Click Link: BMA (UK) – Techno-Dhamma – Enlightenment Beyond the Body
‘If technology evolved to such a point where human consciousness can be “extracted” from the brain that generates it and the body it inhabits – what would this mean for the Buddha’s teaching (Dhamma)? It could mean that a disembodied human consciousness could be technologically “purified” – and exist in a state of enlightenment with no need to experience suffering or pursue a path which removes suffering. Purification may be initially required due to the karmic “taints” imbued in the psychological processes due to their previous (intimate) associations with the fleshy body. There could well be echoes of “greed”, “hatred”, and “delusion” deeply ingrained within the psychic processes. The appropriate (intrusive) technological processes will have to be applied to remedy this situation. This is after the “psyche” – in the true Greek concept – has been vivisectioned out of the brain and body it has inhabited since conception and birth. The Buddha’s teaching, that is the majority of the Dhamma, is designed to control, divert, and transcend the human-body whilst still remaining within it (until physical death). What is the situation for Buddhism if the body is withdrawn completely? In that case, the most advanced teachings of the Buddha can be used to describe an expansive consciousness not held in-check by fleshy barriers. Of course, being free a priori of the “sexual desire” mechanism (an evolutionary device ensuring physical reproduction) is a major advantage – as a key cause of “suffering” (dukkha) is literally “switched-off” by the processes of science. It may be possible to re-insert this “purified” consciousness back into the original body (or any other body) – and transform how the mind-body nexus operates. A lay or monastic practitioner of the Dhamma could be created already existing within a state of nirvana.’
