FGS Philippines, BLIA and Humanistic Buddhism Center Philippines Hosted the “Global Perspectives on Humanistic Buddhism Responses to AI Risks and Challenges in Life

Fo Guang Shan Philippines

On December 27, 2025, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Philippines, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), and the Humanistic Buddhism Center Philippines successfully hosted the forum “Global Perspectives on Humanistic Buddhism Responses to AI Risks and Challenges in Life” at FGS Mabuhay Temple, Manila. The event featured Venerable Dr. Jue Wei, Professor at Nantien Institute (NTI) and Director of Buddhist Studies and Humanistic Buddhism. More than 80 participants from diverse social and professional backgrounds attended the engaging afternoon of dialogue and reflection.

Venerable Dr. Jue Wei guided the audience through the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and offered insights on how individuals can responsibly and mindfully engage with emerging technologies. She introduced the concept of a Buddhist-inspired “attention ecology,” which reframes attention as a spiritual practice rather than a commodity, emphasizing community over individualism. Through this lens, she proposed the cultivation of “Buddhist Intelligence” as a compassionate and ethical alternative to purely artificial intelligence.

Venerable Dr. Jue Wei also invited prospective scholars to consider enrolling at Nan Tien Institute in Australia, highlighting opportunities for both online and on-site programs in Humanistic Buddhism and Applied Buddhist Studies.

The panel discussion also invited Humanistic Buddhism scholars, including Dr. Cecile Manikan, Director for Education and Training of the Humanistic Buddhism Center Philippines (HBCP), and Dr. Maria Majorie Purino, Director for Academia and Research of HBCP. Guang Ming College Director of Student Affairs, Prof. Maru Percela, reflected on the importance of mindfulness in the use of social media and AI applications among college students. Reverend Dr. Senturias, Jr. and Dr. Erlinda Senturias of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines acknowledged Fo Guang Shan’s strong social engagement and its efforts to offer Buddhist responses to modern AI technology grounded in humanity and compassion.

Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of FGS Philippines, expressed her full support and encouragement for strengthening research on Humanistic Buddhism in the Philippines. She also commended the collaborative efforts of BLIA Pasay President Nelson Yao and BLIA Young Adult Division President Veronica Chan, recognizing the dedication of the entire organizing team.