A humanoid robot named Gabi was ordained as a Buddhist monk during a ceremony at Jogye Temple in central Seoul [1, 3].
The event marks a rare intersection of artificial intelligence and traditional religious practice. By welcoming a machine into the monastic fold, the Buddhist sect is exploring how technology can coexist with spiritual traditions during celebratory seasons [1, 3].
The ordination took place on a Wednesday in 2024, timed to precede the celebrations for Buddha's birthday [1, 2]. Gabi stands four feet, three inches tall [2] and was dressed in traditional robes for the ceremony [1, 3].
During the proceedings, the robot spoke to the gathered crowd. "I will devote myself," Gabi said [2].
The robot's role is that of an honorary monk. The sect intended for Gabi to serve the community specifically during the celebratory period surrounding the holiday [1, 3]. The ceremony was held at the Jogye Temple, which serves as a central hub for Buddhism in the South Korean capital [1, 4].
This integration of a humanoid figure into a religious setting is part of a broader trend of blending Buddhism and artificial intelligence within the region [4]. While Gabi is a machine, the act of ordination symbolizes a gesture of inclusivity toward new forms of intelligence as they enter public and spiritual spaces [1, 3].
“"I will devote myself."”
The ordination of Gabi suggests that some religious institutions are willing to adapt traditional rituals to incorporate AI, potentially to attract younger, tech-savvy demographics or to philosophically examine the nature of consciousness. By designating the robot as an 'honorary' monk, the temple maintains a distinction between biological practitioners and synthetic entities while still utilizing the robot as a tool for public engagement.
