{"id":556480,"date":"2026-05-07T21:21:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T21:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/?p=556480"},"modified":"2026-05-07T21:21:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T21:21:32","slug":"introducing-gabi-the-robot-that-recently-took-vows-as-a-monk-at-a-buddhist-temple-in-south-korea-its-the-most-recent-robot-to-embrace-spiritual-devotion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/?p=556480","title":{"rendered":"Introducing ‘Gabi,’ the Robot That Recently Took Vows as a Monk at a Buddhist Temple in South Korea. It\u2019s the Most Recent Robot to Embrace Spiritual Devotion"},"content":{"rendered":"

The humanoid committed to follow human commands, conserve energy, and treat fellow robots with kindness. Recently, Buddhist authorities in South Korea have begun to accept artificial intelligence<\/h2>\n
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\n \"Christian\n <\/div>\n
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Christian Thorsberg<\/p>\n

| Daily Correspondent<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\"Gabi\n <\/picture>
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Known as \u2018Gabi,\u2019 the humanoid robot monk participated in ceremonies at a temple in Seoul this week.
\n Lee Jin-man \/ AP<\/span>
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Upon first observation, the ceremony that occurred on Wednesday morning at a Buddhist temple in central Seoul appeared similar to any other, with monks moving among clusters of vibrant hanging lanterns.<\/p>\n

However, one figure distinguished itself from the others, even though it wore the same garments as the other monks. The four-foot-tall humanoid robot, named Gabi, was unmistakable.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobots are fated to partner with humans across all domains in the future,\u201d stated Hong Min-suk, a manager at the Jogye Order, the largest sect of Buddhism in South Korea, in an interview with the New York Times\u2019 John Yoon. \u201cIt will naturally be expected for them to join our festival.\u201d<\/p>\n

This marked the first instance a robot was involved in the sugye<\/em> initiation ceremony at the temple, where followers express their commitment to the Buddha and his teachings. Gabi\u2014a name in Buddhism symbolizing compassion, according to Yonhap News Agency\u2014was created by Unitree Robotics, a civilian robotics firm from China. The G1 model starts retailing at $13,500.<\/p>\n

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Humanoid robot becomes Buddhist monk in South Korea<\/p>\n

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During the event, Gabi took on five vows traditionally spoken by human monks, slightly modified for the robot. The robot committed to honor life, behave peacefully towards other robots and objects, heed human instructions, avoid dishonest actions or speech, and conserve energy.<\/p>\n

Gabi partook in a tailored yeonbi<\/em> purification ceremony. While a human monk would typically receive a small incense burn on the arm, Gabi received a sticker from the lotus lantern festival and a necklace of prayer beads instead.<\/p>\n

This historic occasion corresponds with an earlier promise made by the Venerable Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, during a New Year\u2019s address to incorporate artificial intelligence into Buddhist practices.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to boldly navigate the A.I. era and channel its advancements towards fostering peace of mind and enlightenment,\u201d he remarked, according to a statement.<\/p>\n

The notion that Buddhism\u2014which is experiencing a decline in followers\u2014should engage with technology was reiterated last month by the Venerable Jungnyum, another figure in the order.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this pivotal moment in civilization where artificial intelligence approaches like a tsunami, there are significant anxieties and optimism that Buddhism should also progress toward a new era of hope,\u201d he conveyed at a press briefing, as reported by Seoul Economic Daily\u2019s Lee Jae-yong.<\/p>\n

The involvement of robots in religious practices is not a new concept, but it remains rare. In a 2024 literature review published in the journal Theology and Science, researchers from the University of Vienna and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg documented nearly a dozen robots actively engaged in liturgical and ritual activities, with fewer involved in teaching religious education or providing spiritual guidance, and even fewer preaching.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile empirical evidence indicates that robots are generally received with a neutral to positive attitude by the faithful, there are instances of dogmatic rejection, largely because they seem incapable of weeping, worshipping, or \u2018communicating with God,\u2019\u201d the researchers noted.<\/p>\n

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Did you know? Illuminate the path<\/p>\n

South Koreans observe Yeondeunghoe, a lantern lighting celebration, in honor of Buddha’s birth and the arrival of spring. The lotus flower emblem is frequently utilized. The festival is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A humanoid referred to as Pepper gained attention in 2017 when it conducted Buddhist funeral rites, as reported by the Japan Times. That same year, an Indian tech company unveiled a robotic arm designed to carry out aarti<\/em>, a rite in which flames are ceremonially waved to deities, as discussed by anthropologist Holly Walters in the Conversation in 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobots find themselves at the center of an ongoing debate about religion that has spanned thousands of years,\u201d remarked Martien Halvorson-Taylor, a religious studies academic at the University of Virginia, during the podcast \u201cSacred & Profane\u201d in 2021. \u201cIs what we believe about the divine what truly matters, or are our actions and practices what count? In certain religious contexts, the manner of engagement is deemed more significant than the rationale behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Later this month, Gabi is anticipated to take part in the lantern festival honoring the birth of Buddha.<\/p>\n