https://sg.news.yahoo.com/world-first-robot-monk-devotes-164340212.html
Fri, 8 May 2026 at 12:43 am SGT
The world’s first robot monk has been ordained into Buddhism at a South Korean temple.
https://cf.eip.telegraph.co.uk/store/vid-media/2ad78ad7/fallback/2ad78ad7-mp4-fallback.mp4
In an attempt to popularise the religion among young people, the 4ft 3in humanoid led a procession of monks at Jogye Temple in Seoul on Wednesday to celebrate the Buddha’s birthday on May 24.
The android, named Gabi, wore grey and brown Buddhist garb as it was consecrated by the Jogye order, the country’s largest Buddhist sect.
During the ceremony on Wednesday, one of the monks asked: “Robot monk, please reply with palms together, ‘Yes, I will devote myself.’”
“Yes, I will devote myself,” replied Gabi, before one of the monks placed a rosary around its neck.
Monks surround their new novice, the robot Gabi, after the ceremony - Yonhap/AFP via Getty Images
It was told to respect life, not damage other robots or objects, follow humans and not speak back to them, not to act deceptively, to save energy and not to overcharge.
Introduced to South Korea in the 4th century, Buddhism, along with Christianity, has seen a decline in popularity in the past 20 years. Many of South Korea’s younger generation regard the religion as old-fashioned.
“The ordination of a robot signifies that technology must be used in accordance with the values of compassion, wisdom and responsibility,” the order said.
“It symbolises new possibilities for the coexistence of humans and technology.”
World’s first robot monk devotes itself to Buddhism
The TelegraphFri, 8 May 2026 at 12:43 am SGT
The world’s first robot monk has been ordained into Buddhism at a South Korean temple.
https://cf.eip.telegraph.co.uk/store/vid-media/2ad78ad7/fallback/2ad78ad7-mp4-fallback.mp4
In an attempt to popularise the religion among young people, the 4ft 3in humanoid led a procession of monks at Jogye Temple in Seoul on Wednesday to celebrate the Buddha’s birthday on May 24.
The android, named Gabi, wore grey and brown Buddhist garb as it was consecrated by the Jogye order, the country’s largest Buddhist sect.
During the ceremony on Wednesday, one of the monks asked: “Robot monk, please reply with palms together, ‘Yes, I will devote myself.’”
“Yes, I will devote myself,” replied Gabi, before one of the monks placed a rosary around its neck.
Monks surround their new novice, the robot Gabi, after the ceremony - Yonhap/AFP via Getty Images
It was told to respect life, not damage other robots or objects, follow humans and not speak back to them, not to act deceptively, to save energy and not to overcharge.
Introduced to South Korea in the 4th century, Buddhism, along with Christianity, has seen a decline in popularity in the past 20 years. Many of South Korea’s younger generation regard the religion as old-fashioned.
“The ordination of a robot signifies that technology must be used in accordance with the values of compassion, wisdom and responsibility,” the order said.
“It symbolises new possibilities for the coexistence of humans and technology.”
