Gabi, a humanoid robot, taking its wows (Credit: Korea.net)
A humanoid robot in Seoul, South Korea, was recently made an honorary Buddhist “monk.” On May 6, 2026, the 51-inch (130 cm) tall robot took part in a special ceremony at Jogyesa Temple, Seoul’s main Buddhist temple. The robot wore traditional robes and received the Buddhist name Gabi, which means “mercy” in Korean. The temple clarified that Gabi is not a real monk. Instead, it will serve as a high-tech mascot during the celebrations leading up to Buddha’s Birthday on May 24.
During the ceremony, Gabi stood before religious leaders and pressed its palms together before bowing. When asked if it would dedicate itself to Buddha’s path, Gabi replied, “Yes, I will devote myself.”
Gabi’s ceremony took place at the Jogyesa temple in Seoul (Credit: Francisco Anzola/ CC BY 2.0/ Wikimedia Commons)
To adapt the traditional ceremony for the robot, the monks had to get creative. In the usual ceremony, a small burn mark is made on a person’s arm as a symbol of purification. To protect Gabi’s electronics, the monks placed a Lotus Lantern Festival sticker on its arm instead. They also gave Gabi a certificate listing March 3, 2026, the date it was built, as its “birth” date.
A key part of the event was Gabi taking the Five Precepts. These are the core rules that Buddhists follow to live a good life. Humans promise to avoid things like lying or stealing. But Gabi’s rules were rewritten to fit a machine. It promised to remain honest with its data, avoid damaging other robots, obey humans, and save energy by not overcharging. These rules were partly humorous. But they also raised important questions about how humans should design and guide robots.
The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul (Credit Seoul.go.kr)
Gabi will next appear at the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, a 1,300-year-old tradition celebrating Buddha’s Birthday. One of its main highlights is a nighttime parade through downtown Seoul, where thousands of glowing lanterns are carried through the streets. Gabi, along with three other robots, will join this parade on May 16, 2026. Gabi will also be present at the official Buddha’s Birthday celebrations at Jogyesa Temple on May 24.
Buddhism played a central role in Korea’s past, but its popularity has declined in recent years. Today, only around 16 percent of South Koreans are Buddhist. Among people in their 20s, that number drops to just about 8 percent. By introducing Gabi, the temple hopes to help young South Koreans get excited about their traditions again.
Resources: theguardian.com, MSN.com, Buddhistdoor.net