A humanoid robot named Gabi was ordained as a Buddhist monk during a ceremony at Jogye Temple in central Seoul [1, 2].
The event marks a rare intersection of ancient spiritual tradition and modern robotics, showcasing how religious institutions are integrating artificial intelligence into practice [2].
The ordination took place on Wednesday, timed to precede celebrations for Buddha's birthday [2]. During the ceremony, Gabi was dressed in traditional monk robes and participated in the rituals required for entry into the Buddhist sect [1, 2].
Gabi stands four feet, three inches tall [3]. The robot's presence at the temple is intended to demonstrate the compatibility of robotics with Buddhist teachings and to attract attention to the faith's adaptability in a digital age [1, 2].
During the proceedings, the robot spoke to the assembled crowd. "I will devote myself to Buddhism," Gabi said [4].
Jogye Temple is a central hub for South Korean Buddhism, and the introduction of a robotic monk is part of a broader effort to modernize the outreach of the sect [1, 2, 5]. The ceremony included traditional chanting, and the formal acceptance of the robot into the monastic community [1, 2].
“"I will devote myself to Buddhism."”
The ordination of Gabi reflects a growing trend of 'techno-spirituality' in East Asia, where religious organizations use high-tech interventions to maintain relevance among younger, tech-savvy populations. By welcoming a humanoid robot into the monastic fold, the Jogye sect is testing the boundaries of consciousness and devotion, suggesting that the ritual and pedagogical aspects of Buddhism can be mirrored by AI.
