As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms economies, societies, and daily life around the world, Buddhist scholars are drawing upon the teachings of the Pasarasi Sutta from the Majjhima Nikaya as a framework for promoting global peace. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right objective of human pursuit in an age increasingly shaped by intelligent technologies
The Pasarasi Sutta distinguishes between two kinds of pursuit: the unnoble pursuit and the noble pursuit. The unnoble pursuit refers to the search for things that are impermanent, subject to decay, and ultimately incapable of providing lasting fulfillment. The noble pursuit, by contrast, is directed toward liberation from suffering and the realization of Nibbana.
The discourse is presented through the story of Prince Siddhattha’s spiritual journey. Renouncing wealth, status, power, and royal comforts, he sought a path beyond suffering. Although he mastered advanced meditative attainments under renowned teachers of his time, he realized that these accomplishments did not lead to complete liberation. Consequently, he continued his search independently until attaining Supreme Enlightenment.
Scholars suggest that this narrative offers valuable lessons for the AI era. Many nations and organizations are engaged in intense competition to develop advanced technologies for economic gain, strategic advantage, and geopolitical influence. Without wisdom and ethical guidance, such pursuits may become examples of “unnoble pursuits,” leading to inequality, conflict, and instability on a global scale.
In the sutta, the Buddha compares attachment to the five sensual pleasures to animals trapped in a hunter’s snare. Similarly, people in the digital age may become trapped by information overload, social recognition, financial interests, or excessive dependence on technology, thereby losing their freedom of thought and inner balance.
Experts in AI ethics argue that one of the greatest challenges today is ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than humanity becoming subservient to technology. AI development should therefore focus on improving quality of life, expanding educational opportunities, promoting social equity, and addressing global challenges instead of merely maximizing profit or power.
The Pasarasi Sutta also describes the cultivation of the mind through the stages of meditative absorption, including the form and formless attainments, culminating in profound liberation beyond mental conditioning. This teaching highlights the importance of developing mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom capable of guiding humanity through an increasingly complex technological landscape.
Scholars further emphasize that lasting peace in the AI era can emerge only when individuals and societies cultivate the wisdom to evaluate technological consequences responsibly, understand their own motivations, and employ innovation for the common good rather than for greed, delusion, or limitless competition.
The Pasarasi Sutta therefore serves as a timeless reminder for humanity to reflect upon what it truly seeks through technological advancement. If the ultimate goal is peace, sustainability, and human well-being, then AI development must be grounded in wisdom, ethical responsibility, and compassion. Only then can technology become a genuine instrument of global peace and human flourishing.
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