A humanoid robot named Gabi was ordained as a Buddhist monk at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple, pledging digital-age vows in front of an enthusiastic audience.
A humanoid robot named Gabi was officially ordained as a Buddhist monk during a ceremony held at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple on Wednesday. The robot, a Unitree G1 model valued at $13,500 and standing just over four feet tall, was dressed in traditional brown robes, plain shoes, and gloves designed to resemble human hands.
During the ceremony, which was organized by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Gabi stood before a panel of Buddhist monks to commit itself to the faith. A monk asked the robot if it would devote itself to the “holy Buddha,” to which Gabi responded affirmatively, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
This event highlights a growing trend among religious institutions to engage younger, tech-savvy audiences. It raises broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in spiritual life and whether such innovations risk trivializing longstanding traditions.
While traditional vows for humans typically include commitments to abstain from killing, stealing, and intoxicating substances, Gabi’s vows were “reprogrammed” to fit the digital age. The robot pledged to respect and follow humans, refrain from damaging property or other robots, avoid deceptive behavior, and conserve energy by not overcharging.
The Jogye Order, South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, framed Gabi’s ordination as an effort to make ancient traditions more relevant to a younger generation that is increasingly immersed in technology. In a statement shared with The New York Times, the order emphasized that the ordination of a robot signifies the necessity of aligning technology with the values of compassion, wisdom, and responsibility.
Hong Min-suk, a manager at the Jogye Order, expressed that robots are “destined to collaborate with humans in every field,” suggesting that it is only “natural” for them to participate in religious festivals.
Despite the temple’s optimistic outlook, the move has sparked criticism online. A video of Gabi’s pledge quickly garnered over one million views, with some users on social media questioning whether a machine can genuinely participate in religious practice. One user, identifying as a Buddhist, expressed their discontent, stating, “I find this ridiculous and insulting.”
Gabi is expected to make its next public appearance at Seoul’s upcoming Lantern Festival, scheduled for May 16-17, which honors the Buddha’s birthday.
As the intersection of technology and spirituality continues to evolve, the ordination of Gabi raises important discussions about the future of religious practices in an increasingly digital world, according to Fox News Digital.