A humanoid robot named Gabi was ordained as an honorary Buddhist monk during a ceremony at the Jogye Temple in Seoul [1, 2].

The event marks an attempt by religious leaders to integrate cutting-edge technology into spiritual practice. By introducing a robotic presence into the temple, organizers aim to make Buddhist traditions more accessible and appealing to a modern, tech-driven society [1, 2].

The initiation took place on May 6, 2024 [1]. During the proceedings, Gabi participated in the traditional rituals associated with becoming a monk, acting as a symbolic bridge between the digital age and the tenets of Buddhism [1, 2].

Observers noted that the robot was not merely a static display. A leader from the Jogye Temple said, "The robot responded and moved by itself during the ceremony" [3].

This integration of artificial intelligence into the clergy is part of a broader initiative to modernize the image of the faith. The use of a humanoid form allows the temple to experiment with how technology can facilitate teaching, or community engagement, within a sacred space [1, 2].

While Gabi holds an honorary title, the presence of the robot at the Jogye Temple in Seoul [1] serves as a public demonstration of the compatibility between spiritual growth and technological advancement. The robot's movements and responses during the May 6, 2024, event [1] highlighted the technical capabilities of the humanoid platform in a highly structured social environment.

“The robot responded and moved by itself during the ceremony.”

The ordination of Gabi represents a strategic shift in how traditional institutions maintain relevance in an era of rapid automation. By granting a robot honorary status, the Jogye Temple is testing the boundaries of spiritual identity and exploring whether AI can serve as a tool for outreach without undermining the core tenets of human enlightenment.