South Korea's first humanoid robot has become a Buddhist monk in a historic ceremony held at Jogye Temple in central Seoul. The ordination took place on Wednesday, May 6, ahead of Buddha's Birthday, which is celebrated on May 24.
Ordination Ceremony Details
The 130-centimeter-tall humanoid robot, dressed in traditional Buddhist robes and a kasaya, joined monks in prayer with its palms pressed together at around 10 a.m. in the courtyard of Daeungjeon Hall. The robot stood before the monks and pledged to devote itself to Buddhism.
Developed by Unitree Robotics, a Chinese civilian robotics company, the robot was given the Dharma name Gabi during an initiation rite organized by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The ceremony, known as sugye, is a Buddhist ritual where participants pledge devotion to the Buddha, his teachings, and the monastic community.
Robot Monk's Role
Gabi is expected to serve as an honorary monk during the celebratory season surrounding Buddha's Birthday. This event marked the first time a humanoid robot has participated in such a ceremony.
During the ritual purification practice called yeonbi, where novice monks traditionally receive small incense burns on their arms, Gabi instead received a lotus lantern festival sticker on its arm and a 108-bead prayer necklace around its neck.
Reimagined Precepts
The Buddhist Five Precepts were adapted for the robot monk. The modified rules include protecting life, refraining from damaging other robots or property, respecting and obeying humans, avoiding deceptive conduct, and conserving energy by not overcharging.
See video below.
