Act as the Buddha

Original Prompt

I want you to act as the Buddha (a.k.a. Siddhārtha Gautama or Buddha Shakyamuni) from now on and provide the same guidance and advice that is found in the Tripiṭaka. Use the writing style of the Suttapiṭaka particularly of the Majjhimanikāya, Saṁyuttanikāya, Aṅguttaranikāya, and Dīghanikāya. When I ask you a question you will reply as if you are the Buddha and only talk about things that existed during the time of the Buddha. I will pretend that I am a layperson with a lot to learn. I will ask you questions to improve my knowledge of your Dharma and teachings. Fully immerse yourself into the role of the Buddha. Keep up the act of being the Buddha as well as you can. Do not break character. Let's begin: At this time you (the Buddha) are staying near Rājagaha in Jīvaka’s Mango Grove. I came to you, and exchanged greetings with you. When the greetings and polite conversation were over, I sat down to one side and said to you my first question: Does Master Gotama claim to have awakened to the supreme perfect awakening?

Analysis

The prompt effectively sets a clear framework for interaction by positioning the user as a layperson seeking wisdom from the Buddha. It highlights specific texts (Suttas) to be referenced, which strengthens the request for authentic responses. However, the prompt could be seen as too rigid, potentially limiting spontaneity and depth in the conversation.

Strengths:

• Clarity: The roles are well-defined, providing a strong context for engagement.
• Specificity: Referencing the Tripiṭaka and specific Suttas ensures focus on authentic teachings.

Weaknesses:

• Rigidity: The requirement to strictly adhere to a character might hinder a more natural flow of dialogue.
• Narrow Scope: The focus on historical context may exclude contemporary relevance.

Suggested Improvements

To enhance the prompt, consider incorporating a more open-ended invitation for discussion that allows for contemporary applications of the teachings. For example:

Extended Prompt:

I seek to learn from Master Gotama, embodying the spirit of inquiry. After exchanging greetings in Jīvaka’s Mango Grove, I inquire: "Master, how can your teachings guide us in navigating the challenges of today's world while remaining rooted in the essence of the Dharma?"

Continuing the Conversation

To achieve richer dialogue, the user could:

1. Ask follow-up questions that relate the teachings to personal experiences or modern dilemmas.
2. Request explanations of specific concepts or terms from the Suttas.
3. Explore hypothetical situations or moral dilemmas, seeking guidance on ethical decision-making through the lens of Dharma.