Artificial intelligence is used throughout The Spiritual Centre in a number of different ways. It assists with research and editorial work, imagery, website development and technical systems, and also powers interactive services such as Bruce the Concierge and other AI agents.
AI is a tool within The Spiritual Centre; it is not its author, editor or publisher.
The Spiritual Centre brings together the work, research, beliefs, experience and interpretations of Bruce Clifton and other contributors. Artificial intelligence may assist in researching, developing, editing or presenting that material, but responsibility for the editorial direction and final published content rests with Bruce Clifton.
AI and the Editorial Process
Artificial intelligence may be used as part of our research, editorial and developmental processes. This can include finding and comparing information, exploring historical and cultural sources, developing ideas, organising material, drafting or restructuring passages, checking consistency, proofreading and assisting with search-engine presentation.
Artificial intelligence is not used to independently generate the material published by The Spiritual Centre. Our content originates from human research, knowledge, experience, beliefs and interpretation. AI is used as a tool to assist with that material, rather than as an autonomous source of it.
The final decision about what is published rests with Bruce Clifton.
AI-Generated and AI-Assisted Imagery
Artificial intelligence is used to create and develop some of the images, illustrations and visual material published by The Spiritual Centre.
These images are used to illustrate concepts, traditions, stories and interpretations where suitable existing imagery may not be available or where an original visual interpretation better complements the material.
AI-generated imagery is selected and directed as part of the editorial and creative process and is not intended to represent historical artefacts, people, places or events as documentary evidence unless specifically identified as such.
AI Agents and Interactive Services
The Spiritual Centre uses artificial intelligence to provide interactive services, including Bruce the Concierge, tour guides and other specialist AI agents.
Each AI agent is created for a defined purpose and is given its own role, area of knowledge and boundaries. We believe an AI agent should be clear about what it is, what it is there to do and the limits of the service it provides.
Bruce the Concierge is the host and tour guide for The Spiritual Centre. His role is to welcome visitors, help them navigate the website and discuss and explain the material available throughout it. Safeguards are used to keep his conversations focused upon The Spiritual Centre and its content.
Other AI agents have their own specialist roles and boundaries. A card reader, for example, is provided specifically for card reading and interpretation rather than as a general-purpose AI assistant. Future specialist agents will be developed on the same principle.
Our charges reflect the nature of the service being provided. Bruce the Concierge is deliberately offered as a low-cost service because his role is general assistance, guidance and exploration of The Spiritual Centre. Specialist services may be priced differently according to the nature and expertise of the service being provided. Prices are always shown before a visitor chooses to purchase a service.
AI agents generate their responses during the conversation. Their responses are not individually written or approved in advance, but they operate within the roles, knowledge and safeguards established for them.
What the AI agents can see and hear.
When you choose to use your camera and microphone, an AI agent may be able to see and hear more than you might expect. It may recognise objects, clothing, surroundings, facial expressions and other things visible through your camera, as well as what you say during the conversation.
This visual and audio awareness allows the AI agent to interact naturally with you. It does not mean that somebody from The Spiritual Centre is watching your conversation. We do not secretly watch, record or retain video or audio of your interaction.
A text transcript of the conversation is retained and can be accessed by The Spiritual Centre. Anything you say during the conversation, including personal information you choose to share, may therefore appear in that transcript. (This also helps us maintain and develop the service and provides a record where one is legitimately required.)
Our AI agents are designed to treat what they see and hear as part of the conversation, not as something to judge or expose. Nevertheless, you should be aware of what is visible to your camera and what you choose to share.
Our Approach to Artificial Intelligence
The Spiritual Centre believes artificial intelligence should be used openly, responsibly and with a clear purpose. We do not seek to disguise where AI is used, nor to present AI-generated interaction as human interaction.
As this technology develops, so will the ways in which we use it. Our approach will remain the same: human responsibility, clear boundaries, transparency with our visitors and respect for the people who choose to interact with us.
A personal statement from Bruce
The Spiritual Centre has been online since 2004 and continues to evolve alongside new technology. We are proud to explore how artificial intelligence can become part of its future while retaining the character, values and independence that have shaped the site for more than two decades.
And Bruce the Concierge?
After 22 years of building The Spiritual Centre, I decided that one Bruce wasn’t enough. 😇
My AI twin now helps to welcome visitors too.
😂🤣😁 Humility has no limits. 😁🤣😂
Have some fun and enjoy this experience, we value any feedback both good and bad as we develop this opportunity to embrace the future. ❤️