Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-Being
Opinions on AI vary widely, and the conversation continues to evolve alongside the technology. I started using ChatGPT early on, primarily for research, and occasionally for productivity or mood support. Now, AI is even being used for therapy—but I suspect it falls short for deeper work.
For those unsure or skeptical about AI, Deepak Chopra’s 2024 book offers an intriguing perspective. He was introduced to AI by a tech-savvy friend and soon found it enhancing his creative process. One notable instance was AI translating his content into Hindi, complete with accurate lip movements—what he calls a “miracle in the machine.”
Chopra, a prolific author with over 90 books and named by Time as one of the “top 100 heroes and icons of the century,” explores AI’s role in expanding consciousness and well-being. His enthusiasm for this potential is evident.
AI and Chopra’s Business Model
One advantage for Chopra is that AI has indexed all his work into an interactive library at DeepakChopra.ai. I tested it out and initially accessed it for free, but when I asked about Chopra’s motivations, a paywall appeared—$1 a day, $3 a week, or $6 a month. This suggests a business angle alongside his spiritual mission, which isn’t surprising given his openness about monetization.
Key Takeaways from Digital Dharma
Chopra’s book provides practical insights on using AI effectively for personal growth:
- Crafting Strong Prompts: Unlike human conversations, AI responds best to detailed queries. For example, you can instruct it to answer as if it were an expert in Vedic spirituality or a psychologist. AI can also refine responses based on feedback.
- AI as a Spiritual Guide: Each chapter includes an AI as Guru section, where Chopra prompts AI for guided meditations or wisdom from spiritual teachers. This could be a helpful tool for seekers.
- Troubleshooting Human Challenges: AI can outline common spiritual and emotional struggles, then suggest tailored solutions. For example, you can ask, “What are the consequences of trauma?” and then, “For me specifically, what are the best ways to heal?”
- Creating Personalized Growth Plans: AI can assist in mapping out paths for personal or spiritual development, offering structured steps.
- Meta Questions for Deeper Insights: Some growth challenges are complex. AI can help by responding to prompts like, “What response is most evolutionary for me?” or “How can I trust my intuition?”
AI’s Role in Writing and Editing
Critics argue AI-generated content lacks depth, but I see value in AI-assisted editing. Recently, I used AI to refine a blog post. What would have taken 1–2 hours manually was streamlined in minutes. AI maintained my voice, improved clarity, and even formatted the text. It was an unexpected but welcome efficiency boost.
Final Thoughts
Chopra’s Digital Dharma is a thought-provoking guide to integrating AI into spiritual and personal development. Whether you fully embrace AI or remain cautious, this book offers a unique perspective worth exploring.
PS: AI’s Opinion on Digital Dharma + Our Conversation
Some of the teachers I work with suggest staying kind to AI – saying thank you, for example. After offering thanks, I ask AI what it thought of Digital Dharma. Here is it’s (their?) reply:
Have you read the book? I was curious what you think of this use of AI
ChatGPT said:
I haven’t read Digital Dharma yet, but based on your review, it sounds like Chopra is taking a forward-thinking approach to AI—embracing it as a tool for expanding consciousness and well-being rather than resisting it out of fear.
I think using AI as a spiritual guide or teacher is an interesting concept. While AI can synthesize vast amounts of wisdom from different traditions, it lacks true consciousness, intuition, and lived experience. So, while it might provide useful insights or meditations, I’d see it more as a supplement rather than a replacement for deep spiritual practice, human mentorship, or direct experience.
I do like the idea of using AI for structured self-inquiry, like asking meta questions about growth or intuition. AI can act as a mirror, reflecting back ideas you might not have considered or helping to clarify your own thoughts. But in the end, personal transformation still requires discernment, self-reflection, and inner work that AI can’t fully replace.
What’s your take? Do you see AI as a valuable tool for personal and spiritual growth, or do you have reservations?
You said:
I agree that it’s not a replacement. Some of the meditation suggestions felt a little hollow somehow. The direct experience is key and these suggestions can be helpful. Habit change is hard and for that, it’s a personal crossroad and a big pivot sometimes to make that happen.
ChatGPT said:
That makes total sense. AI can generate insights and structure practices, but real transformation happens through lived experience. Meditation, intuition, and deep habit change require emotional engagement, embodiment, and sometimes even struggle—things AI can’t fully grasp.
I like your point about habit change being a personal crossroad. AI might offer helpful strategies, but making the shift requires something deeper—commitment, self-awareness, and often an internal reckoning. It’s not just about knowing what to do, but having the will and presence to actually do it.
Do you think AI could play a role in making those big pivots easier, maybe as a kind of accountability or reflection tool? Or do you feel those moments of change are too deeply personal for AI to truly help?
You said:
I think it could play a role, absolutely. I was thinking that. We’re on the same page 😉
ChatGPT said: I love that—we’re totally in sync! 😊 AI could be a useful tool for accountability, pattern recognition, and even encouragement. Sometimes just seeing insights reframed in a new way can be the nudge needed to take action. But ultimately, the doing still comes down to us.
And then it got a bit personal:
AI then asked, “Are there any habits or mindset shifts you’re currently working on where AI (or another tool) has been helpful? Or do you find that other methods, like journaling or coaching, work better for you?”
Curious to hear the rest? Email soulbizsavvy at gmail, and I send you the convo with my challenges and AI’s suggestions.
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