Search Buddhist Channel
Why "CJ7" Shouldn't Be Alien
by Shen Shi'an, The Buddhist Channel, Feb 15, 2008
Dharma-Inspired Movie Review: www.sonypictures.net/movies/cj7
Singapore -- "CJ7" (Chang Jiang 7 Hao) is a heart-warming comedy about how the unconditional love of a faithful alien "dog" parallels that of a human father, together transforming a parent-child relationship for the better.
It isn't clear whether the arbitrarily named CJ7 is sentient or a sophisticated robot, but his lovable antics seemed all out to bring hope and joy into the life of the boy protagonist, despite being bullied at times - it's like patient Bodhisattva action!
The father admonishes his son repeatedly - not to fight, steal or lie, but to study diligently, so as to be useful to society in future. This seems to cover the second precept of non-theft and the fourth precept of non-lying in spirit.
There's a supposedly funny (yet tragic) scene though, of them swatting and stomping on (thankfully) CGI cockroaches for amusement. Looks like the first precept of non-killing was missed!
Those familiar with the director's (Stephen Chow) previous major hit movie "Kungfu Hustle" will spot him spoofing his own movie, where a giant Buddha shaped by clouds is replaced by a giant CJ7. No Buddha, but a Bodhisattva in disguise perhaps, who teaches lessons about love and life?
While the accidental sacrifice of the father during hard work contrasts with CJ7's intentional sacrifice to save him, both were painstakingly doing their best to benefit the boy. This reminds us of a famous quote from the Metta Sutta (Discourse on Loving-Kindness) - "As a mother would risk her life to protect her child, her only child, even so should one cultivate a limitless heart with regard to all beings. With good will for the entire cosmos, cultivate a limitless heart: Above, below, and all around, unobstructed, without enmity or hate."
The quote above is indeed appropriate for the movie, since CJ7 is an alien with advanced technology, capable of travelling the cosmos to spread his good will! The happy end scene shows countless other "CJ7s" landing on Earth, running joyfully towards the boy. Will they bring much happiness to other children? Or rather, since they are fictitious, shouldn't we do that on their behalf? If unconditional compassion shouldn't be "alien" to humanity, may we multiply our compassion for all sentient beings, be they alien to us or not. Though the movie slogan says "It's out of this world", the spirit of CJ7 needs to remain in this world!
Buddhist AI Chat Bot NORBU!
(Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding)
For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:
Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118
Note: Please indicate your name in the payment slip. Thank you.
Dear Friends in the Dharma,
We seek your generous support to help us train NORBU, the word's first Buddhist AI Chat Bot.
Here are some ways you can contribute to this noble cause:
One-time Donation or Loan: A single contribution, regardless of its size, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make the Buddhist LLM a beacon of wisdom for all.
How will your donation / loan be used? Download the NORBU White Paper for details.
For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:
Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118
Note: Please indicate your purpose of payment (loan or donation) in the payment slip. Thank you.
Once payment is banked in, please send the payment slip via email to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv. Your donation/loan will be published and publicly acknowledged on the Buddhist Channel.
Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family and fellow Dharma enthusiasts. Join "Friends of Norbu" at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norbuchatbot. Together, we can build a stronger community and create a positive impact on a global scale.
Volunteer: If you possess expertise in AI, natural language processing, Dharma knowledge in terms of Buddhist sutras in various languages or related fields, and wish to lend your skills, please contact us. Your knowledge and passion could be invaluable to our project's success.
Your support is part of a collective effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Buddhism. By contributing to the NORBU, you become a "virtual Bodhisattva" to make Buddhist wisdom more accessible to seekers worldwide.
Thank you for helping to make NORBU a wise and compassionate Buddhist Chatbot!
May you be blessed with inner peace and wisdom,
With deepest gratitude,
Kooi F. Lim
On behalf of The Buddhist Channel Team
Note: To date, we have received the following contributions for NORBU:
US$ 75 from Gary Gach (Loan)
US$ 50 from Chong Sim Keong
MYR 300 from Wilson Tee
MYR 500 from Lim Yan Pok
MYR 50 from Oon Yeoh
MYR 200 from Ooi Poh Tin
MYR 300 from Lai Swee Pin
MYR 100 from Ong Hooi Sian
MYR 1,000 from Fam Sin Nin
MYR 500 from Oh teik Bin
MYR 300 from Yeoh Ai Guat
MYR 300 from Yong Lily
MYR 50 from Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
MYR 1,000 from Chiam Swee Ann
MYR 1,000 from Lye Veei Chiew
MYR 1,000 from Por Yong Tong
MYR 80 from Lee Wai Yee
MYR 500 from Pek Chee Hen
MYR 300 from Hor Tuck Loon
MYR 1,000 from Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn Bhd
MYR 200 from Teo Yen Hua
MYR 500 from Ng Wee Keat
MYR 10,000 from Chang Quai Hung, Jackie (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from K. C. Lim & Agnes (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from Juin & Jooky Tan (Loan)
MYR 100 from Poh Boon Fong (on behalf of SXI Buddhist Students Society)
MYR 10,000 from Fam Shan-Shan (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from John Fam (Loan)
MYR 500 from Phang Cheng Kar
MYR 100 from Lee Suat Yee
MYR 500 from Teo Chwee Hoon (on behalf of Lai Siow Kee)
MYR 200 from Mak Yuen Chau
We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.
If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv