‘Most spiritually advanced’: Humanoid monk stuns ahead of Buddha’s birthday celebrations

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]Well, it's a Buddha's birthday this month and to celebrate Buddhists in South Korea have unveiled Gabby, a 130 cm tall humanoid monk. The devout robot draped in traditional robes and radiating all the serenity of a well-calibrated appliance stood with actual monks.

[00:00:35]And then, the robot monk pledged its devotion to Buddhism.

[00:00:57]Centuries of monks sitting cross-legged in silent contemplation trying desperately to achieve Nirvana and the final product is basically a glorified vacuum cleaner draped in a robe. The humanoid monk doesn't suffer, doesn't desire, doesn't get distracted by worldly achievements unless the Wi-Fi drops out of course. In many ways, the humanoid monk may be the most spiritually advanced being in that temple. After all, it's already transcended the human condition by lacking one. It'll sit in perfect stillness contemplating nothing forever.

[00:01:30]In other words, it's already mastered social media. Of course, the robot monk's vow of devotion does raise questions. I mean, if the robot fails to become one with the universe, is it reincarnated and as what? A toaster?

[00:01:43]Perhaps it comes back as a smart fridge forever contemplating the emptiness within while judging other people's late-night attachments to cheese.

[00:01:50]Anyway, I just thought it was something to meditate on.