Jun 2, 2023
Theme for 2023: BE LIKE WATER ~In this age of acceleration, be like water~ Source, Flow, Alignment
We issued a press release regarding the international conference on cutting-edge technology and Zen, held at a Zen temple in Kamakura, with the theme of AI x Zen: Exploring the inner world of humanity.
This year marks the 7th edition of the event, which will be held at Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura, and will be presented as a hybrid event combining in-person and online elements.
This year, we've prepared an even more global and diverse program than ever before. Beyond Zen and mindfulness, we've planned dialogue-style sessions that will allow you to explore the latest wisdom, including AI technological innovations and the great cycles of nature—IDGs. Furthermore, we have many programs designed to encourage participants to "experience" and "dialogue."
Beyond the divisions and conflicts that are becoming apparent in various parts of the world, the accelerating pace of change is evident, as are the problems of global warming, the mass layoffs at major tech companies, and more.
It is precisely because of this environment that each of us must connect firmly to our true selves and our core values (Source), and just as a spring flows from its source into a river, the energy from there creates a natural flow (Flow), which then connects to actions aligned with our respective purposes within our communities, society, and the planet (Alignment), circulating and permeating into the vast ocean. This year's Zen2.0 embodies this idea in the phrase "BE LIKE WATER ~In this age of acceleration, be like water~ Source, Flow, Alignment."
There is a Zen saying, "A single drop nourishes the heavens and earth." A single drop of water nourishes the earth, nourishes trees and flowers, and creates a great cycle that makes the planet shine with green. The fact that a single drop of water is connected to the water veins of the cycle remains unchanged from ancient times to the present, no matter how the world changes. By deepening our relationship with our own thoughts, emotions, and bodies, each of us can become aware of this "power of a single drop," connect the power that springs from within with the world, and live freely and effortlessly in this era of change and acceleration, like water. In this year's Zen2.0, we will create a space where we can deepen our awareness of this essence and discuss it together. A dialogue on the role of humanity in the age of AI from a Buddhist perspective.
At the same time, we will also offer a program that explores the role of humanity in the age of AI from a Buddhist perspective. In this era of rapidly evolving AI, we plan to invite experts in neuroscience and artificial intelligence from Japan and abroad to discuss questions such as "What is 'human intelligence'?" and "What is the ideal state of being for humans?" through dialogue from a Buddhist viewpoint.
Program Overview Dates: Day 1 September 2nd (Sat) / Day 2 September 3rd (Sun) Venue: In-person event at Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura (limited number of participants) and online (Zoom) streaming are planned as a hybrid format.
The speakers confirmed so far (in no particular order) are: Issho Fujita (Soto Zen Buddhist monk), Nanrei Yokota (Head of Engaku-ji Temple, Rinzai Zen sect), Joan Halifax (Zen Buddhist monk, medical anthropologist (PhD)), Takashi Maeno (Keio University), Satish Kumar (Peace activist, founder of Schumacher College), Momoe (CEO of Zen Eating), and Yoichiro Miyake (Game AI developer, University of Tokyo).
Ticket Information <In-person participation ticket> *Please note that ticket prices are subject to change. Regular price: 28,000 yen