Controversy Over Buddhist Succession... "Shaolin Temple Abbot to Pass Position to Son" Rumors

Shaolin Temple "Completely Unfounded, Reported to Judicial Authorities"

The Shaolin Temple in China, considered the birthplace of Kung Fu, has been embroiled in a hereditary succession controversy. Rumors have spread that Monk Shiyongxin (釋永信, 59) is passing the position of abbot to his son.

Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin Photo by EPA

Recently, stories have circulated mainly on Chinese individual media that Abbot Shi has succeeded the abbot position to his son Shizheng'en (釋正恩). Along with provocative phrases such as "The incarnation of the 'Fo'erdai' (佛二代, a sarcastic term for the second-generation abbots, derived from 'Fu'erdai' meaning second-generation wealthy heirs) ? Shiyongxin's son Shizheng'en inherits the Buddhist robe (衣鉢)," photos of the father and son have been widely shared.

The Shaolin Temple immediately denied the claims. In a recent statement, they asserted, "The rumors regarding Abbot Shiyongxin are malicious fabrications and groundless," adding that "these rumors have not only harmed the reputation of Abbot Shi but also caused serious damage to the Shaolin Temple." They stated their intention to report the matter to the police and hold those responsible for the rumors accountable.

Abbot Shi was born in 1965 in Anhui Province and became the youngest abbot in Shaolin Temple's history in 1987. Holding an MBA from the United States, he has managed the temple since 1999, engaging in various profit-making ventures such as Kung Fu shows, film productions, Shaolin souvenirs sales, and the construction of overseas cultural complexes. Due to these activities, he has faced criticism for "using Buddhism as a means to make money." He has also been embroiled in rumors of having relationships with multiple women and fathering two daughters.

The Shaolin Temple, established in 495 AD, is a historic temple with over 1,500 years of history. Its name means a temple located inside the forest of Shaoshi Mountain (少室山). It is the place where Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen (Chan) sect in the 6th century, practiced, making it the headquarters of Zen Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts. Since establishing a company called "Shaolin Industrial," the temple has been focused on commercialization. It has registered over 600 trademarks under the company name. This focus on profit over essence has led to the coining of the term "Shaolin phenomenon."