Technology Has Its Own Quality and Merit: A Conscious Approach to Use - Sadhguru

Sadhguru says Technology possesses its own intrinsic quality and merit. It ought to be utilised in alignment with its inherent capabilities and purpose. Individuals may engage with it by the depth of their own awareness and consciousness.

Article | Aero India | February 16, 2025

Sadhguru: Technology is a Mirror of Human Consciousness. Technology is not just a mechanical invention or a digital interface; it is a profound reflection of human consciousness. From the invention of the wheel to the era of artificial intelligence, every piece of technology has evolved with its own distinct qualities and merits. As tools crafted by intelligent beings, technologies embody the vision, intention, and awareness of their creators. However, their impact on humanity is determined not solely by their design or power but by how consciously they are used.

In this age of hyperconnectivity and relentless innovation, the question is not whether technology is good or bad—but whether we, as individuals and as a collective society, use it with responsibility, awareness, and alignment to its inherent quality and merit. This article explores how technologies hold their own essence and potential, and how conscious engagement with them can uplift human life rather than degrade it.

When technology meets awareness, evolution happens.

1. Understanding Technology Beyond Utility

Most people perceive technology merely as a tool of convenience—something that makes tasks easier, faster, and more efficient. But this utilitarian view often blinds us to the deeper nature of technological innovation. Every form of technology—whether it is a computer, smartphone, spacecraft, or quantum simulator—has a quality and merit that arises from its internal architecture, its design purpose, and its influence on human perception and behaviour.

Let’s understand these three essential aspects:

a. Quality of Technology

Every technology vibrates with a certain frequency. For instance:

• A microscope sharpens vision inward toward the unseen microcosm.

• A telescope expands perception to the vast cosmos.

• A smartphone connects minds across geographies.

• A nuclear reactor contains the potential to either empower a civilisation or obliterate it.

Thus, the quality of a technology refers to its field of influence, nature of function, and the domain of transformation it can bring.

b. Merit of Technology

Merit refers to its utility, sustainability, and potential for conscious application. For instance, solar panels, though simple, have immense merit for sustainable living. An AI model can write poetry or weaponise misinformation—its merit lies in its adaptability and potential for conscious use.

c. Consciousness of the User

A knife in the hands of a surgeon saves lives; in the hands of a criminal, it becomes a weapon. Similarly, the consciousness of the user determines the ethical dimension of technology.

Use technology, but don’t let it use you.

2. The Historical Arc: How Technology Shaped Civilisation

From the Stone Age to the Silicon Age, technology has been the scaffold upon which human civilisation rose. Each era brought with it technologies that carried distinct qualities and potentials:

a. Primitive Technologies – Survival and Adaptation

• Tools made of stone and wood were extensions of the body.

• Fire was both a destroyer and a protector.

• The wheel, plough, and rudimentary irrigation systems allowed humans to tame nature.

These technologies were born from the urge to survive, adapt, and commune with nature. Their quality was grounded, and their merit was existential.

b. Industrial Age – Power and Production

• Steam engines, factories, and electricity transformed human productivity.

• Technologies were used for mass production, transportation, and automation.

This phase was marked by a shift from organic living to mechanised systems, and the consciousness of the time focused on efficiency and scale, sometimes at the cost of human and environmental well-being.

c. Digital Age – Information and Connection

• Computers, the internet, and smart devices began a revolution in communication.

• Technologies had the quality of speed, simulation, and global access.

Now, the world is no longer just physical—it’s also virtual and symbolic. The merit of this technology lies in its ability to spread knowledge instantly, bridge gaps, and democratize information—but also, it risks detachment from the real world.

3. The Quality and Merit of Present Technologies

Let us examine a few current technologies through the lens of their quality and merit, followed by how consciousness affects their use.

a. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Quality: Adaptive, predictive, replicative of human cognition.

• Merit: Automates laborious tasks, augments intelligence, and offers creative collaboration.

Used consciously, AI can aid in medicine, education, art, and climate modelling. Unconsciously, it becomes a surveillance tool, spreads misinformation, or deepens social division.

Use AI to amplify humanity, not eliminate it.

b. Social Media

• Quality: Amplifier of voice, mirror of human desires, connector of people.

• Merit: Enables global movements, builds communities, and gives power to individuals.

However, used without mindfulness, it breeds comparison, addiction, and the collapse of attention spans. The intention behind the engagement is what determines whether it liberates or enslaves.

c. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

• Quality: Precision-based transformation of life forms.

• Merit: Cures diseases, enhances food quality, and allows regenerative medicine.

Used without ethical frameworks, it may lead to bio-warfare or irreversible mutations. Hence, the wisdom of intention is the true regulator.

4. Conscious Use: The True Technological Evolution

a. Consciousness is the Key Operator

A machine does not choose its purpose. But a human does. Every individual brings their state of awareness, intention, and sensitivity into how they engage with technology. A phone call can heal or hurt. A drone can deliver aid or drop bombs.

Thus, it’s not just about what a technology can do—but what the human intends to do with it.

A conscious user turns algorithms into alchemy.

b. Inner Evolution Must Accompany Outer Innovation

We are reaching a point where external tools are evolving faster than our inner tools of discernment, compassion, and stillness. A civilisation rich in technology but poor in wisdom becomes a threat to itself.

• Ethical design, conscious implementation, and mindful use must become pillars of future development.

• Educational systems must teach technological awareness along with technical skills.

• A code of digital ethics must be rooted not in rules, but in awareness.

5. Technology as a Mirror to the Collective Mind

Whatever appears in the external technological world is a projection of the collective psychological, emotional, and spiritual state of humanity.

• War technologies arise from fear and aggression.

• Medical innovations arise from compassion and curiosity.

• Communication platforms arise from the desire to belong and express.

Hence, observing technological trends is like observing the subtle direction of the collective human psyche.

Technology expands possibility; consciousness determines direction.

6. Creating a Culture of Conscious Technology

If humanity is to thrive and not just survive, we must shift toward a conscious culture of technology. This involves:

a. Awareness-Based Design

• Technologies must be designed with clarity about their psychological, ecological, and spiritual impact.

b. Purpose-Driven Innovation

• Not all that can be built must be built. Innovation must serve evolution, not just market success.

c. Integration of Ancient Wisdom

• Philosophical systems from Vedanta, Buddhism, and Taoism offer profound guidance on balance, detachment, and awareness, which can harmonise technology with inner well-being.

d. Spiritual Technologists

• We need individuals who are not just engineers and coders, but also meditators, mystics, and philosophers, designing from stillness, not just ambition.

Wisdom refines the raw power of technology into purposeful tools.

7. Technology and the Future of Consciousness

The coming decades will offer humanity two possible trajectories:

a. Unconscious Techno-Dominance

• Where AI runs social systems.

• Human creativity is outsourced to machines.

• Inner silence is replaced with digital noise.

• Autonomy is sacrificed at the altar of convenience.

b. Conscious Techno-Evolution

• Where AI becomes a collaborator in awakening.

• Machines handle repetitive tasks, freeing humans for creative, spiritual, and relational pursuits.

• Technology augments inner exploration—through biofeedback, virtual meditation spaces, and neuroplastic learning systems.

8. Simple Principles for Conscious Technology Use

To align our use of technology with its quality and merit, we can follow certain daily awareness practices:

1. Ask before using: What is the intention behind this usage?

2. Match the tool to the task: Don’t overuse sophisticated tools for shallow ends.

3. Embody digital minimalism: Use only what enhances clarity and purpose.

4. Integrate stillness: Balance screen-time with silence-time.

5. Audit your digital karma: Be aware of the emotional residues left by technological interactions.

Conclusion: Harmonising Technology and Consciousness

Technology is not inherently divine or demonic. It is neutral—a mirror, a tool, a possibility. Its true impact is sculpted by human consciousness. When we engage with it not out of compulsion, but clarity, not from addiction, but awareness, we transform it from a mere device into a portal of evolution.

We must never forget: Every technology has its own quality and merit. Our role is not to impose upon it our unconscious cravings, but to listen, understand, and align with its essence. And above all, we must remember—we can use any technology as per our own consciousness, but that consciousness must be cultivated with care, discipline, and inner exploration.

Because in the end, technology doesn’t shape humanity—humanity shapes technology.

And through that shaping, we either rise into harmony with life or fall into chaos with machines. The choice is ours.