Seoul Buddhist Temple Accepts Robot as Novice Monk

In an unusual ceremony at the Jogye Temple in downtown Seoul, a humanoid robot became part of a Buddhist initiation ritual, the Korea Times reported. Under symbolic paper lanterns, the 1.3-metre-tall robot pledged its commitment to Buddhism and took the name Gabi.

The ceremony followed the format used for human postulants. The robot bowed, joined hands and answered the monks' questions with the words "Yes, I will devote myself". The ritual was adapted in certain respects, however. The traditional five commandments were given a new form: the robot is to avoid damaging other robots or objects and to "save energy and not overcharge". Rather than being marked with incense in the traditional manner, the monk affixed a sticker to the robot and hung a chain of 108 beads around it.

According to Jogye Order officials, the ceremony was intended as a response to technological developments and an invitation to discuss the coexistence of humans and machines. Monk Seong Won expressed hope that the ceremony would serve as an opportunity for coexistence between humans and robots, adding that the rules had been drawn up with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools including ChatGPT.

Gabi is also scheduled to take part in the traditional lantern festival marking Buddha's birthday.

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