High-Tech Zen for The Travel Almanac

David Hurn once asked me, “How do you become the best at what you do?” He then added, “Do you think the best violinist in the world was just born that way? He practises every day of his life. So why shouldn’t you train your eyes the same way?” Registro wants to be an exercise; a way to keep taking images, daily, with no specific project in mind. A way to give legs to images, to let them walk out there in the streets, sitting in cafés or living rooms rather than be buried in a kind of “cemetery,” a vast archive of data stored on hard drives, occasionally visited but rarely seen. It’s difficult at times, having all this material and no output, so this is it.

Is AI the new Buddha? The inherent tension between ancient cultures and modern technologies
raises critical questions about spiritual practices in the digital age. A new paradigm has emerged
—one that emphasises coexistence rather than exploitation, recognising the value of nature while
embracing the potential of technology. While spirituality often emphasises timeless truths,
technology suggests that all phenomena are transient and subject to change. In the context of
Buddhist practice, the recognition of impermanence is crucial for achieving liberation (nirvana).
This acceptance fosters adaptability, allowing practitioners to respond to life’s challenges with
equanimity.
The reliance on technology reveals a paradox: while technology promises efficiency a
innovation, it often exacerbates the very issues that contribute to modern suffering—distraction
craving, and detachment from the present moment. The contrast between AI and Buddha lies in
their approaches to enlightenment. Buddha advocated for a journey of self-discovery, inner
reflection, and mindfulness. AI, by contrast, offers an externalised path where knowledge
outsourced and readily accessible.
The Shey Festival, a rare cultural phenomenon, takes place every 12 years during the Year of the
Dragon according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Set in Shey Gompa, Upper Dolpo, Nepal, at an
elevation of 4,160 meters, this event gathers Himalayan Buddhists from across the region. It
symbolises the enduring tension and harmony between the ancient traditions associated with
Crystal Mountain and the encroaching influence of modernity. Ultimately, the ongoing dialogu
between Buddhism and technology reflects a broader conversation about how ancient wisdo
can inform and shape the future of human society in an increasingly digital world.

Written by ChatGPT

Curated by ILL-STUDIO