The abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China, Shi Yongxin, 60, is under criminal investigation in China under suspicion of embezzlement of temple assets and violating Buddhist precepts.
The Shaolin Temple, a major centre for Buddhists, issued a statement that said the abbot was under investigation over allegations of corruption, having “improper relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children.” Buddhist monks traditionally remain celibate after making a vow.
The statement said that the abbot, who served for over three decades at the temple, is “currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. Further information will be released to the public in due course.”
The Buddhist Association of China said that Shi has been stripped of his ordination certificate amid the probe, reported SCMP. The association said that the Shi’s actions tarnished the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monastic practitioners, according to the Global Times.
The Shaolin Temple is about 1,500 years old and is situated in China’s central Henan province, attracting thousands of believers every year. The UNESCO World Heritage site is also considered the birthplace of “Shaolin Kung Fu.” The temple’s martial arts culture was popularised by several films and television dramas, including the 1982 film The Shaolin Temple.
Who is Abbot Shi Yongxin?
Shi Yongxin, who real name is Liu Yingcheng, is known as the “CEO monk” in Chinese media for his entrepreneurial endeavours. He had played a part in transforming the monastery into a commercial enterprise by promoting kung fu shows and selling merchandise. He is the first Chinese abbot to hold a Master of Business Administration degree. He had also once been a member of China’s parliament.
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About 10 years ago, Shi was suspected of fraud and sexual misconduct. In March 2015, he and the temple came under scrutiny for a plan to build a $297 million hotel complex in Australia that included a temple, golf course and a kung fu academy. The same year, he was also accused of fathering several children out of wedlock by a former disciple. Authorities in Henan had dropped the charges, citing a lack of evidence.
Shi’s method of running the Shaolin Temple like a modern business enterprise is what garnered much of the criticism from the Buddhist and martial arts communities. His business ventures spanned into publishing, film, television, medicine, kung fu performances, asset management and real estate. He runs at least 50 Shaolin Cultural Centres overseas.
He has also received expensive gifts over the years from companies and local governments, including Volkswagen SUVs and a robe woven with gold.
News of the investigation trended on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. A few days prior, rumours spread of Shi being arrested as his social media account had remained inactive since July 24.
Shi has been taken away by police in Xinxiang, an industrial city in northern Henan, according to reports by the Economic Observer.
