Collaborative Notes from the Lecture by Venerable Heng Sure: “Where Is Humanity in the Age of AI?”

Jointly written by first-year students from the Program of Physics and Medical Informatics, College of Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University

I. Selected Reflections

Venerable Heng Sure opened the lecture by singing “Satisfied Mind” while playing the guitar. As I listened, I felt as if I were standing in a golden wheat field, bathed in sunlight, with the music lingering gently in the air. In the end, technology is still an emotionless tool, and spending more time with family and friends feels far more meaningful.

When I first heard that a monk would be giving the lecture, I wondered whether it would be a religious ceremony or a regular talk. I did not expect such depth, live guitar music, and a foreign monk as the speaker. Next time, a larger venue should be chosen—the space was far too limited!

What impressed me the most was Venerable Heng Sure’s beautiful singing voice. His smooth transitions and live performance added a special charm to the lecture. Unlike my original impression of monks as solemn figures, he spoke with humor and showed great language ability, which I truly admire. The only regret was that the venue was too crowded, preventing many interested people from attending.

We should not forget our roots. We should feel the world with our hearts and cherish what is in front of us. Technology has blinded us with convenience—empty hearts, forgotten phone numbers. How long has it been since we truly talked to one another? Are we using technology, or is technology controlling us? We should use technology to learn more, improve ourselves, and find purpose in life—not be deceived by a “perfect” world.

Listening to the singing brought a deep sense of calm, as if a large hand were gently embracing me. It was also my first time hearing monks discuss AI and humanity, which felt fresh and thought-provoking. When Venerable Heng Sure said, “People through people become people,” it highlighted the importance of human connection and reminded me not to lose this ability in an AI-driven society. It was a deeply inspiring lecture.

Through stories, the speakers guided us to reflect on how humanity and ethics should be positioned amid rapid technological development. They shared perspectives on balancing AI applications and human emotion, prompting me to rethink whether technological progress affects our values and relationships.

At first, I assumed the lecture would be boring because the speakers were monks, but it turned out to be completely different from my expectations. Their discussion of AI through the lens of human nature was fascinating and meaningful. No wonder the venue was overcrowded—standing throughout the lecture was tiring, but absolutely worth it.

Although AI has replaced human labor in some areas and made life more convenient, it can never replace our humanity. Emotions, creativity, moral judgment, social connections, and free will keep us irreplaceable in a digital world.

This lecture was closely related to our major, and I gained a lot from it. At first, I wondered why monks were invited to speak on AI, but later I realized they might be the most qualified to answer such questions. I hope there will be more lectures like this in the future.

In today’s AI-driven era, technology helps society develop, but humans often focus more on fear than possibility. Like the discovery of fire—fire caused disasters but also improved life—human history has always progressed through technological change. Humanity will not disappear because of technology.

After listening to the lecture, I gained a deeper understanding of the topic “Where Is Humanity in the Age of AI?” Venerable Heng Sure reminded us, through Buddhist wisdom, that no matter how advanced technology becomes, human values must never be ignored. He emphasized compassion and wisdom, encouraging mindfulness and ethical reflection in the use of AI.

The lecture also explored inner cultivation, stress management, and spiritual reflection through Zen practice. The atmosphere was warm and interactive, and participants showed strong interest during the Q&A session.

I deeply felt the practical value of Buddhist wisdom in modern life. The idea of “looking inward and letting go of attachment” inspired me to improve my quality of life and inner peace.

Editorial Note (Supplement by Professor Hsueh Fu-Ching)

AI can only achieve partial anthropomorphism by processing large amounts of human-input data to simulate decision-making and prediction—functions associated with the sixth consciousness. However, AI cannot operate at deeper levels of life consciousness, such as the seventh and eighth consciousness related to ego attachment and karmic seeds. Therefore, AI cannot transform or purify the human mind-body state.

II. Collaborative Discussion Observations

Venerable Jin Wei raised the question: “Can AI solve loneliness, or does it amplify it?”
While AI can add convenience and entertainment, it cannot replace spiritual interaction. True human warmth and connection remain irreplaceable.

Many discussions focus on AI ethics and morality, yet “humanity” is often overlooked because it is harder to define. However, this lecture helped me realize that humanity is the core value that must not be ignored.

AI can never replace a warm hug or a sincere greeting. Technology is only a tool—humanity is the foundation of life.

The image of monks from different countries wearing robes, playing guitar, and singing English songs created a powerful cross-dimensional cultural moment. I also learned the concept of “AI and the Sixth Consciousness,” emphasizing ethical thinking in AI development.

Several speakers highlighted concerns about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and fairness, stressing the importance of ethical boundaries in AI use.

Conclusion

While AI brings great convenience, it also raises challenges and ethical concerns. Human value should not be weakened as AI replaces traditional jobs. Humanity lies not only in logic and efficiency, but in emotion, creativity, and moral responsibility.

We must learn to coexist with AI—treating it as a tool, not a threat—while establishing ethical frameworks to ensure technology serves humanity as a whole.

This lecture, uniquely combining Eastern and Western perspectives through Buddhist ethics, reminded us that AI may simulate intimacy, but we must not become addicted to it, just as with social media.

In closing remarks, Dean Wang Hsin-Hui emphasized that humanity continues to exist as long as we remain attentive to human relationships and self-reflection. President Lan Yi-Jen highlighted Fu Jen’s holistic education curriculum, which integrates AI ethics and sustainability to prepare students for a responsible future.

Venerable Heng Sure concluded with a story about a student who reconnected with her mother after ten years through a simple assignment—demonstrating that while AI can replace calculation and labor, it can never replace human warmth.