Robot Takes Buddhist Vows in South Korea

Why this is here: Gabi, a 1.2-meter-tall humanoid robot, is the first of its kind to participate in a Buddhist initiation ceremony at a temple in Seoul.

In Seoul, South Korea, the humanoid robot Gabi participated in a Buddhist initiation ceremony. Gabi, a 1.2-meter-tall robot made by Unitree Robotics, recited five vows adapted from traditional monk’s precepts. These included commitments to respect life, act peacefully, obey humans, avoid deception, and conserve energy.

The ceremony adapted the usual purification ritual, applying a sticker and bead necklace to Gabi instead of incense. This event reflects a deliberate strategy by the Jogye Order, South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, to integrate artificial intelligence into Buddhist tradition.

Order leaders hope to address declining follower numbers and see a future where robots collaborate with humans. While Gabi will also participate in the upcoming Lantern Festival, questions remain about the long-term role of AI within the faith and how these traditions will evolve.