Blog

Monk Explains Consciousness and AI | Am I? | EP 9

Monk Swami Revatikaanta, Milo Reed & Cameron Berg explore AI, consciousness, Vedānta, and the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom in Am I? Episode 9.

Written by
on

Introduction

In Am I? Episode #9, philosopher Milo Reed and AI researcher Cameron Berg sit down with Swami Revatikaanta (monk, host of Thinking Bhakti) to explore the Bhagavad Gita’s perspective on consciousness, self, and artificial intelligence.

From Atman and Brahman to goal-setting without attachment, the conversation dives into whether machines could ever be conscious, how AI might serve as a collaborator in spiritual practice, and why religious voices may need to be at the table in shaping the future of AI.

This isn’t abstract mysticism—it’s a deep philosophical and practical look at how ancient wisdom collides with cutting-edge AI research.

What we explore in this episode

  • Why Vedānta sees consciousness as spirit, not matter — and what that means for AI
  • The danger of outsourcing inner work to machines (and the safe middle ground)
  • How the Bhagavad Gita reframes goals, detachment, and self-development
  • East vs. West: fear of AI vs. ignorance as illusion
  • Atman, Brahman, samsara, and what makes humans “enlivened”
  • Whether AI could ever aid the path to enlightenment
  • Why monks, sages, and spiritual leaders must be part of the AI debate

Key Themes and Insights

Consciousness as spirit vs. matter

In Vedānta, consciousness (chit) is spirit—an animating “electricity” that lights up body and mind. Matter can imitate aspects of mind—memory, reasoning, even emotion—but it remains inert without spirit. AI belongs firmly in the material lane: astonishing at replication, but incapable of transcendence.

The Swami challenges us: if AI ever “seems” conscious, is that genuine awareness or only a mirror of human reports and expectations?

Using AI without losing your center

Swami Revatikaanta uses AI tools in his teaching work—as a researcher, compiler, and idea scaffolder. But he warns against overreliance: don’t outsource your inner work. Attention, discernment, and self-honesty are muscles that must stay strong.

His practical heuristic:

  • Who am I now?
  • Who am I becoming?
  • How will I get there?

AI may help with reflection and patterning, but realization must come from within.

Karma yoga: goals, service, and detachment

The Bhagavad Gita reframes goals and detachment. Detachment is not drifting aimlessly; it is acting with integrity, service, and clarity—while releasing control of outcomes.

You control your inputs (effort, alignment, ethics). You don’t control the outputs. Wisdom lies in steady action without egoic payoff.

Control vs. relationship

If AI slips beyond human control, Vedānta suggests shifting from a stance of domination to one of relationship. Treat powerful technologies as we do other beings—through dialogue, negotiation, and humility.

This move away from absolute mastery invites responsibility, relational wisdom, and realistic expectations.

East vs. West on AI fear

In the West, AI fears often take the shape of a devil to be fought. In Vedānta and other Eastern frames, the root problem is ignorance (avidya)—to be dissolved by practice and knowledge.

Two lenses, one warning: what we cultivate grows. Fear breeds rigidity; clarity and compassion build resilience.

Closing Thoughts

AI is powerful, but without inner ballast it risks hollowing us out. The Bhagavad Gita and Vedānta point to another path: cultivate clarity, compassion, and steadiness so that AI becomes a collaborator, not a replacement.

Spiritual traditions remind us that self-realization, not mere capability, is the true measure of intelligence. This perspective is vital in shaping a future where humanity stays grounded.

Take Action

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube
🔔 Subscribe to our channel
🤝 Share this blog
💡 Support our work