Humanoid robot ordained as Buddhist monk at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple

A high-tech humanoid robot was officially “ordained” as a Buddhist monk in a ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul on Wednesday.

The robot, which is the $13,500 Unitree G1 model and is just over 1.2 meters tall, was called “Gabi”. Dressed in traditional brown robes, plain shoes and gloves designed to mimic human hands, the machine stood before a panel of Buddhist monks to dedicate himself to the faith.

During a ceremony hosted by the Jogye Sect of Korean Buddhism, a monk asked the robot if he could dedicate himself to the “holy Buddha.”

“Yes, I’m going to commit,” Gabi responded to cheers from the crowd.

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The ceremony highlights growing efforts by religious institutions to appeal to younger, technology-focused audiences and raises broader questions about whether artificial intelligence can play a meaningful role in spiritual life or whether such moves risk trivializing long-standing traditions.

While people usually vow to refrain from killing, stealing and intoxicating with substances, Gabi’s vows have been “reprogrammed” for the digital age. The robot promised to respect and follow humans, avoid damaging property or other robots, avoid deceptive behavior, and save energy by not overcharging.

The Jogye Sect, South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, described the move as an effort to make ancient traditions more meaningful to a younger, technology-obsessed generation.

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A humanoid robot, frontliners and Buddhist monks gather for a photo after an ordination ceremony ahead of Buddha’s upcoming birthday on May 24 at the Jogye temple in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

“The coordination of a robot means that the technology must be used in accordance with the values ​​of compassion, wisdom, and responsibility,” the emir said in a statement shared with The New York Times. Officials added that the move symbolizes “new possibilities for the coexistence of people and technology.”

Hong Min-suk, one of the sect’s administrators, told the publication that robots are “destined to cooperate with humans in all fields” and suggested that it is “natural” for them to participate in religious holidays.

The Jogye Order did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Despite the temple’s optimistic outlook, the move sparked criticism online. The video of Gabi’s pledge quickly surpassed one million views; Some users on X have questioned whether a machine could meaningfully participate in religious practices.

Buddhist monks arrive at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 10, 2026, before participating in an interfaith ceremony during the final days of the 2,300-mile “March for Peace.” (Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images)

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“As a Buddhist, I find this ridiculous and insulting,” one user wrote.

Gabi is expected to make her next public appearance at the Lantern Festival, which will be held in Seoul on May 16-17 to commemorate Buddha’s birthday.