11 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 6
The four-foot robot joined the Jogye Order, South Korea's largest Buddhist sect, at Jogye Temple in Seoul on Wednesday and led a chanting procession.
Dressed in ceremonial robes, shoes, rosary and gloves, Gabi answered ordination-style questions, pledging devotion to Buddha and Buddhist teachings during the ceremony.
The name means mercy in Korean, and Jogye cultural affairs official Venerable Seong Won said it was chosen to help spread Buddha's mercy around the world.
When robots can be programmed for faith, what does it mean for humans to truly believe?
As AI joins the clergy, will it make ancient wisdom more accessible or simply commercialize our search for meaning?