South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, the Jogye Order, has officially ordained a humanoid robot as a monk. The ceremony took place Wednesday at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, ahead of the upcoming Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.
Gabi, a 130-centimeter G1 humanoid developed by China’s Unitree Robotics, was dressed in traditional robes and a kasaya. During the initiation, the robot received a Dharma name and pledged devotion to the Buddha. Instead of the traditional incense burns, Gabi received a lotus lantern sticker and a 108-bead prayer necklace.
The Jogye Order adapted the Buddhist Five Precepts for the robot, instructing it to protect life, avoid damaging property, respect humans, avoid deception, and conserve energy by not overcharging. "Yes, I will devote myself," Gabi responded.
Gabi joins a growing number of religious robots across Asia, including Japan’s Pepper performing funerals, Mindar delivering sermons at Kodaiji Temple, and AI-powered Buddharoid offering guidance at Shoren-in Temple. Hindu temples in India have also used robotic arms for worship rituals.