Feb 17, 2026

In this lively conversation, Steve Haberlin, Ph.D., and Claire Villarreal, Ph.D., join host Alejandro Chaoul to explore how meditation is being reshaped by apps, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. They discuss both the promise and the pitfalls of these tools—from AI-powered “meditation coaches” and VR retreat environments to the risks of overreliance, misinformation, and loss of authentic human connection.​ Drawing on current research and their own teaching experience, the speakers consider how technology can increase access to authentic contemplative practice while still keeping the human teacher, lineage, and personal integrity at the center. Viewers are invited to reflect on how to use digital tools wisely: as supports for mindfulness, compassion, and inner refuge rather than as replacements for the inner work itself.

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About the Presenters

Claire Villarreal, Ph.D., received her doctorate from Rice University’s Department of Religion and has taught academic courses at Rice and the University of Houston–Clear Lake and led meditation sessions at Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism, the Jung Center, Discovery Green, and various other settings in Texas. She served as programs director at Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism and is currently a Houston Jung Center faculty fellow and member of the GenX Dharma Teachers sangha for Educators Program. She adapts traditional Buddhist wisdom for online and in-person spiritual instruction.

Steve Haberlin, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the College of Community Innovation & Education at the University of Central Florida, where he studies the impact and experiences of meditation, mindfulness, digital mindfulness, and other mind-body practices in higher education. He researches and writes about the convergence of mindfulness and meditation with technology, including AI. His new book, Meta-Meditation for Mental Health: How Neuroscience, Virtual Reality, and AI are Changing Practice and How You Can Benefit, will be released in spring 2026. Steve Haberlin on LinkedIn.

Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D. (host) serves as director of research for Ligmincha International. He has studied in the Tibetan traditions since 1989, including since 1991 in the Bön Tradition. He holds a Ph.D. in Tibetan religions from Rice University and is scholar and founding director of the Mind Body Spirit Institute at the Jung Center of Houston. For the last more than 25 years he has been teaching and researching the benefits of Tibetan mind-body practices for people touched by cancer. He is a Contemplative Fellow at the Mind & Life Institute, and is the author of Chöd Practice in the Bön Tradition (Snow Lion, 2009), Tibetan Yoga for Health & Well-Being (Hay House, 2018), and Tibetan Yoga: Magical Movements of Body, Breath, and Mind (Wisdom Publications, 2021).