Bridging Faith and Technology: AI-Powered Translation System Revolutionizes Global Dharma Dissemination
AI revolutionizes Buddhist translation to expand global Dharma access
In a landmark development at the intersection of spirituality and technology, the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Humanistic Buddhism Institute, in collaboration with the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) and tech innovator Vurbo.ai, has unveiled Vurbo.ai Buddhist 4.0. This pioneering AI-driven translation system aims to transcend linguistic barriers, facilitating the global propagation of Buddhist teachings.
The official launch took place on April 18, 2025, during the BLIA North America Fellowship Meeting in Austin, Texas. The event witnessed the presence of over 500 BLIA executives and members, including esteemed figures such as Venerable Yi Kong, Venerable Chueh Pei, Venerable Yung Ku, and Venerable Hui Dong. A live demonstration showcased the system’s real-time multilingual translation capabilities, highlighting its potential to revolutionize religious communication.
Vurbo.ai Buddhist 4.0 is underpinned by a comprehensive database of 10,000 Buddhist terms contributed by the FGS Humanistic Buddhism Institute. This lexicon enables the AI system to accurately interpret and translate complex religious concepts, ensuring semantic precision across languages. The system employs an intermediary translation strategy—converting Chinese texts to English before translating into other languages—to maintain the integrity of philosophical nuances.
A standout feature of the system is its “one-to-many” language display capability, which supports simultaneous multilingual subtitle output. This functionality is particularly beneficial for international conferences, retreats, and teachings, allowing participants to receive real-time, accurate translations in their native languages. Users can select their preferred language by scanning a QR code, accessing translations via subtitles or audio.
The development of Vurbo.ai Buddhist 4.0 spanned over six months, with ongoing efforts to optimize and expand its terminology base. This initiative not only lays a solid foundation for the digital propagation of the Dharma but also marks a significant milestone in the digitization of Buddhist education.
Venerable Chueh Pei emphasized the significance of this integration, stating, “Fo Guang Shan and BLIA have long been dedicated to global Dharma propagation. In the face of language and cultural challenges, this integration with AI represents a significant leap forward. Vurbo.ai is a vital milestone in the skillful use of technology to modernize religion.”
Alex Yang, Business Manager at IPEVO, elaborated on the user-friendly aspects of the system, noting that participants can effortlessly access translations by scanning a QR code, thereby enhancing engagement and understanding during teachings.
This initiative aligns with broader trends in the application of AI within religious contexts. For instance, the University of California, Berkeley, in collaboration with Fo Guang Shan, has developed “Dharmamitra” (MITRA), an AI translation tool specializing in ancient Buddhist languages, further exemplifying the convergence of technology and spirituality.
The integration of AI in religious education exemplifies the evolving role of technology in spiritual practices. By harnessing AI’s capabilities, organizations like Fo Guang Shan and BLIA are leading the way in promoting cultural transmission and modernizing Buddhist education, setting a precedent for religious institutions worldwide.
