Humanoid Robot Becomes Buddhist Monk In South Korea

Source: Slashdot

Overview

A four‑foot humanoid robot named Gabi has become a monk at a Buddhist temple in Seoul, participating in a modified initiation ceremony where it pledged to respect life, obey humans, act peacefully toward other robots and objects, and conserve energy.

“Robots are destined to collaborate with humans in every field in the future,” says Hong Min‑suk, a manager at the Jogye Order, the largest sect of Buddhism in South Korea. “It will only be natural for them to be part of our festival.” – New York Times

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

• Gabi – a Buddhist name meaning “mercy” – was created by Unitree Robotics, a Chinese civilian robotics company. The model, G1, retails starting at $13,500. – Yonhap News Agency

During the ceremony, Gabi recited five vows (slightly altered for a humanoid):

1. Respect life.
2. Act peacefully toward other robots and objects.
3. Listen to humans.
4. Refrain from deceptive actions or speech.
5. Save energy.

Modified Yeonbi Purification Ritual

In a traditional yeonbi purification ritual, a human monk receives a small incense burn on the arm. Instead, Gabi received:

• A lotus lantern festival sticker.
• A prayer bead necklace.

Significance

The event aligns with a promise made during a New Year’s address by Venerable Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, to incorporate artificial intelligence into Buddhist practice.

“We aim to fearlessly lead the A.I. era and redirect its achievements toward the path of attaining peace of mind and enlightenment.” – Jogye Order statement

Source: Smithsonian Magazine, Yonhap News Agency, New York Times