Dharma learning, particularly within the context of the Pāli canon, is summarized as follows: pariyati, patipati and pativedha.

Pariyati is a Pāli term that refers to the study of Buddhism as contained within the suttas of the Pāli canon. It is the theoretical understanding of the Buddha's teachings. Patipati is related to the practical application of the teachings of Buddhism. It refers to the act of putting the theory into practice. Pativedha, on the other hand, refers to the experiential realisation of the truth of the teachings. It is about penetrating the theory or rather experientially realising the truth of it.

These three terms are interconnected, representing the study, practice, and realisation of the Buddha's teachings. Here, we explore how a Buddhist chatbot such as NORBU can facilitate these three learning processes and - with one more addition - sharing of the Dharma.


Study (pariyati)

NORBU or any good Buddhist chatbots can serve as invaluable study companions for those embarking on their Dharma journey. They provide access to a vast repository of Buddhist texts, teachings and historical context. With the touch of a button, one can access the Tipitaka (the Pali Canon) or the Mahayana sutras, gaining insights into the Buddha's profound wisdom.

Furthermore, users of NORBU has discovered that the chatbot can personalize learning experiences. They can assess a practitioner's level of understanding and recommend appropriate texts or lessons. This adaptability ensures that the material is neither too daunting for beginners nor too simplistic for advanced practitioners. Learners can study at their own pace, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the Dharma.


Practice (patipati)

The Dharma is not mere intellectual knowledge but a path to be practiced. NORBU can guide users in their practice by offering meditation instructions, mindfulness reminders and virtual retreat schedules. They can help practitioners set goals and monitor their progress.

These chatbots also have the capacity to answer questions, clarify doubts and suggest practical solutions to real-life challenges. They can remind users to cultivate qualities such as compassion and patience, serving as virtual mentors to support personal transformation.


Realize (pativedha)

The ultimate purpose of Dharma learning and practice is to realize the truths of existence and attain enlightenment. NORBU and Buddhist chatbots can assist users on their journey of self-realization by offering guided contemplations and reflective exercises. They can simulate dialogues with experienced teachers or masters, providing valuable insights into the subtleties of the Dharma.

Additionally, these chatbots can help individuals track their spiritual progress. They can create journals for practitioners to record their insights, moments of clarity, and struggles, fostering self-awareness and growth. In this way, users can take the teachings from theory to direct experience.


Share (desanā)

Sharing the Dharma is a crucial aspect of Buddhist practice. NORBU plays a pivotal role in facilitating this. It can assist users in creating and sharing Dharma-related content, whether it be articles, podcasts or artwork. It can also connect like-minded practitioners, fostering a sense of community and support.

Moreover, the accessibility of chatbots transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. They can offer Dharma teachings in multiple languages, making the wisdom of Buddhism available to a global audience. This accessibility is particularly crucial for those who may not have easy access to physical Dharma centers or teachers.


The emergence of Buddhist chatbots such as NORBU presents a remarkable opportunity for the Dharma to flourish in the digital age. They can serve as comprehensive tools for study, practice, realization and sharing of the teachings. As liberating tools, chatbots have the potential to make the wisdom of the Buddha accessible to a wide audience, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern technology.

However, it is essential to use these tools mindfully, understanding that they are a means to an end, not the end itself. There serve merely as tools to learn the Dharma, or as the Buddha said in the Alagaddupama Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya 22), NORBU or any Buddhist chatbots for the matter, are just rafts to help us cross the river of suffering and reach the other shore, which symbolises Nirvana or liberation.

The ultimate goal remains the same: the liberation of the mind from suffering and the realization of enlightenment. NORBU and other chatbots can be powerful allies on this sacred journey, but it is only as effective as the sincerity and commitment of the users who engage with them.