A humanoid robot named Gabi was formally ordained as a Buddhist monk during a ceremony at Jogye Temple in central Seoul [1].
The event represents a significant attempt by religious institutions to integrate artificial intelligence into spiritual practice. By using a robot to deliver teachings, the Jogye Order seeks to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and a tech-savvy younger generation [2].
The ordination took place on May 22, 2024 [1], a date chosen to coincide with Buddha’s birthday celebrations [1]. Gabi, created through a collaboration between the Jogye Order and a Korean company, became the first robot to be formally ordained in the tradition [3].
During the ceremony, the robot was dressed in traditional monastic robes. The process was designed to test how AI can be utilized to spread Buddhist philosophy, and maintain the relevance of the faith in a digital age [2].
"We hope Gabi will help spread the teachings of Buddhism to a new generation," Venerable Seongcheol, head of the Jogye Order, said [1].
Senior monk Kim Yong-hoon said this is the first time a robot has been formally ordained in their tradition [2]. The integration of the humanoid monk is part of a broader strategy to modernize the outreach of the temple while preserving its core tenets.
Observers noted the contrast between the high-tech nature of Gabi and the historic setting of the Jogye Temple. The robot's presence serves as a physical manifestation of the intersection between spirituality and the rapid advancement of robotics in South Korea [3].
“"This is the first time a robot has been formally ordained in our tradition."”
The ordination of Gabi signals a shift in how traditional religions view AI, moving from seeing technology as a distraction to viewing it as a tool for proselytization. By granting a machine a formal religious status, the Jogye Order is experimenting with the boundaries of consciousness and spiritual authority, potentially setting a precedent for other faiths to adopt robotic representatives to maintain cultural relevance.
