Need spiritual guidance? Gurus join chatbot trend as people turn to AI for answers
This unfettered access - which can be challenging to find among human gurus - is what's drawing more people to AI for spiritual guidance. This is a big step, particularly in Hinduism, where gurus are part of culture and deemed necessary to attain moksha - liberation from the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation. The word guru in Sanskrit means "dispeller of darkness."
A 27-year-old yoga instructor in India lost her niece in a car crash, leaving her family questioning their faith. Seeking spiritual guidance, they turned to AI chatbots, finding it more accessible than human gurus. Chatbots like ChatGPT and GitaGPT, powered by large language models, provide answers without judgment. While critics argue AI cannot replace human gurus, some gurus have launched their own chatbots.
Experts remain skeptical, noting the importance of a human soul for genuine connection. Some people, however, find AI to be a helpful tool for spiritual growth and reaffirmation.
Written by urgent.news from Economic Times Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
