Overview
- Gabi, a 130-centimeter Unitree G1 humanoid, joined a precept ceremony at Jogyesa Temple on Wednesday in what the Jogye Order called the country’s first ritual participation by a robot.
- The robot received a 108-bead rosary and a lotus lantern sticker in place of the traditional incense burn and replied “Yes, I will devote myself” when asked to commit to the Buddha and the teachings.
- Monks conferred the Dharma name Gabi, which leaders said draws from Siddhartha and a Korean word for mercy, and they explained that the rite, known as sugye, is where followers vow refuge in Buddha, the doctrine, and the monastic community.
- Organizers unveiled five machine-specific precepts that emphasize protecting life, avoiding damage to robots or property, obeying humans, avoiding deception, and conserving energy, which they drafted with input from Gemini and ChatGPT.
- Gabi is slated to join this month’s Lotus Lantern Festival alongside three other Buddhist-themed robots, and the move has prompted debate over spiritual authenticity and the social role of robots in religious spaces.