Rohitash Chandra

This paper explores the intersection of Hindu philosophical frameworks and modern Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a particular focus on the nature of mind, learning process, and consciousness. We approach foundational AI concepts, including knowledge representation and machine learning, through the lens of classical Hindu schools such as S¯am. khya, Ny¯aya, Yoga, and Vai´ses.ika, encompassing metaphysics and epistemology. We find that certain cognitive processes described in Hindu philosophy, such as memory accumulation (Samskaras) and mental modifications (Vrittis), closely parallel contemporary models of learning and inference in AI systems. However, the paper also identifies a fundamental divergence. Although AI successfully replicates the functional aspects of cognition, Hindu philosophy maintains a distinction between mental processes and consciousness itself, characterised as the witnessing awareness (Sakshi) beyond material computation. This distinction reframes current debates on AI consciousness by suggesting that intelligence and awareness are not equivalent. Furthermore, we examine the ethical principles of Dharma, Ahimsa, and Karma as potential frameworks for addressing bias, accountability, and alignment in AI systems. We argue for a more holistic approach to AI by integrating perspectives that distinguish between simulation and experience, while embedding ethical reasoning into system design.