Exploring AI and Buddhism: A Conversation with Khyentse Vision Project

Buddhadharma’s Mariana Restrepo interviewed KVP’s Dolma Gunther, Casey Forgues, and Zack Beer about AI’s impact on Buddhism and its significance for translators and practitioners.

By Mariana Restrepo

A representative AI-generated “Buddhism and AI” image, created using DALL·E, with prompt assistance from ChatGPT.
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Everyone’s got questions about AI — not least of all, how can we make sure it’s used for good? The folks at Khyentse Vision Project have been exploring how to responsibly use AI to aid the task of translating classical Buddhist texts. Buddhadharma’s Mariana Restrepo spoke to KVP’s Dolma Gunther, Casey Forgues, and Zack Beer about the intersection of AI and Buddhism, and what it means not just for translators but for Buddhist practitioners.

Mariana Restrepo

Mariana Restrepo — formerly the deputy editor of Buddhadharma, Lion’s Roar’s online source for committed Buddhists — is the public engagement strategist for 84000, a nonprofit organization dedicated to translating the Tibetan Buddhist canon and making it freely accessible to all. Born and raised in Colombia, Mariana has practiced Tibetan Buddhism in the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages for over 20 years. Her path has included time as a monastic, periods of long-term retreat, and years of service within retreat centers and Dharma organizations. Mariana holds a Master’s degree in Religious Studies, has taught university-level courses on Buddhism and Indian religions, and has organized large-scale Buddhist events and pilgrimages. She brings deep commitment to integrating Buddhist principles into everyday life—especially in parenting and community building—and is passionate about making Buddhist teachings accessible and relevant across languages and lived experiences. She previously worked with Middle Way Education, helping develop its curricular framework for Buddhist-inspired learning with children and families. Mariana also served as deputy editor of Buddhadharma, associate editor at Lion’s Roar, and editor of El Camino del BudaLion’s Roar’s Spanish-language publication.