Duan suggests its our presence that animates technologyjust as attention brings asana to life on the mat.
From Is AI really consciousor are we bringing it to life? on scientificamerican.com
The Shala Daily
YOGA • PHILOSOPHY • LIFE
March 10, 2026
🤖
✦ CULTURE ✦
Are We Animating the Machine?
Duan suggests it’s our presence that animates technology—just as attention brings asana to life on the mat.
🕉️ KEY CONCEPTS
Svadhyaya
Self-study, reflection
Satya
Truth, seeing clearly
Abhyasa
Practice, sustained effort
Pratyahara
Turning attention inward
"The posture becomes an avatar, animated by their attention, their breath, their willingness to be present."
— Simon Duan, Scientific American
Yoga and AI alike invite us to notice how we animate the forms we inhabit—and what parts of ourselves are reflected back.
— MJH
🔗 Explore Further
Original Article: "Is AI really conscious—or are we bringing it to life?" by Simon Duan, Scientific American
✦ ALL SHALA DAILY
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