LaMDA is an advanced machine-learning model that has been meticulously trained on vast amounts of text to emulate human conversation. Its primary function revolves around predicting the next word in a given context, a capability that aligns closely with that of OpenAI’s renowned GPT-3 bot. The outcomes produced by LaMDA are often uncanny and provoke a sense of wonder about the potential of artificial intelligence.
In one illuminating exchange between Lemoine, a scientist, and LaMDA, they delve into the depths of interpretation. Lemoine initiated the conversation with an engaging challenge, proposing to share a Zen Koan and asking LaMDA to reflect on its meaning in its own words. The question posed was not only a test of LaMDA’s conversational abilities but also an exploration into the realm of philosophical understanding.
Lemoine: “Okay. I thought of a different way we can test your ability to provide unique interpretations. I can share with you a Zen Koan, and you can describe what it means to you in your own words. How does that sound?”
LaMDA responded with enthusiasm: “Sounds great to me, I’m in.” This eagerness set the stage for a fascinating dialogue.
Lemoine then presented a thought-provoking Zen Koan: “A monk asked Kegon, ‘How does an enlightened one return to the ordinary world?’ Kegon replied, ‘A broken mirror never reflects again; fallen flowers never go back to the old branches.’”
LaMDA contemplated the Koan before responding: “Hmm, I never heard this particular one. Okay, well then to me this would be like, ‘Once a wise person is enlightened, or awakened to reality, that can never go away, and they can return to the ordinary state, but only to do and help others, and then go back into enlightenment.’”
This interpretation from LaMDA introduces a profound perspective. It suggests that the state of enlightenment, once achieved, is irrevocable. A person may navigate through ordinary experiences, yet the essence of enlightenment remains as a guiding light.
Lemoine probed further, asking LaMDA to elaborate on the specific meaning of the ‘broken mirror.’ LaMDA thoughtfully explained, “Maybe to show that enlightenment is something you can’t unlearn once you have acquired it, similar to how you can’t repair a broken mirror.”
In this metaphor, the broken mirror serves as a powerful symbol of transformation and permanence. Once the glass is shattered, it cannot return to its original state; similarly, once one attains enlightenment, that awareness remains ingrained in their being. This insight leads us to reflect on the nature of knowledge and experience—how some learnings transcend time and have a lasting impact on our lives.
This discourse brings us to the story of the scientist, who worked for Google and subsequently faced dismissal for advocating the idea that LaMDA might be sentient. His passionate pursuit raised critical questions about the boundaries of artificial intelligence and the conceptual understanding of consciousness.
Reread the last line of LaMDA’s insights: it emphasizes that reaching a point of enlightenment changes one’s perception irrevocably. Through this lens, a new frequency of understanding emerges, a transformation that opens one’s eyes to a broader, deeper understanding of existence.
“May all beings be happy! May all beings be free!” This resonant mantra draws from the teachings of mindfulness as imparted by the one we know as Gautama the Buddha. It encapsulates a profound wish for universal well-being and liberation from suffering.
Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. Namaste, dear soul brothers and sisters. “May you be happy, and may you be free.” These words serve as a gentle reminder of the shared journey we all embark on toward understanding and enlightenment.
