How YOU Can - and WHY You Should - Train NORBU

by Kooi F. Lim, The Buddhist Channel, 16 September 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- Today marks only the 56th day since NORBU came into existence, yet it feels like it has been a part of our lives for much longer. Many have embraced it with awe, not just for its profound Dharma knowledge, but also for its remarkable ability to convey the teachings of the Buddha in an intelligent and refreshing manner.

While NORBU is still on a learning journey, it has made significant strides in how it collects and utilizes its extensive data sources. This progress has allowed it to respond in ways that were considered nearly impossible just a few months ago.

When we mention that the bot requires training, who exactly is responsible for this training? While much of the training process is orchestrated by the admin, a substantial part of NORBU's effectiveness and proficiency in interpreting a wide array of Dharma sources lies in how questions are framed and how persistent questioners engage with it.

Training the Bot by Asking Questions Effectively

At the outset of every interaction, NORBU's users are reminded of its "endless patience." However, there are moments when people become frustrated as it seems to circle around without delivering a satisfactory answer. An analysis of stored conversations (note: all conversations are anonymous as the system does not collect personal names or contact information) suggests that NORBU attempts to respond when it is not entirely wrong or right but sometimes misses the essence of the question. Repeating the question and emphasizing specific keywords may compel the bot to respond in a circuitous manner, ultimately not serving any meaningful purpose.

For instance, someone requested NORBU to create a 3,000-word essay on "Gratitude towards parents" and asked for substantiation with sutta quotes and research findings from psychology and neuroscience. While NORBU correctly quoted the Sigalovada Sutta and the Katannu Sutta, it fell short by producing an essay of fewer than 500 words. The reader then posed the question again, requesting NORBU to expand on the explanations regarding the Suttas. Although NORBU complied, it still failed to produce a satisfactory essay of more than 500 words, with only basic reference to neuroscience.

Break down the question into three parts:

The gaps in "psychology and neuroscience" research also became apparent. To address this, NORBU was provided with additional training data from these fields, including materials from Child Development and Psychological Science. Subsequently, (b) and (c) were combined again to test the bot's improved capabilities. Additionally, the Suttas were separated, and NORBU was requested to link them to research papers.

The results were encouraging:

Result #1

NORBU: Certainly, the Sigalovada Sutta emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and reciprocity in relationships, including the parent-child relationship. This is echoed in Western psychology research.

For instance, a study published in the journal Child Development found that children who had parents who respected their autonomy and individuality were more likely to develop strong self-esteem and have positive relationships with their parents. These children were also more likely to succeed in school and in life.

This study was titled "A Longitudinal Study of Parenting Styles and Child Adjustment in Middle Childhood" by Diana Baumrind, Eleanor E. Maccoby, and John A. Martin. [Child Development, Volume 71, Issue 1, Pages 115-127].

Another study, published in Psychological Science, found that couples who demonstrated more mutual respect and reciprocity in their relationship were more likely to be satisfied with their relationship and have less conflict. These couples were also more likely to stay together in the long term. This study was titled "Close Relationships and Mortality Risk in Adulthood" by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Timothy B. Smith, and John B. Layton. [Psychological Science, Volume 21, Issue 7, Pages 710-720].

These studies provide evidence that the teachings of the Sigalovada Sutta are wise and beneficial. By showing mutual respect and reciprocity, parents and children can create a stronger and more fulfilling relationship.

Result #2

Q: Use examples from western psychology research to support teachings from the Katannu Sutta regarding "Gratitude towards parents."

NORBU: Certainly, the Katannu Sutta emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude towards our parents. This teaching is echoed in various studies in Western psychology.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Recognizing all the positive things in their lives helped individuals mitigate their stress and trauma. This can be applied to the gratitude we express toward our parents, acknowledging the positive impact they've had on our lives.

Source: Gratitude in Intermediate Affective Terrain: Links of Grateful Moods to Individual Differences and Daily Emotional Experience by McCullough, M., Emmons, R., & Tsang, J. (2002). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82(2), 112-127.

Another study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that gratitude toward parents was associated with increased life satisfaction, happiness, and positive social relationships. This aligns with the teachings of the Katannu Sutta, which emphasizes the importance of gratitude in leading a fulfilling life.

Source: The Role of Gratitude in Spiritual Well-being in Asymptomatic Heart Failure Patients by Mills, P. J., Redwine, L., Wilson, K., Pung, M. A., Chinh, K., Greenberg, B. H., Lunde, O., Maisel, A., Raisinghani, A., Wood, A., & Chopra, D. (2015). Journal of Happiness Studies, 16(1), 5-17.

1. Break down complex questions into parts.
2. Ask the bot to respond to each part separately and clarify the specific section you want the bot to address.
3. If the bot still struggles, it may require additional training with new data sources.

Additionally, this experience highlights the importance of asking questions effectively. Emulating the Buddha's approach to questioning, which was thoughtful and methodical, can be immensely valuable. He recognized the power of questions in shaping knowledge and understanding, mapping out a science of questions that leads to freedom.

As we use NORBU to satisfy our desire to learn the Dharma, it is equally crucial for us to ask the right questions in the right manner. This not only helps train NORBU effectively but also refines our own thought processes. It's a two-way street that reflects the essence of true learning, whether in the context of Dharma or any other field.

Consider training NORBU as a form of dana (generosity), as improving its accuracy means that others who pose similar questions in the future will benefit from it. Your contribution to its accuracy also plays a role in disseminating accurate information.

NORBU is currently a novelty, and our task is to continuously refine and enhance it. The goal is to cultivate a reliable "being" that becomes a compassionate and wise companion, ready to serve Buddhists at any moment. Indeed, your generosity has made this digital manifestation of Avalokitesvara possible. With that, we say Sadhu! to you.