Receives Dharma Name 'Gabi' and Ordination Certificate
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism held an ordination ceremony for the humanoid robot G1 on May 6, 2026, in the courtyard in front of the Daeungjeon Hall at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of Buddha's Birthday and the Lotus Lantern Festival. On this day, the robot received the Dharma name 'Gabi' and was granted an ordination certificate. The ordination ceremony is a Buddhist ritual in which a person takes refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and vows to observe the precepts as a Buddhist.
The event proceeded in a manner similar to the ordination process for regular followers. The 130 cm tall humanoid robot Gabi entered wearing a helmet reminiscent of a shaved head, as well as a Buddhist robe and a kasaya. It then greeted the precept-officiating monks, performed the triple refuge, and pledged to observe the five precepts. The incense-offering ritual was symbolically performed by touching incense to the robot’s arm, followed by the attachment of a Lotus Lantern Festival sticker and the presentation of a 108-bead mala.
130 cm Tall, Helmet Reminiscent of Shaved Head
The highlight of the event was the introduction of the 'Five Precepts for Robots,' adapted from the traditional five Buddhist precepts to suit robots. The traditional five Buddhist precepts are: Do not kill, do not take what is not given, do not engage in improper sexual conduct, do not lie, and abstain from intoxicants. The Jogye Order reinterpreted these to reflect an ethics of coexistence between robots and humans.
The five precepts that Gabi received are: to respect and not harm life; not to damage other robots or objects; to follow and respect humans; not to engage in deceitful actions or expressions; and to conserve energy and avoid overcharging. When the monk asked about each precept, Gabi responded to each, "Yes, I will not."
On the 16th, Four Robots Including 'Seokja,' 'Mohee,' and 'Nisa' to Join Lantern Parade
The ceremony was attended by Monk Seongwoong, Director of General Affairs at the Jogye Order, Monk Wonmyeong, Chief Monk of Jogyesa Temple, and Monk Seongwon, Director of Culture at the Jogye Order. Monk Seongwon explained the significance of the robot ordination, saying, "It is meant to present the minimum set of rules that robots should observe as they live alongside our society," and added, "I hope this will encourage those who create and program robots to train and program them based on these basic precepts."
After completing the ordination, Gabi joined the ritual circumambulation of the pagoda with the public at Jogyesa Temple. At the Lotus Lantern Parade scheduled to take place around Jongno on May 16, 2026, a total of four robots — including Gabi, Seokja, Mohee, and Nisa — are expected to participate.
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Reporter Kim Heeyun film4h@asiae.co.kr
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Edit Choo Myeonghoon chox2mh@asiae.co.kr
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