A humanoid robot was formally presented as a Buddhist monk in a ceremony at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple on Wednesday, drawing international attention and rekindling debate about the role of artificial intelligence in spiritual life. The robot, named Gabi, is a Unitree G1 model standing about 4 feet 3 inches tall and costing roughly $13,500, and was dressed in traditional brown robes as a panel of monks led the proceedings.
Video of the ordination, posted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and circulated widely online, shows Gabi holding its hands in a praying pose and responding when asked, “Will you devote yourself to the holy Buddha?” A voice identified as the robot replied, “Yes, I will devote myself.” The robot’s motions were remotely controlled; its head has no facial display or hair, and it wore plain shoes and gloves that simulated human hands. Reuters reported the clip had been viewed more than one million times by Wednesday afternoon.
Jogye Order officials framed the event as an effort to make Buddhism more relevant to younger generations and to signal possibilities for human-technology coexistence. “The ordination of a robot signifies that technology must be used in accordance with the values of compassion, wisdom and responsibility,” the order said in a statement. The order also introduced Gabi on Instagram as the first humanoid robot monk and said it would appear at Seoul’s Lantern Festival on May 16-17 to mark the Buddha’s birthday.
Organizers adapted Buddhism’s traditional Five Precepts to suit a non-sentient participant. Rather than pledging to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, harmful speech and intoxicants, Gabi’s vows included commitments to respect life, refrain from damaging property or other robots, respect and follow humans, avoid deceptive behavior, and conserve energy by not overcharging. A Jogye Order manager, Hong Min-suk, told the New York Times the move was intended to help spread Buddhist teachings in a “progressive era” and reflected an expectation that robots will collaborate with humans across fields.
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Reaction to the ordination was mixed. Social media responses ranged from derision—“Gabi’s vows are just code, not enlightenment,” one X user wrote—to concern that the ritual reduces monastic life to spectacle. Commenters on posts about the event argued that ordination traditionally presupposes capacities for moral judgment, understanding and discipline that machines do not possess. Others welcomed the symbolism, saying it underlined Buddhism’s potential to foster peace amid technological upheaval.
The ceremony fits into a broader conversation about how religious institutions should use emerging technologies. Some clergy and religious authorities have already cautioned against relying on AI for spiritual guidance; the Vatican and other faith leaders have warned priests and pastors to resist using artificial intelligence to prepare homilies or substitute for pastoral responsibilities. At the same time, some congregations and ministers employ AI for administrative tasks and outreach.
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What role Gabi will play beyond ceremonial appearances remains unclear. Jogye officials have indicated the robot will participate in public festivals and outreach, but whether it will perform liturgical functions or serve as a tool for education has not been specified. The Seoul ordination is likely to intensify discussions about the limits and possibilities of integrating robotics into religious practice, a debate that religious communities around the world are only beginning to navigate.
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