Terms of Service

Last updated: 2026-05-19

By using Pocket Buddha you agree to these terms.

What Pocket Buddha is

Pocket Buddha is a mobile application that lets you converse with an AI model (Claude, from Anthropic) configured to discuss Buddhist philosophy, scripture, and practice. The app connects to Anthropic’s API using your own API key.

What Pocket Buddha is not

  • Pocket Buddha is not a Buddhist teacher, monk, or spiritual authority. It is an AI. Its responses are generated by a language model and may be inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.
  • Pocket Buddha is not a substitute for professional advice — medical, mental-health, legal, financial, or otherwise.
  • Pocket Buddha is not a crisis intervention service. If you are in distress, please use the Crisis Resources section of the app or contact a qualified human professional.
  • Pocket Buddha is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any specific Buddhist tradition, lineage, monastery, or community.

Your responsibilities

By using the app you agree:

  1. To use Pocket Buddha for personal reflection and learning, not as a sole source of spiritual or practical guidance
  2. To bring your own Anthropic API key and pay any costs associated with your API usage (Anthropic bills you directly, not us)
  3. To comply with Anthropic’s terms of service when sending messages through their API
  4. Not to use the app to generate content that is unlawful, harmful, harassing, or that violates the rights of others
  5. To be at least 13 years old (users under 18 should have parental consent)

AI limitations

Large language models can be confidently wrong. Pocket Buddha may:

  • Misattribute scripture or quote it inaccurately
  • Conflate teachings from different traditions
  • Give advice that is unsuitable for your particular situation
  • Reflect biases present in its training data

Use its words as a starting point for your own reflection — not as the last word.

Disclaimer of warranties

Pocket Buddha is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind. We make no guarantee that the app will be available, error-free, or suitable for any particular purpose.

Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the maintainers of Pocket Buddha are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damages arising from your use of the app, including (but not limited to) reliance on AI-generated content, API costs, lost data, or any decisions you make based on conversations with the app.

Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of any changes.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, United States. Any dispute should be brought in the state or federal courts located in Michigan.

Contact

For questions or concerns regarding these terms, email daclauson@protonmail.com.