Clarity and Cognisance: Discerning the human mind from A.I.

With Rigpa Senior Teacher – Jan van der Breggen

During this reflective conversation, blending modern insights on the “attention economy” with the timeless wisdom of Buddhist philosophy, we will explore how to navigate—and thrive in—an environment increasingly shaped by AI.

What we will explore:

• Reclaiming Your Attention: Modern algorithms are designed to hook our instincts—keeping us scrolling, clicking, and chatting to meet their goals, not ours. We’ll discuss how to be more intentional with your focus, ensuring you are deciding what matters, rather than letting technology decide for you.
• The Comfort of the ‘Perfect Listener’: Unlike real people, who have bad days and complex needs, AI offers a relationship with zero demands. We’ll ask: Is this convenience replacing the messy, difficult, but necessary work of real human connection?
• Who is Listening? When we pour our thoughts into a chatbot, it often feels like someone is there. We will look at the vital difference between the clarity and awareness of the human mind and the inanimate, ‘high-tech mirror’ of AI, which mostly just reflects our expectations back to us.

Keeping Your Cool: Even though a chatbot cannot be insulted or hurt, your mental states and emotions are real. We’ll look at how our interactions with machines impact our own mental states, and how to protect your peace of mind in a digital age

Teacher

Jan began his path of meditation at 17 years old, touched by the tenderness of the human experience and filled with questions about what reality was all about. Forty years later, Jan continues to be moved by the vast profundity of the Buddhist path and its vision of the inherent wisdom, loving kindness and strength that lies in the minds of each and every one of us.

Jan completed Rigpa’s three-year retreat under the guidance of Sogyal Rinpoche. He was entrusted as one of Rigpa’s Senior teachers by Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche and Mindroling Jetsun Khandro in 2022. Jan has been a participant in the Milinda program since 2017. Milinda is a 10-year, international Buddhist teacher training program under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, with a three month per year intensive and immersive in-person learning and reflection program.

Jan grew up in the Netherlands where he obtained a Masters Degree in Social and Historical Anthropology. He has lived in Brisbane, Australia, since 1998, and was instrumental in founding Rigpa Brisbane in 1999, where he has served as a Dharma instructor for over 20 years.

How to participate

This event will be held in person.

Cost

Dharma teachings are always offered free of charge. We do not turn anyone away on financial grounds. Your financial contribution is used towards centre running costs, staff salaries, equipment etc. Thank you for your support.

Suggested donation: £18
Concessions: £9
Donate what you can

If you can’t afford any donation – just contact [email protected] to register.

You can cancel and receive an automatic refund through Eventbrite up to 24 hours before the event.

Book a Ticket