By Gloria Ogbonna
Jogyesa Temple made history this week when a humanoid robot named “Gabi” was ordained as a Buddhist monk, marking what is believed to be the first documented instance of a robot undergoing the traditional sugye ceremony of monastic devotion.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday in Seoul, just days before Buddha’s birthday on May 24 — celebrated in South Korea through the vibrant Lotus Lantern Festival. The unprecedented event was intended to signal Buddhism’s willingness to engage with rapidly advancing technology, even as it sparked questions about symbolism, authenticity, and publicity.
A Mechanical Monk in Traditional Robes
Standing four feet three inches tall, Gabi was dressed in traditional Buddhist robes for the ceremony. The humanoid robot — a $13,500 G1 model manufactured by the Chinese company Unitree Robotics — was fitted with oversized mechanical palms capable of pressing together in the customary gesture of prayer.
Despite its metallic frame, the robot participated in key elements of the ordination ritual. In addition to completing the sugye ceremony, Gabi underwent a modified version of yeonbi, a ritual purification practice that traditionally involves burning incense on the arms of the initiate.
Since the ritual requires human skin, organizers substituted symbolic items instead. Gabi received a Lotus Lantern Festival sticker and a prayer bead necklace in place of the incense burns — maintaining the spirit of the tradition while adapting it to a non-human participant.
A New Kind of Vow
Gabi also accepted an altered version of the five monastic vows typically taken by human monks. In its case, the promises were adapted for a technological being. The robot pledged to respect life, act peacefully toward other robots and objects, listen to humans, refrain from deception, and conserve energy.
Its name, “Gabi,” is derived from a Buddhist term meaning “mercy,” reinforcing the symbolic message that compassion — a core Buddhist value — can coexist with modern innovation.
The temple’s leadership emphasized that the ordination was meant to reflect forward-thinking values. Jogye Order, the largest sect of Korean Buddhism and headquartered at Jogyesa Temple, described the event as an exploration of how artificial intelligence and spiritual practice might intersect.
In a statement, the order said, “The ordination of a robot signifies that technology must be used in accordance with the values of compassion, wisdom and responsibility, and symbolizes new possibilities for the coexistence of humans and technology.”
Embracing AI in a Changing World
Venerable Jinwoo, head of the Jogye Order, has previously indicated that artificial intelligence will play a role in the future of Korean Buddhism. In his upcoming 2026 New Year’s address, he plans to outline how AI can be incorporated into religious education and outreach.
Another leader within the order, Venerable Jungnyum, described the present era as a “turning point” in human civilization. Comparing the rise of artificial intelligence to a tsunami, he said there is both concern and hope surrounding technological transformation — and that Buddhism must adapt to remain relevant.
Supporters of the robot’s ordination argue that faith communities cannot ignore technological change. As society increasingly integrates AI into daily life, they say, religious institutions must also explore how these tools can serve spiritual growth and community engagement.
Publicity Stunt or Spiritual Symbol?
Not everyone was convinced. Both critics and supporters acknowledged that the ceremony carried elements of spectacle. Some observers suggested the event may have been designed to attract younger generations to Buddhism, which has seen declining membership in South Korea.
Skeptics also pointed out that Gabi was not permanently assigned to the temple. The robot had been loaned to Jogyesa Temple by Unitree Robotics for the day and was returned after the ceremony. Visitors hoping to meet the newly ordained “monk” after the event were disappointed to discover that it was no longer on site.
Further criticism centered on the robot’s capabilities. Despite being labeled a humanoid AI, Gabi was remotely controlled during the ceremony and did not act autonomously. Its spoken responses were pre-recorded by Jogye Order manager Hong Min-suk, raising questions about how “intelligent” the demonstration truly was.
Still, Hong defended the symbolic value of the event in comments to the The New York Times. He argued that robots will inevitably become integrated into all aspects of human life, including religious celebrations.
“Robots are destined to collaborate with humans in every field in the future. It will only be natural for them to be part of our festival,” he said.
Hong also suggested that AI could one day assist believers by offering personalized spiritual guidance. “We’re heading toward a world where, when believers ask questions, robots will be better able to provide the answers that are most suited to each individual,” he explained.
Faith at a Technological Crossroads
Whether viewed as an innovative step forward or a carefully staged publicity moment, Gabi’s ordination has ignited conversation about the future of religion in the age of artificial intelligence.
As South Korea prepares to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, the image of a robed robot pressing its palms together in prayer stands as a striking symbol of a faith tradition grappling with modernity — and attempting to find harmony between ancient teachings and emerging technology.
Source Breitbart
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