His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche urges toung people 'to step out of the virtual world'
Buddhist spiritual leader Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche says excessive reliance on screens and AI can make young people more passive, while real-world experiences and adversity can help build resilience and compassion.
His Eminence Kyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, a reincarnated master of Vajrayana Buddhism, has urged Vietnamese youth to step away from the virtual world during his visit to the country during the Vu Lan season. Rinpoche oversees the Druk Sang-Ngag Choling Monastery in Darjeeling and serves as principal of the Druk White Lotus School, which has 1,000 students.
In an interview with VnExpress, he discussed the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on young people, emphasizing the importance of developing mental resilience in the digital age.
Rinpoche believes that young people have a crucial role in shaping the future of Vietnam. When he first visited the country 19 years ago, many people sought spiritual guidance primarily for health, longevity, and wealth. However, he has noticed a shift in people's thinking, with more individuals now seeking deeper understanding and experiencing stillness within the mind. This change is encouraging, as it shows a growing awareness of the importance of mental well-being.
In the digital age, technology and social media have become an integral part of young people's lives. Rinpoche acknowledges that while these platforms offer convenience, they often teach individual success rather than compassion. He urges young people to question whether they are learning to "rise" individually or "rise together" as a community. He believes that real life cannot be achieved through clicks and that relying too heavily on technology can lead to a loss of essential human abilities.
Written by urgent.news from VnExpress International's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
