Lesson 25 · Original 2024 edition
No Idols
Original book · printed p. 54 onward ↗About this edition
The teaching below preserves the original book’s wording, with page footers and layout whitespace removed. The AI practice and reflection are new adaptations.
The original’s views on idols are philosophical and personal. The new practice concerns independent judgment in an AI interaction, not a judgment of religious beliefs or admiration for others.
Historical and scientific claims in the source have not yet undergone a complete evidence review.
Source teaching · Alex Julian, 2024
The original lesson
In yoga, we learn that there is no one or nothing above you, and there is no one or nothing below you. We are all on the same level here. I’m aware this is one of the Ten Commandments as well. Two of my most important mentors in life were a rabbi and a priest. Often, the highest morality is the highest practicality. Idol worship is bad for both sides — idol and obsessed. The true purpose is lost. Every single time you have an idol, it eventually ends badly. People become dependent on the person or thing, sometimes to the point of addiction. It isn’t healthy, and it isn’t honorable. Have respect and reverence for others, but don’t turn anyone or anything into an idol.
Specific to AI, this goes for people and AI itself. Yes — have respect and reverence for the leaders in this field, but don’t turn them into idols. You can accomplish the same level of greatness because the same greatness is inside of you. Further, don’t turn AI itself into an idol, which I predict will be very compelling to do. It is already so easy to be in awe of AI, and this is just the beginning. AI is still like a baby. Imagine the growth in just a few more years.
Regardless of how advanced AI is and will get, do not turn it into an idol. Do not become completely dependent on it, otherwise you will eventually lose yourself. If you do anything, allow AI to be a reminder of your own greatness and true power. After all, you are the one wielding the tool. I know it is so cliche, but also remember that with great power comes great responsibility. Never forget who you are, and use AI for the good of all.
© 2024 Alex Julian Yoga. All rights reserved.
New contemporary AI application
Try it in your next AI session.
Before accepting an AI suggestion, write down your own reason for choosing it. Check one important claim or compare another approach. Decide whether to accept, revise, or decline the suggestion.
Reflect afterward
Where did you retain your own judgment while still learning from the tool?
Bring this teaching to the Practice Studio →Developed with AI assistance for this digital edition. Reflect privately; nothing needs to be submitted or shared.
Music and teaching
The original song and video
This lesson’s original song and video will appear here once the recordings and their lesson match have been verified.