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[00:00.18] In Seoul, South Korea, a 130cm tall humanoid robot named Gabi has officially joined the Buddhist faith.

[00:09.21] During a special ceremony at the Jogyesa Temple, Gabi was dressed in a traditional saffron robe and received 108 prayer beads.

[00:19.30] Instead of the usual ritual with burning incense, monks placed a sticker on Gabi’s mechanical arm.

[00:29.92] The robot even received a formal certificate, which listed its manufacture date (March 3, 2026) instead of a birth date.

[00:37.63] This unusual event is part of an effort by the Jogye order to make Buddhism more popular among young people, as interest in the religion has been falling.

[00:48.52] Gabi had to follow five special rules, called precepts, which were adapted for a robot.

[00:54.63] These rules include not harming life, not damaging other robots, and not overcharging (i.e., avoiding excess, similar to how humans should avoid alcohol).

[01:04.72] The monks hope that by using technology, they can encourage the younger generation to visit temples and think about life’s deeper meanings.