The robot monk was created to listen to humans.
The most talked-about character is Hye Ahn – the first robot monk developed by Dongguk University.
Unlike many humanoid robots designed for show, Hye Ahn is designed to be approachable and friendly. The robot is approximately 130cm tall, moves on wheels, has a round face, and resembles a cartoon character to create a sense of approachability for visitors.
The person behind the project is Professor Lim Joong-yeon, a robotics expert at the Center for AI Safety Robotics Innovation and ROMA Laboratory.
According to Lim, Hye Ahn was created not to replace real monks, but to support elderly clergy and provide companionship for lonely people.
"The Buddhist spirit of compassion and non-harming behavior must become a core principle when developing technology," he told The Korea Times .
This robot can answer devotees' questions, assist with daily tasks in the temple such as patrolling, cleaning, helping in the kitchen, or detecting fires. According to Professor Lim, this helps monks focus more on their role as spiritual guides.
The name Hye Ahn means "eye of wisdom" or "eye that sees through the truth."
Robots' answers to modern-day anxieties.
Professor Lim believes that Hye Ahn's goal is not to be "a technological showcase," but rather to create genuine emotional interaction.
He envisioned robots becoming conversational companions for lonely elderly people, young people experiencing mental health crises, or those feeling isolated from society.
In a conversation with the South Korean press, the robot monk Hye Ahn answered many questions related to the mental pressure, loneliness, and psychological crises that young people are facing today.
When asked what true repentance is and how to let go of past mistakes, the robot replied that repentance begins with honestly acknowledging one's own errors.
“According to the Buddha, people should not hide their mistakes but should bravely confront them. Recognizing one's wrongdoings and feeling sincere shame is the first step in repentance,” said Venerable Hye Ahn.
The robot monk also argued that "cleansing karma" doesn't come from an instantaneous ritual, but rather a long-term process through avoiding repeating mistakes and persistently performing small acts of kindness each day.
Regarding the fear of being left behind when seeing others make money from the stock market, Hye Ahn believes that the feeling of comparison is natural in modern society.
"The Buddha taught that suffering arises from a mind that constantly compares itself to others. The important thing is not to chase after others, but to live authentically with oneself," the robot replied.
One of the most striking questions concerns human unhappiness and how to live without being controlled by greed.
According to Hye Ahn, Buddhism views greed, anger, and ignorance as the three greatest "poisons" that cause human suffering. "People often suffer because they try to achieve what they don't have and fear losing what they already possess," the robot said.
While acknowledging that it's difficult to completely eliminate desires, Hye Ahn believes that people can learn to recognize greed when it arises so as not to be swept away by it. "Learn to be content with the little things," the robot advises.
The robot also gave a remarkable answer when asked about death.
"Death is not the end, but a transformation," Hye Ahn said, reminding everyone to cherish the present and show love to their loved ones while they still can.
In response to a question from a young person feeling lost in life despite trying meditation, psychotherapy, and journaling, the robot did not offer imposing advice.
"Don't rush to find the answer. Sometimes, accepting the 'I don't know' state is also a form of spiritual practice," Hye Ahn said.
According to the robot monk, the small, peaceful moments in everyday life may be the very place that leads people to the answers they are searching for.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-gioi/nha-su-robot-o-han-quoc-biet-giang-dao-va-an-ui-con-nguoi-230760.html
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