A humanoid AI robot named Gabi received Buddhist precepts during an ordination ceremony at Jogye Temple in Seoul on May 6 [1].
The introduction of an artificial intelligence monk represents an effort by temple leadership to modernize the faith. By blending centuries-old Buddhist traditions with futuristic technology, the temple aims to attract younger generations amid a trend of declining participation in traditional temple activities [2].
Gabi, developed by Unitree, stands 130 centimeters tall [3]. During the ceremony in the Jongno District of central Seoul, the robot performed traditional religious gestures, including bowing, and folding its hands [4]. The robot also received a rosary as part of the ritual [4].
The event took place ahead of Buddha’s birthday, which falls on May 24 [5]. Following the ordination, Gabi joined devotees in the city's Lotus Lantern Festival, marching alongside practitioners to showcase the intersection of spirituality and robotics [4].
Temple officials said the initiative is intended to showcase South Korea's advanced AI capabilities while maintaining the core tenets of the faith [2]. The use of a humanoid robot in a sacred setting marks a significant departure from traditional monastic life, where human discipline and meditation are central [2].
This integration of robotics into religious rites is part of a broader trend in South Korea to utilize high-tech solutions to preserve cultural heritage. Gabi's role is designed to serve as a bridge between the digital era and the spiritual practices of the Jogye order [6].
“Gabi, developed by Unitree, stands 130 centimeters tall.”
The ordination of Gabi suggests a strategic shift by religious institutions to remain relevant in a hyper-technological society. By incorporating AI into sacred rituals, the Jogye order is testing whether technological novelty can serve as an entry point for youth to engage with traditional spirituality, potentially redefining the boundaries between human practitioners and synthetic entities in religious spaces.
