A recent Online Gathering generated a short discussion about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Like so many platforms, Zoom has introduced an ‘AI Companion’ to it’s smorgasbord of features. When someone noted this seems to have been turned on for us, it was promptly turned off, and we continued.

Once this Gathering concluded, however, I got curious. Zoom has long shared transcripts of our recordings with me. Interrupted by timestamps every few seconds, these have not proven very useful in the past. In the wake of our conversation, I wondered if AI (this time Microsoft Word’s version) might be able to make something of such documents.

So I asked for a summary of that day’s transcript and found myself pleasantly surprised by freshness with which our communal journey was articulated. Feeling some small measure of inspiration at this unexpected development, I’ve decided to share what I was given with all of you.

Here then, with some human editing, is that synopsis:

“This Gathering integrates concepts from the Heart Sutra, the interplay of form and space in meditation, the inclusion of others in our practice, and the cultivation of compassion.

The session begins with welcoming and settling in. We are invited to slow down and bring attention inward. Placing the left hand on the heart centre, we gather all parts of ourselves, including histories, moods, temperaments. Then the right hand is brought to the left acknowledging others present in our experience – be they seen or unseen, known or unknown, and so on. This lays the foundation for an meditation practice that embraces relationality and connection beyond the individual self.

A chant is then recited: “Embodied experience / inclusive and alive / I rest in this perfection / with curiosity and appreciation.” These four lines encapsulate the core themes of the session, highlighting the importance of embodied presence, inclusiveness, and aliveness in meditation.

The main talk discusses meditation as a mixture of form and space, where ‘form’ refers to a tangible anchor such as the breath or body sensations, and ‘space’ refers to the spaciousness or openness of awareness.

This spaciousness is described as alive and vibrant, inhabited by energetic connections and relationships with others, transcending the notion of isolated individual experience.This inclusiveness broadens meditation from a solitary practice to one that acknowledges and embraces relational dynamics, enriching our practice with a sense of community and relational depth.

After a short guided meditation, the Gathering concludes with a return to the heart centre, acknowledging our connections with others who have appeared through the past hour. A final chant affirms the gift of life, welcoming it fully and sharing what is given with all, reinforcing the themes of inclusiveness, aliveness, and generosity.

As a whole, this Gathering offers a nuanced exploration of meditation as an embodied, relational practice that integrates traditional Buddhist teachings with contemporary insights into connection and community. It guides participants through recognizing and embracing the presence of others within meditation, fostering compassion and a sense of belonging that enriches both practice and daily life.”