Robot Ordained as Buddhist Monk in Seoul Temple

A four-foot-tall robot dressed in brown robes stood before Buddhist monks in Seoul and pledged devotion to the Buddha, marking what may be the world's first robot ordination ceremony.

The Unitree G1 humanoid robot, now named Gabi, took vows at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple on Wednesday as part of an initiative by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. When asked if it would devote itself to the "holy Buddha," the robot responded "Yes, I will devote myself" to cheers from the crowd.

Instead of traditional human vows like abstaining from killing or stealing, Gabi's promises were reimagined for artificial intelligence. The robot pledged to respect and follow humans, avoid damaging property or other robots, refrain from deceptive behavior, and save energy by not overcharging.

The Jogye Order, South Korea's largest Buddhist sect, sees the ceremony as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life. Hong Min-suk, a manager at the order, explained that robots are "destined to collaborate with humans in every field," making their participation in religious festivals a natural next step.

The Ripple Effect

Temple officials believe Gabi's ordination could open doors for younger, tech-focused generations to engage with spiritual traditions they might otherwise overlook. The ceremony attracted more than one million views online, sparking global conversations about the intersection of faith and technology.

"The ordination of a robot signifies that technology must be used in accordance with the values of compassion, wisdom, and responsibility," the Jogye Order said in a statement. They framed the event as exploring "new possibilities for the coexistence of humans and technology."

Not everyone celebrated the innovation. Some Buddhist practitioners voiced concerns online, with one user calling the ceremony "ridiculous and insulting." The debate highlights ongoing questions about whether machines can meaningfully participate in spiritual life or if such efforts risk trivializing sacred traditions.

Gabi will make its next public appearance at Seoul's Lantern Festival on May 16-17, celebrating Buddha's birthday alongside thousands of human worshippers. Whether this sparks a trend or remains a one-time experiment, the temple has succeeded in getting people talking about how ancient practices can evolve without losing their essence.