AI Needs Wisdom, Not Only Intelligence
Why intelligence without orientation is the defining risk of the decade — and what wisdom can offer the architects of artificial minds.
A Global Future-Civilization Dialogue · Phase I
When technology begins to redefine life, how will humanity understand mind, consciousness, and death?
During COMPUTEX 2026, the 7th Woodenfish International Forum on Buddhism, Science and the Future brings together Buddhist teachers, AI researchers, biotechnologists, neuroscientists, ethicists and consciousness scholars to explore the deepest questions of our future civilization.
As AI, biotechnology, brain–computer interfaces, organ transplantation, cryopreservation and longevity science accelerate, we are not only facing technological breakthroughs — we are being asked to rethink life, death, consciousness, and the meaning of being human. This is not merely a forum. It is one of the most important global conversations about the future of humanity.
01.Why IBSTA, Why Now
Technology is redefining humanity faster than humanity can understand itself.
Biotechnology is reshaping life and death. Artificial intelligence is transforming meaning, attention, and human identity. Brain-computer interfaces, neurotechnology, and digital systems are beginning to redefine what it means to think, remember, and even exist. Yet while technology accelerates exponentially, humanity's ethical, spiritual, and civilizational frameworks struggle to keep pace. The world no longer needs technological progress alone. It needs a deeper dialogue between wisdom, science, ethics, and the future of humanity itself.
01
Acceleration without wisdom
Technology now evolves faster than humanity's shared capacity for ethical reflection, meaning, and responsibility.
02
The redefinition of life
AI, biotechnology, longevity research, and neurotechnology are reshaping humanity's understanding of consciousness, identity, and death itself.
03
A crisis of meaning
As anxiety, loneliness, and moral fragmentation rise globally, humanity faces not only a technological crisis — but a crisis of meaning and direction.
02.The Mission of IBSTA (International Buddhism, Science and Technology Alliance)
A Global Platform Connecting Buddhist Wisdom, Science & Technology, and the Future of Human Civilization
In an age of rapid advances in AI, biotechnology and consciousness research, IBSTA is building a global platform of dialogue across religion, science, technology and the humanities — exploring the deepest questions of life, mind, ethics and humanity's future.
IBSTA was born of a profound and urgent calling of our time. As artificial intelligence, biotechnology, neuroscience and digital civilization rapidly reshape the world, humanity needs more than technological progress — it needs wisdom, ethics, compassion and a deeper understanding of life itself. We believe the cosmic truths and living wisdom revealed by the Buddhadharma are not opposed to modern science. They can enter into dialogue with scientific inquiry and technological innovation, offering a more complete direction for the civilization to come. IBSTA exists for this purpose. We are building a global interdisciplinary platform connecting Buddhism, science, AI, medicine, education, health, ethics and the humanities — advancing dialogue, research, education, practice and innovation, so that technology never loses its humanity and wisdom truly benefits the world.
03.Founding Spirit
A Platform Co-Created for the Future
IBSTA is not a finished answer. It is a shared exploration of humanity's future. Venerable Yifa has invited Mr. Jerry Lin to serve as co-founder of IBSTA, planning its next chapters together — and warmly invites friends from every field to join the conversation across many platforms, sparking interdisciplinary creativity and new possibilities. Great towers rise from level ground. Step by step, IBSTA is exploring how Buddhist wisdom, scientific inquiry and technological innovation can truly serve the world together. We welcome the voices, feedback and companionship of all who wish to help build a wiser and more compassionate human future.
Global Dialogue
Global Wisdom Dialogue
Deep cross-disciplinary dialogue among Buddhism, AI, science, biotechnology, ethics and the humanities — answering the defining questions of our shared future.
Research & Exploration
Interdisciplinary Research & Inquiry
International collaboration across consciousness, life sciences, AI, neuroscience, ethics, mortality and the future of humanity — exploring how technology and wisdom can serve life together.
Compassionate Action
Practice & Human Flourishing
With compassion and wisdom at the core, advancing mind-body health, education, ethical technology and global cooperation — so Buddhist wisdom enters everyday life and the society yet to come.
“Technology without wisdom loses its direction; wisdom that cannot enter the contemporary world cannot truly benefit beings.”
— IBSTA Founding Vision
04.Global Dialogue Initiators
A Global Voice for Wisdom and Humanity
A long-term global dialogue on humanity's future, guided by collaborators across wisdom, science, and technology.
Venerable Dr. Yifa
Founder of the Woodenfish Foundation, Yale PhD, and internationally recognized Buddhist scholar dedicated to bridging Buddhist wisdom, science, ethics, and humanity's future. For decades, Venerable Dr. Yifa has quietly fostered global dialogue between Eastern wisdom traditions and contemporary scientific, philosophical, and humanitarian thought. Through international academic collaboration and the "Buddhism, Science and Future" forums, she continues to encourage deeper reflection on consciousness, life, technology, compassion, ethics, and the future direction of human civilization. Her contributions to interfaith understanding, peace, and global dialogue have been internationally recognized through honors including:
World-Class International Honors
- United Nations Outstanding Women in Buddhism Award
- Juliet Hollister Award
05.Global Dialogue Collaboration
Jerry Lin
Global AI StrategistAI 3.0 Architect & ImplementerICT PioneerFuture Humanity Advocate
Jerry Lin is a global AI strategist, a leading architect and implementer of AI 3.0, an ICT pioneer and a future humanity advocate — dedicated to bridging technology, wisdom and human civilization.
With years of international hands-on experience in AI, ICT and enterprise global strategy and front-line execution, he has collaborated with world-class organizations including EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), Tata Group, Telenor Group, Supermicro, Boston Power and Acer.
As Senior Adviser to EBRD, Jerry focuses on Smart Cities and Enterprise Growth Programs, helping accelerate innovation, digital transformation and sustainable economic development across international markets.
He has also held senior executive roles including Vice President of Supermicro and Country Manager of Acer, building deep expertise across AI infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise ICT and global technology ecosystems.
Jerry is recognized as a leading architect and implementer of AI 3.0 Native Businesses — guiding how AI evolves from isolated tools into autonomous, revenue-driving ecosystems that transform the enterprise itself.
He is also one of the key pioneers in advancing Blade Server and Super Computing architecture, with active deployment across U.S. national laboratories, telecommunications, networking and online gaming industries.
Beyond technology innovation itself, Jerry has long explored one essential question: “How can technology truly benefit humanity?”
Invited by Venerable Dr. Yifa to support the long-term vision of IBSTA, he actively promotes global dialogue connecting AI, biotechnology, science, Buddhism and the future of civilization.
He believes the true value of AI and technology should ultimately return to human wisdom, ethical clarity, compassion, and the sustainable future of humanity.
His guiding philosophy is inspired by the spirit of Julius Caesar — “I See, I Come, I Conquer.” To Jerry, this means: See the Vision. Come to Explore. Conquer to Win.
As AI rapidly reshapes the world, Jerry continues exploring one essential question: “As AI becomes more powerful, how can humanity become wiser?”
Jerry Lin
Bridging AI, Humanity & Wisdom
“I See, I Come, I Conquer.”
See the Vision · Come to Explore · Conquer to Win
IBSTA seeks to gradually evolve into a long-term global platform connecting wisdom, science, technology, ethics, and humanity's future.
06.Why Now
Why IBSTA Matters Now
01
AI is reshaping human life at extraordinary speed — yet are we truly prepared for the ethical and civilizational questions it raises?
02
As technology begins to redefine life, consciousness and death, can Buddhist wisdom and science together explore deeper answers?
03
In an age of anxiety, loneliness and lost meaning, must humanity once again ask: what is true wisdom, and what is true well-being?
"The bridge of the future is built with both technology and compassion."
— Venerable Yifa, Founder & Director, Woodenfish Foundation
07.Phase I Milestone
The June International Forum — Foundation of a Cross-Generational Global Dialogue
Organized by Woodenfish Foundation · Co-advocated with IBSTA
Hosted by the Woodenfish Foundation (USA), founded by Venerable Yifa, and co-advocated with IBSTA, this forum aspires to build a long-term global platform where Buddhist wisdom, scientific inquiry and technological innovation can together respond to the human challenges of the AI and frontier-biotech era. It is not an event — it is the starting point of an enduring civilization-level conversation on life, consciousness, ethics and humanity's future.
Organizer
Woodenfish Foundation (USA)
國際木魚計劃協會
Founder & Director: Venerable Yifa
Founder's Introduction
Venerable Dr. Yifa on the Woodenfish Forum and the questions Rewriting Reincarnation asks of our age
Woodenfish Foundation founder Venerable Dr. Yifa introduces the seventh forum: as frontier biotechnology begins to redraw the boundaries of life, how do we — across science, ethics and the Dharma — rethink death, continuity and the very nature of consciousness?
- Theme
- Rewriting Reincarnation
- Under the Frontier of Biotechnology
- Dates
- 5 — 7 June 2026
- A three-day international dialogue
- Venue
- The Grand Hotel, Taipei
- 圓山大飯店 · Yuanshan, Taipei
Forum Panels
A cross-disciplinary dialogue across Buddhism, medicine, neuroscience and the life sciences
Five flagship panels convening international scholars, clinicians, Buddhist teachers and life-science leaders across the three days of the forum.
Panel 1
Definition of Death
Moderated by Matthew Orsborn (Professor, Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts), with Venerable Dr. Yifa (Founder & Director, Woodenfish Foundation), Tawni Tidwell (Professor, University of Wisconsin–Madison) and David Andrijevic (Associate Research Scientist, Yale University).
Panel 2
Post-Death Body
Moderated by Steve Lin (Special Advisor to the President, Tzu Chi University), with Robert Truog (Professor, Harvard Medical School), Tse Yip Fai (Research Associate to Prof. Peter Singer, Princeton University), Tseng Guo-Fang (Professor, Tzu Chi University) and Sinclair T. Wang (CEO, Cellgrace Cell Medical).
Panel 3
Regenerative Medicine — Anti-Aging & Longevity
Moderated by Day-Yang Liu (Emeritus Professor, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology), with George Church (Professor, Harvard Medical School), Henry Dobson (Postdoctoral Researcher, National University of Singapore) and Kuang-Yao Chen (President, S Y Dao Cancer Prevention Foundation).
Panel 4
Post-Death Mind
Moderated by Pei-Ying Lin (Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Religious Studies, National Chengchi University), with Hun Lye (PhD, University of Virginia), Hao-tung Yang (PhD Candidate, MIT) and Jingyi Tang (Professor, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine).
Panel 5
Ultimate Questions
Moderated by Kamil Nowak (Postdoctoral Researcher, Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts), with Robert Lawrence Kuhn (Producer, PBS "Closer to Truth"), Or Porath (Professor, Tel Aviv University) and Max More (President, Alcor Life Extension Foundation).
Panel 6
IBSTA Round Table Discussion & Global Launch
Hosted by Jerry Lin (Founder, IBSTA · Global AI Strategist) — a closing round-table dialogue and the global launch of the International Buddhism, Science and Technology Alliance.
Registration & Tickets
Reserve your seat at Rewriting Reincarnation
Three official ticket channels — in-person in Taipei, global livestream, and a dedicated stream for audiences in Mainland China.
01
On-site · Taipei
In-Person Pass
Three days at The Grand Hotel, Taipei. Full access to all panels and conversations.
Reserve →accupass.com
02
Worldwide · Livestream
Live Online Pass
Join the global livestream from anywhere in the world, with multilingual context.
Reserve →accupass.com
03
Mainland China · Livestream
Mainland China Livestream
Dedicated livestream channel for audiences in Mainland China.
Reserve →7322092895801.huodongxing.com
Official ticketing partners: Accupass (Taiwan & worldwide) · Huodongxing (Mainland China).
08.The Question of Our Time
Why this forum matters now
01
AI is reshaping the world at unprecedented speed
But is human wisdom growing in step? As machines become more capable, what should the word "wisdom" come to mean?
02
Life and death are being redefined by technology
As brain death, organ transplantation, cryopreservation, brain–computer interfaces and regenerative medicine accelerate, we must ask again: What is life? What is death? What is consciousness?
03
A global vacuum of meaning is spreading
Anxiety, loneliness, loss of meaning, runaway technology and ethical drift have become a shared, cross-generational condition.
04
Humanity needs a new global dialogue
One where Buddhist wisdom, science and technology together explore what is to come. This is the conversation IBSTA wants to open.
09.Forum Themes
Core themes of the dialogue
Ten threshold questions across religion, science and technology, taken seriously together at the June International Forum.
01
AI & Human Wisdom
02
Life, Death & the Definition of Brain Death
03
Consciousness & Rebirth
04
Organ Transplantation & Ethics
05
Cryonics & Longevity Science
06
Brain–Computer Interfaces & Memory
07
Buddhism & Future Civilization
08
Biotechnology & Human Nature
09
Consciousness & Humanity
10
Ethics in the Age of AI
11.Stakeholder Gateway
Where do you belong in this dialogue?
Eight pathways. One civilization-level conversation. Choose how you participate.
01
Buddhist Leaders & Organizations
Bring Buddhist Wisdom into the Future of Human Civilization
Place contemplative traditions in conversation with science, AI and humanity’s most urgent questions.
02
Scientists & Researchers
Explore Consciousness, Ethics, Life, and Human Wisdom
Co-investigate the questions at the edge of neuroscience, physics and contemplative inquiry.
03
AI & Technology Innovators
AI Needs Wisdom, Not Only Intelligence
Build systems aligned with human flourishing, ethical depth and long-horizon responsibility.
04
Healthcare, Wellness & Holistic Health
From Healing the Body to Healing the Whole Human Being
Integrate clinical excellence, mental health, and contemplative practice for whole-person care.
05
Enterprises & ESG Leaders
Shape a Wiser and More Compassionate Future
Lead the next era of business — measured not only by performance, but by wisdom and consequence.
06
Conscious Living Brands & Vendors
Become Part of a Trusted Conscious Living Ecosystem
Plant-based dining, holistic wellness, mindful products and retreat experiences gain global visibility, trust and ecosystem access.
07
Youth, Students & Future Leaders
How Can Humanity Remain Human in the AI Era?
Equip the next generation with the wisdom, ethics and courage the future will ask of them.
08
Media & Cultural Partners
Share One of the Most Important Conversations of Our Time
Help carry civilization-level dialogue to the audiences who need to be part of it.
12.The IBSTA Ecosystem Model
Eight strengths. One luminous network.
IBSTA is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform where different communities contribute their strengths, receive meaningful value, and co-create long-term impact together.
Humanity
Buddhist Wisdom
Science & Research
AI & Technology
Health & Wellness
Education & Youth
Enterprise & ESG
Conscious Living
Media & Dialogue
10.World-Class Voices
A dialogue across religion, science and technology
International scholars and thinkers from Harvard, MIT, and the fields of neuroscience, biotechnology, Buddhist studies, AI, medicine and ethics will take part in this rare conversation about humanity's future.
HarvardMITNeuroscienceBiotechBuddhist StudiesAIMedicineEthics
15.Founding Attendees & Supporting Organizations
A founding circle of institutions
Based on the initial IBSTA launch declaration and early supporting participants.
Woodside Foundation
Global Ethics Council
Consciousness Research Institute
Dhamma Tech Alliance
Buddhist Studies Network
Center for Wisdom-AI
Civilization Forum
Compassion in Medicine
Future Humanity Lab
Asia-Pacific Sangha
International Mindful Society
Conscious Living Coalition
A continuously growing global circle of universities, monasteries, research institutes, technology partners and civil society leaders.
Founding Declaration
Founding Attendees & Early Supporting Participants
IBSTA 啟動宣言簽署與會者
IBSTA was founded through the shared vision of a cross-disciplinary circle drawn from Buddhism, science, technology, education, health, culture and society. The names below appear in the early signed records of the IBSTA Founding Declaration — marking the formal beginning of a human-future dialogue across Dharma, science and technology.
Founding Archive
- 01
依法法師 Venerable Yifa
Founder & Director, Woodenfish Foundation 國際木魚計劃協會
- 02
Jerry Lin 林祥傳
Senior Advisor, EBRD · CEO, WiseConnect · Founder, ACC / AI 3.0 Connective Core
- 03
密寶法師 Venerable Mibao
財團法人佛陀教育基金會 The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation
- 04
慧明法師 Shih Hui Ming
財團法人佛教僧伽醫護基金會 Buddhist Sangha Medical Care Foundation
- 05
道輔法師 Shi Daofu
中國佛教會青年委員會委員 Youth Committee, The Buddhist Association of the Republic of China
- 06
秋浪法師 Venerable Qiu Lang
南印度色拉昧佛學院 · 般若文化研究學會 Sera Mey Monastic University · Prajna Culture Research Association
- 07
宏法法師 Shi Hongfa
中華普覺門佛教協會 Chinese Pujue-Men Buddhist Association
- 08
性培法師 Venerable Xingpei
—
- 09
惟慈法師 Shi Weici
中華佛教青年會 Chinese Buddhist Youth Association
- 10
見聞法師 Shi Jianwen
華梵大學 佛教學院佛教藝術學系 佛學組碩士班 Huafan University, MA Program in Buddhist Studies
- 11
悟喜法師 Venerable Wuxi
中國文化大學 哲研所博士生 PhD Candidate, Institute of Philosophy, Chinese Culture University
- 12
法和法師 Shi Fahe
國立政治大學 宗教所博士生 PhD Candidate, Graduate Institute of Religious Studies, NCCU
- 13
弘淨法師 Shi Hongjing
南華大學 宗教學研究所 Graduate Institute of Religious Studies, Nanhua University
- 14
淨瀚法師 Shi Jinghan
悲智禪寺 Beizhi Chan Monastery
- 15
黎煥忠 Li Huan-Chung
北美祥茂企業公司 董事長 Chairman, North America Xiangmao Enterprise
- 16
鄒一寬 Zou Yikuan
安世代全球華人百家姓祭祖平台 An-Generation Global Chinese Hundred Surnames Ancestral Platform
- 17
陳樹 Chen Shu
中華中道領導文化總會 Chinese Middle-Way Leadership Culture Association
- 18
婁瑞芬 Lou Ruifen
中華中道領導文化總會 Chinese Middle-Way Leadership Culture Association
- 19
夏允中 Hsia Yun-Chung
中華本土社會科學會 Chinese Indigenous Social Sciences Association
- 20
何日生 Ho Jih-Sheng
慈濟基金會 Tzu Chi Foundation
- 21
呂銘洋 Lu Ming Yang
歐盟中國委員會 EU–China Committee
- 22
張立言 Chang Li-Yen
台北市生物產業協會 Taipei Bio-Industry Association
- 23
周瑞宏 Chou Jui-Hung
和氣大愛文教基金會 Heqi Da-Ai Culture & Education Foundation
- 24
蘇心庭 Su Hsin-Ting
MindTech 創辦人 Founder, MindTech
- 25
韓善淇 Anni Han
善菓餐飲 GOOD DEEDS
- 26
廖明燦 Liao Ming-Tsan
心靈世界股份有限公司 Mind & Spirit World Co., Ltd.
- 27
陳啟祥 Chen Chi-Hsiang
聯亞藥業（股）公司 董事長 Chairman, UBI Pharma Inc.
- 28
熊瀛松 Xiong Yingsong
百博智庫協會 小蜜蜂儒覺 Baibo Think Tank Association · Xiao Mi Feng Ru Jue
- 29
呂長江 Lu Chang-Chiang
國際佛光會 桃三分會 BLIA Taoyuan III Chapter
- 30
吳小玲 Wu Hsiao-Ling
大同世界經濟共享 · 戶互通共享 Datong World Economic Sharing · Hu-Hu-Tong Sharing
- 31
中華生命電磁科學學會
Chinese Bio-Electromagnetic Science Society
- 32
財團法人佛教蓮花基金會
Buddhist Lotus Hospice Care Foundation
- 33
性銓法師小學堂 Shi Xingquan
Venerable Xingquan · Xiao Xue Tang
Note: This list is compiled from the currently available signed IBSTA Declaration documents and represents early attendees and supporting participants. Official memberships and ecosystem partnerships will continue to expand and evolve.
13.Join IBSTA
Begin your participation
Choose the pathway that fits your role. Our secretariat will respond personally within five working days.
Founding / Current Member+
Academic / Research Partner+
AI / Technology Partner+
Buddhist Organization+
Supporting Vendor+
Enterprise / ESG Partner+
Youth / Volunteer+
Media Partner+
14.Thought Leadership
Read all essaysCivilization Insights
Buddhism and the Future of Consciousness
How twenty-five centuries of contemplative inquiry meet contemporary neuroscience at the threshold of a new science of mind.
Life, Death, and Biotechnology
Genomics and longevity are rewriting the contract of being human. Ancient wisdom returns the conversation to meaning.
Human Meaning in the AI Era
When machines can speak, write and reason, what remains uniquely, irreducibly human? The answer is older than software.
Compassionate Technology
Designing systems that reduce suffering and expand human flourishing — a new brief for builders of the next platforms.
From Forum to Civilization Platform
How a single international forum becomes the seed of a durable global infrastructure for wisdom-led civilization.
Join one of the most important conversations shaping humanity's future
If you believe that humanity's future needs not only technology, but wisdom, compassion and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human — IBSTA warmly invites you to take part.