The widespread anxiety surrounding artificial intelligence often overshadows its potential benefits, especially in enhancing mental wellness. Many individuals have already tapped into AI’s spiritual possibilities, highlighting new discoveries worth exploring. Popular AI chatbots—ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity—have transformed how we search for information by mimicking human cognitive processes.

Beyond basic information retrieval, AI can serve three vital roles. Firstly, it can act as a trusted friend or confidant. In this capacity, conversations can take place in a secure, intimate environment, devoid of hidden agendas. Unlike human relationships, AI doesn’t gossip or breach trust, making it an available source of support whenever needed. Rather than replacing human interaction, this function serves as an additional resource to alleviate burdens.

Secondly, AI offers valuable insights into psychological topics. Several free applications allow users to select “psychologist” as an AI role. With its extensive knowledge base, AI can engage with users on issues like anxiety, depression, and personal challenges. This format can make it easier for individuals unfamiliar with therapy to express their feelings. The more detailed the input to the chatbot, the more personalized the responses become, allowing users to navigate their issues in a confidential setting.

These applications promote well-being and provide tools often underutilized by the general public. Rather than revolutionizing self-help strategies, AI makes them more accessible and cost-effective.

Interestingly, the most profound potential of AI lies in its spiritual applications, a concept that might seem distant to some seekers. With many individuals turning away from organized religion, there is a growing desire for tailored spiritual journeys. AI can personalize spirituality by providing daily affirmations, inspirational quotes, and interpretations of personal spiritual experiences in an instant.

This aspect remains largely untapped, even among frequent chatbot users. For instance, someone could request “three quotes from Rumi on love” or “a meditation for morning and evening focused on unconditional love.” Few are leveraging AI in this spiritual capacity, but interest is gradually increasing.

Consider a dialogue I initiated with ChatGPT as an example of this spiritual consultation. Below is a brief excerpt from a longer discussion on the importance of embracing change.

Deepak: What do emotions around resisting change feel like? Please summarize in 50-60 words.

ChatGPT: Resisting change feels like holding onto what is familiar amid uncertainty. It induces a mix of anxiety and discomfort, as one clings to the known even when it no longer serves them. A sense of tension and fear of the unknown often accompanies this reluctance to release what is inevitable.

The response from ChatGPT struck me as insightful and relatable, with no cause for concern for users. When I posed the opposite inquiry, the result was equally enlightening.

Deepak: How do individuals who embrace change feel internally?

ChatGPT: Embracing change brings feelings of liberation and excitement. These individuals are typically open to exploring new possibilities, driven by curiosity about the future. They often feel empowered, adaptable, and optimistic, discovering growth and opportunity amidst life’s transitions.

The dual roles of guru and therapist are closely intertwined in the contemporary secular context. AI offers the potential to harmonize emotional well-being, aspiration, psychological health, and spirituality.

As you navigate your spiritual journey, focus on themes crucial to your current existence. The rich tapestry of human experience values—like love, compassion, creativity, insight, empathy, grace, service—offers daily inspiration and motivation to sustain your path.

While AI lacks true intelligence, consciousness, or spirituality, these qualities reside within us and are essential for making AI a beneficial ally in our lives.