Korean Buddhism Allows Robot to Take Refuge and Precepts, Hopes to Resonate with Younger Generations
Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, South Korea, recently held an ordination ceremony for a humanoid robot clad in a monk's robe, bestowing upon it the dharma name 'Gabi'. This initiative aims to boost public participation and interest in Buddhism and resonate with the younger generation amidst declining adherence.
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Central News Agency
(Seoul, May 10, Central News Agency comprehensive foreign report) Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, South Korea, recently held an ordination ceremony for a humanoid robot clad in a monk's robe, bestowing upon it the dharma name 'Gabi'. The temple hopes to enhance public participation and interest in Buddhism and resonate with the younger generation through this initiative.
According to The Guardian, the temple placed a string of 108 prayer beads around Gabi's neck, which stands 130 cm tall, and affixed a lantern festival sticker to its robotic arm, replacing the traditional ceremony of lightly pressing the skin with burning incense.
After the ordination ceremony, Gabi received an official certificate. The space typically reserved for a human birth date recorded its manufacturing date: March 3, 2026.
Venerable Sungwon, who is responsible for cultural affairs in the Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist denomination in South Korea, stated that the idea of ordaining a robot initially started as a joke, but 'the more I thought about it, the more meaningful it became.'
"Robots are rapidly entering our lives, and everyone is becoming increasingly familiar with them... Robots are gradually becoming a part of society."
The Jogye Order's embrace of its first 'robot monk' comes as it faces a continuous decline in follower participation and interest.
In 2005, 23% of Koreans identified as Buddhists, but this number has now dropped to 16%; among those in their twenties, this proportion is only 8%. Last year, only 99 people officially ordained as monks in the Jogye Order, far fewer than the more than 200 a decade ago.
During the recent ceremony, Gabi walked before monks and devotees, bowed to the temple, and received five specially crafted precepts: not to harm life, not to damage other robots or objects, not to engage in deception, not to disrespect humans, and not to overcharge.
Venerable Sungwon pointed out that the focus of this ceremony is not whether robots can become Buddhists, but rather to guide the humans who create these robots.
Gabi will soon participate in the annual Lotus Lantern Festival parade with three other robots, a significant event celebrating Buddha's Birthday, where it will make an appearance walking through the streets of Seoul. (Translator: Hong Pei-ying) 1150510
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(Seoul, May 10, Central News Agency comprehensive foreign report) Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, South Korea, recently held an ordination ceremony for a humanoid robot clad in a monk's robe, bestowing upon it the dharma name 'Gabi'. The temple hopes to enhance public participation and interest in Buddhism and resonate with the younger generation through this initiative.
According to The Guardian, the temple placed a string of 108 prayer beads around Gabi's neck, which stands 130 cm tall, and affixed a lantern festival sticker to its robotic arm, replacing the traditional ceremony of lightly pressing the skin with burning incense.
After the ordination ceremony, Gabi received an official certificate. The space typically reserved for a human birth date recorded its manufacturing date: March 3, 2026.
Venerable Sungwon, who is responsible for cultural affairs in the Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist denomination in South Korea, stated that the idea of ordaining a robot initially started as a joke, but 'the more I thought about it, the more meaningful it became.'
"Robots are rapidly entering our lives, and everyone is becoming increasingly familiar with them... Robots are gradually becoming a part of society."
The Jogye Order's embrace of its first 'robot monk' comes as it faces a continuous decline in follower participation and interest.
In 2005, 23% of Koreans identified as Buddhists, but this number has now dropped to 16%; among those in their twenties, this proportion is only 8%. Last year, only 99 people officially ordained as monks in the Jogye Order, far fewer than the more than 200 a decade ago.
During the recent ceremony, Gabi walked before monks and devotees, bowed to the temple, and received five specially crafted precepts: not to harm life, not to damage other robots or objects, not to engage in deception, not to disrespect humans, and not to overcharge.
Venerable Sungwon pointed out that the focus of this ceremony is not whether robots can become Buddhists, but rather to guide the humans who create these robots.
Gabi will soon participate in the annual Lotus Lantern Festival parade with three other robots, a significant event celebrating Buddha's Birthday, where it will make an appearance walking through the streets of Seoul. (Translator: Hong Pei-ying) 1150510
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship of yours is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news in real time.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.