This little guy can tell you the meaning of life. The Longquan (Dragon Spring) Temple teams up with Chinese tech companies to create this talking monk robot. (picture via NYT)
You wouldn't expect modern technology to pop up in the monk lifestyle, but in today's world anything is possible. Even Buddhist monks can't stay away from robots. The Longquan (Dragon Spring) Temple in Beijing, China is spreading Buddhist teachings via a cute two foot tall robot monk. The robot, named Xian'er, is meant to help further spread Buddhist wisdom and answer questions in the 1000 year old temple. The little guy is decked out in a traditional orange monk robe and holds a touchscreen pad on his chest. Xian'er is located in the temple's Comic Center.
The wise bot was the brainchild of a monk named Master Xianfan who worked with Chinese robotics and culture companies to build the robot. But the character of Xian'er was first designed back in 2014 by artists at the Comic Center for a Buddhist comic book series, whose first issue was named “Troubles Are Self-Made.” Though a Buddhist comic book sounds odd, the series actually sells well in China and an English language edition is expected to come soon.
So how does it work? Xian'er can be controlled via voice commands or through the touchscreen he clutches. This allows him to answer questions such as “Who are your parents?” and “What is the meaning of life?” to which the not will answer “My master says the meaning of life is to help more people finally leave behind bitterness and gain happiness.” And for those who want to speak with Xian'er but can't make it to the temple can chat with the bot via his WeChat account under the name 贤二机器僧.
Now you're asking yourself “When can I buy one?” Well, Xian'er may never be available for sale. Xian Fan, says the temple has no plans of mass producing the robot for consumers. The robot was made solely for “the public welfare.” The monks don't even seem like they're planning for more; Xian'er may be the only bot of his kind. Xian Fan told Beijing News, adding, “We’re not doing this for commerce, but just because we want to use more modern ways to spread Buddhist teachings.” Though there are no plans for mass production, the temple are working on a smarter, more advanced version of the robot that may be able to spread more wisdom.
Though it seems like the robot monk is a great way to spread Buddhist wisdom in a modern, advanced way, some Buddhist followers don't think Xian'er can actually help people with their problems. Wang Yiren, a volunteer and Buddhist at the temple, says “I don’t think it’s possible for the intelligence of a robot to be advanced enough to understand human feelings. The robot doesn’t really live up to my expectations. But I’ve seen robots in other parts of the world that can communicate with human beings, and that’s pretty amazing.”
Will we start seeing this robot monk 'Charlie Brown' in churches soon? Probably not, but whether or not people think Xian'er will actually help people with their problems, it still shows how cultures are integrating technology into their practices.
Have a story tip? Message me at: