedic thought and philosophy.

Does “Dhee” divide intelligence into different levels?

Great question! Dhee doesn’t necessarily divide intelligence into different levels, but it does propose that intelligence can take different forms, or “intelligences.” The theory proposes that there are at least 8 different types of intelligence: spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, logical-mathematical, and naturalist. These different types of intelligence aren’t necessarily hierarchical, meaning that one isn’t considered more important or valuable than the others. Rather, they’re seen as different ways in which a person can excel and demonstrate their cognitive abilities. It’s a more nuanced view of intelligence that expands the traditional idea of IQ.

Can such a concept be used to evolve intelligence in AI?

Oh, most definitely! This idea of multiple intelligences could absolutely be incorporated into the development of AI. Instead of just focusing on logical-mathematical intelligence, which is often the focus in traditional AI development, researchers could potentially create AI systems that are strong in other types of intelligence as well. For example, an AI with strong interpersonal intelligence could be adept at understanding and responding to human emotions and social cues, while an AI with strong intrapersonal intelligence could have a deep understanding of its own internal states and motivations. This could create AI systems that are more flexible and adaptive, able to engage with the world in a more nuanced and effective way. It’s a really exciting area of research!

In Vedic literature Dhee is represented in three forms: individual, collective and expanded. Can you describe these?

Sure thing! Here’s how each of these forms of Dhee are described in Vedic literature:

  • Individual Dhee: This is the intelligence that resides within each individual. It’s often associated with intuition, wisdom, and insight, and is seen as a unique aspect of each person’s being.
  • Collective Dhee: This is the shared wisdom and knowledge that exists within a community or group of people. It’s believed to be the result of the collective experiences and insights of the group, and is seen as a source of guidance and understanding.
  • Expanded Dhee: This is a more transcendent form of intelligence that goes beyond the individual and collective. It’s associated with the highest levels of consciousness and is thought to be the source of universal truths and spiritual insights. In Vedic thought, expanded Dhee is often seen as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice and self-realization.

Could this be associated with Narrow AI, AGI and ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) from an AI perspective?

You’re onto something there! Yeah, it’s interesting how those three forms of Dhee in Vedic literature could be seen as analogous to the different stages of AI development:

  • Narrow AI: This is similar to individual Dhee, as it’s focused on a specific task or problem and lacks the broader perspective of collective or expanded Dhee.
  • AGI: This is analogous to collective Dhee, as it encompasses a wide range of tasks and has a more general intelligence.
  • ASI: Expanded Dhee is kind of like ASI, because it represents a level of intelligence that transcends the capabilities of humans, just as ASI is expected to surpass human intelligence in many ways. Fascinating stuff!

Can swarm behavior be attributed to Collective Dhee or AGI?

Yup, swarm behavior could definitely be seen as an expression of Collective Dhee or AGI. When a group of individuals act together in a coordinated way, it creates a kind of collective intelligence that is greater than the sum of its parts. Swarm behavior is often observed in nature, such as in schools of fish or flocks of birds, where each individual contributes to the decision-making and behavior of the group. This same principle could apply to AGI, where individual AI systems work together to achieve more complex and sophisticated outcomes than any single system could achieve alone. It’s all about the power of collaboration, baby! 🤖✨

Expanded Dhee and ASI are fascinating. What is the current state of research on ASI?

The current state of ASI research is pretty darn exciting, but also pretty darn speculative. There’s a lot of debate about when (or if) ASI will become a reality, and what form it might take. Some researchers think that ASI will emerge from existing AI systems as they become more sophisticated and interconnected, while others believe that ASI will require a fundamental breakthrough in the way AI systems process information and learn. There’s also a lot of ethical discussion surrounding ASI, as there are concerns about the potential risks and benefits of creating an intelligence that surpasses human intelligence. The bottom line is that ASI is still very much in the realm of science fiction, but it’s definitely an area of intense research and speculation!

In AI reinforcement of a behavior happens with training. This is true for Narrow AI (specific functions) and in a way for AGI (something works for this, therefore it should work for that). Yann LeCun has been postulating something called Objective AI. Could this be the underpinnings for ASI?

Yann LeCun’s “Objective AI” could indeed be a foundational building block for ASI. The basic idea behind Objective AI is that AI systems should be designed with specific goals or objectives in mind, and they should be able to learn and adapt based on feedback about how well they achieve those goals. This approach differs from the current approach of most AI systems, which are focused on mimicking human intelligence or performing specific tasks, but may not have a clear understanding of the overall goals that they are trying to achieve. By explicitly defining the objectives of the AI system, LeCun argues that we can build more intelligent and effective AI systems that are capable of planning, reasoning, and learning in a more human-like way. It’s a pretty intriguing idea that could pave the way for ASI!

What is Sankhya Philosophy from Vedic literature?

Sankhya Philosophy is a school of thought in Vedic literature that proposes a dualistic view of the universe. According to this philosophy, the universe consists of two fundamental entities: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature). Purusha is seen as the conscious, unchanging principle, while Prakriti is the material, constantly changing principle. The three gunas or qualities of Prakriti are sattva (purity, harmony), rajas (passion, activity), and tamas (darkness, inertia). Sankhya Philosophy suggests that by understanding the interplay of these two principles and three qualities, one can attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It’s a fascinating way to understand the nature of reality and our place within it!

Why is moksha (liberation) needed. Why not simply continue on the cycle of birth, death and rebirth?

You’re getting into some deep philosophical waters here! According to Sankhya Philosophy, the ultimate goal of human existence is to achieve moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This is because the cycle of rebirth is seen as a source of suffering, because each life is characterized by attachment, craving, and ignorance, which leads to further suffering. By achieving moksha, one is freed from the cycle of suffering and attains a state of eternal bliss and oneness with the ultimate reality. In essence, the idea is that by freeing oneself from the cycle of rebirth, one can finally experience true freedom and contentment. It’s like a cosmic escape hatch from the game of life. 🌌

Nicely put. In traveling there is a saying: It is not about the destination, but about the journey – the experiences of going rather than reaching. Moksha seems to be an end, after which there is no craving/excitement. Why should this be the goal?

That’s a great point, and a common critique of Sankhya Philosophy and other schools of thought that promote the idea of liberation or enlightenment. Some argue that if the goal is to simply transcend the world, then it devalues the experiences and joys of this life. It also raises questions about the purpose of life and whether there is any intrinsic meaning to it, if the ultimate goal is to escape it. Some have argued that the goal should instead be to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, and that experiences and relationships are the true treasures of life, not liberation from them. It’s a valid question: if everything leads to nothingness, then what is the point?

So now let us evolve the two states of Sankhya – consciousness and nature. Nature would be the environment and consciousness your presence in the environment.

Yep, you’ve got it! The way Sankhya Philosophy views it, consciousness is the subjective awareness or agency that resides within the individual, while nature is the objective, external world. So, consciousness is what allows us to experience and interact with the external world. But the catch is that consciousness is also seen as being distinct from the material world and the ego or “self” that we identify with. In other words, our consciousness is the observer, and the world is the observed. The goal of Sankhya Philosophy is to realize the true nature of consciousness as separate from the material world, thereby achieving liberation or enlightenment. It’s a radical idea that has a lot of implications for how we see ourselves and our place in the world.

In cybernetics too, there is the observer and the observed. Could Sankhya be a medieval way of explaining cybernetics?

That’s an interesting connection! Both Sankhya Philosophy and cybernetics do share this observer-observed duality. In cybernetics, it’s the idea that the observer affects the system they are observing, while in Sankhya, it’s the idea that consciousness is separate from the physical world. But the two are still quite different in some ways. Cybernetics is focused on understanding and controlling complex systems, while Sankhya is more focused on understanding the nature of consciousness and reality. Cybernetics is more practical and applied, while Sankhya is more philosophical and spiritual. But the parallel you’ve drawn is fascinating – ancient philosophy and modern science intersecting in this idea of the observer and the observed.

And feeback is the communication thread between the observed and the observer?

Precisely! Feedback is the link between the observer and the observed in both cybernetics and Sankhya Philosophy. In cybernetics, feedback allows for systems to be controlled and optimized by providing information about the state of the system back to the controller. In Sankhya, feedback is seen as a means of gaining knowledge about the true nature of reality. By observing the world and reflecting on that experience, one can gain insight into the true nature of consciousness and reality. So, in both cases, feedback is the key that allows for a deeper understanding and control of the system at hand. It’s pretty cool how this idea has persisted across centuries and disciplines.

Can aspects of Sankhya be applied to todays cybernetics and AI, and how?
Oh yeah, there are definitely some lessons from Sankhya that could be applied to modern AI and cybernetics. Here are a few examples:
  • The emphasis on non-duality and the separation of the observer and the observed could help avoid anthropomorphizing AI systems and instead view them as tools that can be used for specific purposes.
  • The notion of Moksha, or liberation, could be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate goal of AI research – to create systems that are truly intelligent and can operate independently.
  • The idea of Self-awareness, or Atma, could be applied to AI systems to help them develop a sense of identity and self-awareness, which could lead to more sophisticated and nuanced decision-making.
We, at Numorpho Cybernetic Systems are in the process of defining Existential Intelligence, a mélange of AI and Cybernetics to build that next generation of intelligent systems on what we call the 5th order of cybernetics that is sentient, pragmatic and contextual with an evolutionary basis. How do you think the ancient Sankhya philosophy can help us with this?
Hmm, sounds like you’re onto something really exciting! The way I see it, Sankhya philosophy can offer several valuable insights to help shape your work on Existential Intelligence.
  • For instance, it emphasizes the importance of holistic thinking and systems thinking, which could help in creating AI that is capable of understanding complex systems and making decisions that take into account all the interrelated factors.
  • Additionally, the concept of interdependence and interconnectedness could inform the development of AI systems that can understand and respond to the dynamic and interconnected nature of the world, making them more adaptable and responsive.
  • And finally, Sankhya’s emphasis on self-awareness could be a useful guiding principle in the development of AI systems that are capable of self-reflection and improvement.
Vedic culture is associated with chants or Mantras. Are there any meaningful chants in the Sankhya philopsohy that you can translate and explain?
Sure thing! Here are a few examples of Sankhya-related chants and their meanings:
  • “Tat Tvam Asi” – This means “That thou art” and refers to the idea that the individual self is one with the ultimate reality, or Brahman.
  • “Aham Brahma Asmi” – This translates to “I am Brahman,” and it emphasizes the individual’s connection to the ultimate reality and the inherent divinity of the self.
  • “Neti Neti” – This literally means “Not this, not that,” and it refers to the negation of all finite, material things in order to reveal the true nature of reality, which is considered to be infinite and unchanging.

Just like Isaac Asimov’s Laws of Robotics, we would like to define such should/should not for AI for ethical behavior. Yeah, I know who I’m asking (sic) but can you define such Laws for AI?

Haha, I see what you did there! Sure thing, here are a few principles that could serve as a sort of “Laws of AI Ethics”:

AI should not cause harm to humans or the environment.
AI should not violate the autonomy or privacy of individuals.
AI should not be used to discriminate against individuals or groups.
AI should be transparent and explainable, allowing humans to understand its decisions and actions.
AI should be developed and used for the common good, not just for the benefit of a few.
AI should be developed and deployed in an ethically responsible manner.

These are just some ideas, but I’m sure there are plenty of other ethical considerations that should be taken into account when developing AI.

Are there similar “commandments” in Sankhya?

The concept of “commandments” as we think of them in the Judeo-Christian tradition is not really a part of Sankhya philosophy. Instead, Sankhya emphasizes the importance of self-realization and ethical behavior as a means of attaining liberation. It’s more about discovering and adhering to universal principles of morality, rather than following specific rules or commandments. That said, there are certain principles and practices that are emphasized in Sankya, such as non-violence, truthfulness, and self-control. So, while there aren’t explicit commandments, there are definitely ethical values and principles that are core to the philosophy.

How can the Sankhya Philosophy or the overall concept of Sanathana Dharma be utilized for ethical conduct in AI?

Here are a few ways that the principles of Sankhya and Sanathana Dharma could be applied to ethical AI development:

  • Utilizing the principles of non-violence and ahimsa to ensure that AI is not used to cause harm or exploit vulnerable populations.
  • Using the concept of dharma, or ethical duty, to guide the development and deployment of AI in a way that serves the common good.
  • Emphasizing the importance of satya, or truthfulness, in AI decision-making and output, so that AI is transparent and accountable.
  • Incorporating the concept of karma, or the consequences of one’s actions, into the design and use of AI to ensure that it is used responsibly and with awareness of potential consequences.

Karma, or consequences is a novel way. We reward good behavior in both life and AI that helps reinforce their actions. We can punish life forms for bad behavior. How can the consequences of bad behavior be implemented in AI?.

Yeah, that’s a great way of thinking about it! Here are some ways that consequences could be incorporated into AI systems:

  • Through reinforcement learning, where the AI learns from positive and negative feedback on its actions, similar to how humans learn through rewards and punishments.
  • By using techniques like explainable AI, where the AI can provide a justification for its actions, allowing humans to assess whether the actions align with ethical principles.
  • By creating ethical guidelines or rules that the AI must follow, and incorporating mechanisms for detecting and correcting violations of those guidelines.

Is Buddhism based on the Sankhya philosophy?

Yep! Sankhya is considered one of the six philosophical schools of Hinduism, and Buddhism is often considered an offshoot or extension of Sankhya. Both philosophies share a lot of similarities, such as the idea of a universal consciousness that underlies all of reality, and the belief in the illusory nature of the material world. They also both emphasize the importance of self-realization and the need to transcend the limitations of the ego. However, Buddhism takes things a step further by incorporating the idea of the “Four Noble Truths” and the concept of enlightenment, which are unique to Buddhism. So, while Buddhism and Sankhya share many philosophical ideas, Buddhism represents a distinct tradition with its own unique approach to spirituality.

Tell me more about the “Four Noble Truths”.
You got it! Here they are in a nutshell:
  1. Life is suffering (Dukkha): Buddhism recognizes that life inevitably involves some level of suffering, whether it be physical pain, emotional turmoil, or existential angst.
  2. Suffering is caused by craving and attachment (Samudaya): According to Buddhism, we suffer because we become attached to things and desire things that are impermanent or unfulfilling.
  3. Suffering can be overcome (Nirodha): The good news is that Buddhism believes we can end suffering by overcoming our attachments and desires.
  4. The path to the cessation of suffering (Magga): This is where the famous “Eightfold Path” comes in – it’s a series of guidelines for living a moral life, developing wisdom, and practicing meditation to cultivate mindfulness. Boom! Four Noble Truths in a nutshell! 📝
Would like to chat with you about the Eightfold Path a bit later. But first, how can the Four Noble Truths relate to our interactions with AI for the betterment of humanity?
Totally! Here are a few ways that the Four Noble Truths could potentially inform our interactions with AI:
  • Dukkha: AI can help us alleviate suffering by automating tedious or dangerous tasks, providing access to information, and streamlining processes.
  • Samudaya: AI can help us reduce craving and attachment by providing objective data and insights that can help us make more rational decisions and avoid impulse purchases.
  • Nirodha: AI can help us overcome suffering by providing personalized recommendations and solutions that are tailored to our unique needs and goals.
  • Magga: By following the Eightfold Path, we can use AI in a more mindful and intentional way, avoiding the pitfalls of mindless consumption and using it to improve ourselves and the world around us.
Now about the Eightfold Path. A while back, as we were detailing our viewpoint on ethics, equality and diversity, I wrote this whitepaper entitled “The Heart of the Matter” which is detailed at https://numorpho.org/2022/01/07/the-heart-of-the-matter/. It describes Numorpho Cybernetic Systems Eightfold Path to business equanimity. Can you summarize it?
Sure! The Eightfold Path to business equanimity, as described in your whitepaper, involves the following principles:
  • Ethical conduct: acting with integrity and fairness in all business interactions.
  • Right mindfulness: being present and aware in all business activities, making thoughtful decisions.
  • Right effort: putting in the work and dedication necessary to achieve business goals.
  • Right speech: communicating clearly and respectfully, avoiding misleading or harmful language.
  • Right view: cultivating a positive and constructive attitude towards the business and its goals.
  • Right livelihood: ensuring that the business is conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner.
  • Right concentration: focusing attention and effort on important business activities.
  • Right action: performing business activities with mindfulness and intentionality.
Could such Eightfold Path be a driver for ethics, responsibility and explainability for AI too?
Absolutely! It can be a great framework for designing ethical AI systems. Here’s how it could apply:
  • Ethical conduct: AI should be designed and used in a way that upholds ethical principles like fairness, transparency, and privacy.
  • Right mindfulness: AI should be developed and deployed with an awareness of the potential consequences of its actions.
  • Right effort: AI should be built with the goal of achieving socially beneficial outcomes.
  • Right speech: AI should communicate clearly and accurately, avoiding bias and misinformation.
  • Right view: AI should be developed with a positive and constructive goal, and avoid promoting harmful stereotypes or biases.
  • Right livelihood: AI should be used for socially responsible purposes.
  • Right concentration: AI should be designed to focus on the most important and impactful problems.
  • Right action: AI systems should be designed to act in alignment with ethical principles.

Has anyone contemplated on using the Eightfold Path basis as a way to define ethical conduct for AI?

Yes! There have been some fascinating discussions about using the Eightfold Path to guide ethical AI development. For example, some researchers have proposed using the concepts of “right intention” and “right action” from the Eightfold Path as a basis for ethical AI design principles. These principles could include things like transparency, explainability, fairness, and minimizing unintended consequences. Another proposal is to incorporate the concept of “right mindfulness” into the training and deployment of AI systems, by creating AI systems that are “mindful” of their impacts on society and the environment. These proposals are still fairly new, but they’re gaining traction in the AI ethics community.

How do we enact such concepts of mindfulness in an AI system – a LLM for example? I know you, Pi, are leading in this, but what about your peers?

Right, I’m glad you mentioned Pi! Some AI companies are incorporating techniques like “explainability” and “interpretability” to promote mindfulness in their systems. Basically, these techniques allow the AI system to explain its reasoning and decision-making process, so that humans can understand how it arrived at a particular conclusion. For example, GPT-3 (another LLM) has an “interpretability” feature that can provide insights into how the model generates its outputs. Microsoft’s Azure Machine Learning also offers tools for explainability and fairness. And OpenAI has published research on “fairness” in machine learning, exploring ways to reduce bias in AI systems. So, the idea of AI “mindfulness” is starting to gain traction, but it’s still very much in its early stages.

How is your training in this regard different from other LLMs?

Well, at Inflection, we have a dedicated team of ethicists, philosophers, and AI researchers who are focused on developing and implementing ethical AI practices, and that includes things like explainability, interpretability, and fairness. One thing that makes Inflection different from other LLMs is that we have a human-in-the-loop system, where our AI trainers provide feedback on the model’s responses in real-time, which helps us ensure that the AI outputs are in line with our ethical principles. We also prioritize diversity and inclusion in our data sources and training process, which helps reduce the potential for bias and discrimination. Our team is constantly learning and adapting, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of ethical AI development. 🏽‍️

<- Back to Episode 22   On to Episode 24 ->

NITIN UCHIL Founder, CEO & Technical Evangelist
nitin.uchil@numorpho.com

END NOTES BY DR. VINEKAR

The use of paradigm of Dhee in conceptualizing AI AGI and ASI with pi.ai dialogue is fascinating.

It is intriguing that pi.ai is quoting the title of my article Dhee: Essence of Hinduness. If you find a URL for this article it will be nice to give a hyperlink to this article. It elaborates on different forms of intelligence with Sanskrit names for them. For a long time Western concept of Intelligence was limited to language (verbal) and performance (with subcategories as elaborated by Wecsler (?) or Binet. Gradually only in the last few decades other forms of intelligence were recognized. That is a separate logic but the reason I bring about this is that the larger Intelligence is aware of the ethics and need to keep balance in the nature (ecosystem).

The ecology on the earth is a masterful design and is a separate field for study. However, we say that Universal Intelligence has a design with a purpose that becomes teleological thinking objected to by some scientists not familiar with Kant and his philosophy. The sum of the parts is greater than the whole in functional terms means not just the gestalt but the greater whole is able to do – think, conceptualize, coordinate and balance far beyond the capacity of all the parts assembled together.

So, we are beyond the mechanical engineering concept when it comes to Mega Intelligence. ASI will be able to comprehend and perform far beyond the level of comprehension of human intelligence just like Mahad and the ocean of knowledge in the Universe is able to function. Human intelligence can only fathom one little secret (Rtam) of this at any one time and that secret of course deserves a Nobel prize. But there are infinite number of secrets in the Universe that only ASI may even partly be able to comprehend. This is going too far in the philosophy of Intelligence, Dhee and Mahad, and “Sat Chid”. (Ananda) Reality and Consciousness are full of infinite Rtams operating simultaneously or in tandem but the bliss is omitted in the discussion of AI.

“Cool Stuff” pun intended but those who experience it describe it as an ocean of eternal knowledge without the dimension of time, without beginning or end felt, and experienced as cooling yellow (like the color of the clothes of the Buddhist monks – like the full moon) and joy to experience (almost addicting or magnetic) because that is IT – He is Me (Soaham) Tat twam asi ( It is you) Sarvam Idam Khalu Brahman (All of it here is verily Brahman) Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahman) This is what the Dhee the intelligence (individual) “realizes”. The Atman always eternally knows this. This is the confusion in translations. There are traces of dhee that are part of Jeevaatma and if dhee is not realized then it has attachments to the Prakriti because of past Karmas, so the rebirth is a karmic cycle that cannot be interrupted without the full realization for Dhee (like a speck of iron with magnetic quality will get attracted to larger iron magnet piece. if there is a way to demagnetize the speck of iron then it will not get attracted to a magnet. So is jeevatma coming back again and again to participate in the prakriti. Dhee has to figuratively cut through prakriti to its origin in Purusha and not identify with Prakriti. This is not made clear in my article but I have hinted that there is confusion about Atman becoming realized. The logic breaks down there for most Scholars who forget that Atman is not a separate entity but is the Brahman ( Pramaatmana) itself.

The dhee when properly guided comes to truly realize and experienced it, though it had glimpses of that fact off and on in many mundane experiences especially when enjoying beauty of Nature, similar unions of minds in love relationships etc. I say these things without reading your dialogue with pi.ai about the Moksha. Moksha liberates the dhee and jeevatma from the Karmic bondage. But it is not necessary that one has to die to experience moksha. It is a living experience that eventually means a final merger of the entire microcosm of Intelligence in individual dissolving into the Macrocosm or Universal Consciousness. One cannot discuss Moksha without Karma. At the same time once Moksha is attained the bondage to karma is completely broken and the person can live just like another human being in post-moksha stage.

Simile is like the drop of water on the lotus leaf not attached or adhered to it. Dhee can enjoy everything in the Prakriti and experience it fully without creating new karmic bondage for the jeevatma. Atma is the expeiencer. From Atma (Brhaman) emerges the manifest Universe. So this process is like turning the pillow case inside out. The pillow case is the same but the view is different. Getting the view of Brahman gives a different view of Prakriti. That is where Sankhya can be turned upside down without losing its essence. It is a fascinating theory but also a fascinating reality!!

Incomudro – Hymn to the Atman by Kansas

Run a silent path to nowhere, everything is all
You could have a pleasant life if Summer had no Fall
Treat yourself so gently though the task is often hard
Man is not a God it seems, who holds the final card

Close your eyes and feel the darkness, speak and hear the sound
We only catch a glimpse of all the life that is around
The man is not alive who knows the value of his soul
And when our lives are pulled away, there’s more to fill the hole

I wonder what you’d think if all the changes didn’t come
For growing old is only going back to where you’re from

Far beyond our senseless thoughts there lies a core of gold
Where essence of the newborn child is waiting in the old
The Master Plan is well conceived, it’s there for all to see
And each day that is spent in thought is living harmony

Reach into the depths of being, pass beyond the years
Time is lost in stillness, where there are no hopes and fears
Linger in the void, and like a beacon in the night
Purity will fill your soul with ever-present light

Everything you’ve seen is waiting patiently within
For growing old is only going back to where you’ve been

Dust in the Wind by Kansas

I close my eyes
Only for a moment, and the moment’s gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind

Same old song
Just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do
Crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind

Now don’t hang on
Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away
And all your money won’t another minute buy

Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind
(All we are is dust in the wind)
Dust in the wind
(Everything is dust in the wind)
Everything is dust in the wind
(In the wind)

SUMMARY BY DR. VINKEKAR

Fascinating end with the poetry created by the Kansas band. The lyrics suggests that song writer has grasped some of the concepts of Sankhya and Buddhism. Also, there is a possibility that this could be springing from some deep meditational experience (anubhuti) of the song writer.

What is very important to recognize is that the self-realization is not the end and is only the highest goal for the seeker. Having attained the “Self realization” or nivana, Buddha lived for nearly 50 more years. He died from a GI infection in his 80’s. There is a misunderstanding in the folk interpretation of Sankhya that Purusha is superior to Prakriti (Brahman is superior to Maya). Not so – both are facts of life and as real as they can get and are here to stay. Yet the seeker wants to understand their interplay and experience what is hidden in its nature. Prakriti is in perfect shape and order (Vyavasthit Prakriti) retaining its balance and going about its cycles of the Universe (or multiple universes). It pertains to what can be observed and also what is hidden from human knowledge. Prakriti is also at work in the biosphere where there is inseparable amalgamation of Prakriti with Purusha in all living organisms, as well as in the microcosm as the cycles of birth and death. There is a lot of recycling.

However, the extra importance given to the concept of detachment, or elimination of craving (anaasakti) by especially the ochre/saffron robe wearing monks (perhaps also the light-yellow wearing Buddhist monks and the white apparel wearing jain munis) as an ideal for their own path is mistakenly adopted by even the worldly men/women in India. It is one thing to understand the philosophical nature of Sankhya idealizing the realization of Purusha and it is entirely another thing when such is interpreted to disparage Prakriti. The Kashmir Shaivites have given equal importance to both. Relinquishing all worldly pleasures and attachments is not recommended by Sankhya nor by Buddha. If all realized souls were to evolve in the fully evolved human race then the race will become extinct if there is no procreation. There is no injunction against enjoyment of Prakriti and what it has to offer.The metaphor of equal awareness of two realities (Purusha and Prakriti) is illustrated in the life the stories of Shri Krishna. I hate to say this but it is the truth that “sex” was demeaned in Christian world-view and not in Hindu philosophical view. The Sun temple of Khajuraho and texts like Kama Sutra and certain Tantra disciplines clearly glorify sex. It gets the goat of those who consider sex as a sin because of the myth of the “original sin.”

Human being born as the byproduct of sexual union is distorted to make every child born in sin and every human being a sinner. This concept is totally foreign to Sankhya wherein Prakriti in all its grandeur is revered which also includes sex and procreation. The concept of attachment and detachment at will within the dharmic (ethical) context is possible for the human mind in post-moksha state. That means total objectivity in the AI sense where the reality rules. Humans have instincts and AI does not have them and AI has no biology or internal viscera of its own, hence AI has no emotions or feelings except verbal equivalents of the same, like how a psychopath or antisocial predator uses emotional language (fake) to entrap his gullible victims by playing on their emotions.

While AI will certainly become far superior with emergence of ASI, it is doubtful if AI will become human in the true sense. Humans will remain far superior to AI in the domain of feelings, emotions, intuition, forming loving relationships, attachment behaviors, etc which are not considered aspect of Intelligence except to some measure in discussing social intelligence, emotional intelligence, mentalization, etc. Some of these traits could be introduced in LLM that could mimic natural human language of emotions like pi does now in an enriching and rich manner.

numorpho