Ai Fellowship - Monastic Academy for the Preservation of Life on Earth

The AI Fellowship program is a unique training opportunity for those deeply in the AI field to work in an environment of rich practice and wholesome community.

We offer a one-of-a-kind monastic environment for those who are seeking clarity on the nature of AI and the way to train it in wisdom and compassion. If you work in the technical research field of AI Safety or AI development and you are desperate to find answers to support the flourishing of life on earth instead of the current path of destruction, this program may be in alignment.

Here are some research outputs by our AI Fellows, produced during their time in our training system:

Testimonials from our AI Fellows about their experience:

I believe that in my time as an AI fellow at MAPLE I learned more about AI (and how to use it to benefit the world) than in all the prior time that I spent working on and thinking about AI. Prior to MAPLE I got a PhD in machine learning, spent a decade in Silicon Valley working in AI companies, started a company myself and sold it to General Motors, and worked in GM's autonomous driving division, yet I seemed to make more progress on my real goals in 5 minutes at MAPLE than in all those prior years put together. So far as I can tell, MAPLE teaches a more effective method for inquiry, and provides a better environment for getting important things done, than any of the other places I've tried, and I've tried many. I ended up buying some land adjacent to the community and moving into a cabin there so that I could make what I learned as an AI resident into a way of life.

Kōshin Former AI Fellow

The fellowship gave me the ability to focus on AI without having to immediately worry about finances. It also gave me the ability to focus on the Practice, and see problems with fresh eyes. I also had several beneficial conversations while there, and to see and understand different mindsets.

Jaeson Former AI Fellow

What we offer:

A clear place for clear thoughts: MAPLE is a Buddhist spiritual community nestled in the beautiful Vermont mountainside with fresh air, swimming holes, and hiking trails
Grounding in ethics: Our community lives in ethical ways, aligning ourselves inwardly and outwardly. We believe this provides direct insight into technical alignment
Rigorous monasticism and meditation training: By dropping fixed assumptions, patterns, and habits, we allow fresh perspectives and uncover blindspots in ourselves and others
Good conversations: Conversations at MAPLE are sincere and honest, simultaneously encouraging and challenging. We ask real questions and demand real answers.

The cost of the AI Fellowship is $3,000 per month. If you are accepted into this program, you are welcome to request a financial aid scholarship. We have some limited grant funding available for those who qualify.

The length of the AI Fellowship is determined by a conversation with admissions, but at minimum it is one month. An ideal length is 3-6 months. If it’s a good fit, the AI Fellowship can be lengthened, or you can join for another stint in the future.

Ideal candidates are:

Mathematically or technically minded, with ongoing research or projects in the field of AI Safety, AI Alignment, or AI Development or actively seeking to develop their research or project plans going forward
Already familiar with meditation or spiritual practice, or eager to learn
Able to abide by our ethical codes of conduct and live harmoniously in a community setting
Able to do the required parts of the schedule (see below)
Sincere, dedicated, ambitious, and wholesome

If you have no prior experience in AI research or development, this program is not for you, but you may be interested in visiting as a guest or joining our training.

The program entails:

A schedule designed to support the balance of meditation and work
Daily meditation, chanting, exercise, communal meals, and opportunities for service
Access to coworking space and WiFi
Monthly silent meditation retreats
Evening workshops on Buddhism for AI, Dharma Study, and others
Community life

Check out our full schedule here. (All times are in EST.) As an AI Fellow, you will be joining for:

4:40 AM - 7:15 AM Chanting, Meditation, Breakfast
12:00 PM - 12:35 PM Lunch
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Group Exercise
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Class (~ 4 times per week)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Meditation, Chanting

You may also join for other activities such as chores, social gatherings, and community days. On most Mondays, we are off-schedule, and there are no scheduled obligations on these Mondays.

One week per month, we enter into silent retreat. These are priceless opportunities to hone our minds and bodies, and we consider them an essential component of enabling intense intellectual work while maintaining sanity, caring, and clarity. Everything is set aside during this week, including all social and work obligations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns with the schedule and your job commitments.