Humanoid robot becomes Buddhist monk in South Korean ceremony VIDEO

South Korea’s Buddhists have found an unusual way to mark upcoming celebrations for Buddha’s birthday by welcoming a 1.3-meter-tall humanoid robot to pray alongside monks at a temple in Seoul.

The event took place at a Buddhist temple attended by monks from the Jogye Order, the country’s largest Buddhist sect, as highlighted by Korean media reports.

“Robots are destined to collaborate with humans in every field in the future,” Hong Min-suk, a manager at the Jogye Order, told reporters. “It will only be natural for them to be part of our festival.”

The ceremony marked the first time a robot had taken part in the sugye initiation rite, during which followers pledge devotion to the Buddha and his teachings.

The humanoid, named Gabi — a Buddhist name associated with mercy — was built by Unitree Robotics, a Chinese robotics company. The G1 model reportedly starts at around $13,500.

During the ritual, Gabi recited five modified vows traditionally spoken by Buddhist monks. The robot pledged to respect life, act peacefully toward robots and objects, listen to humans, avoid deceptive speech or behavior, and conserve energy.

Gabi also took part in an adapted yeonbi purification ceremony. Instead of receiving the small incense burn normally given to human monks, the robot was presented with a lotus lantern festival sticker and a prayer bead necklace.

Buddhism embraces AI era

The event reflects a broader push by the Jogye Order to incorporate artificial intelligence into Buddhist practice.

Earlier this year, Venerable Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, pledged during a New Year address to embrace AI technologies within the tradition.

“We aim to fearlessly lead the AI era and redirect its achievements toward the path of attaining peace of mind and enlightenment,” he said in a statement.

By Nazrin Sadigova