"Embezzlement, Sex Scandals, and Illegitimate Children: What Is Happening to the Shaolin Temple Abbot?"

Shaolin Temple Administration Announces News on Official Website
Buddhist Association of China: "Decision Made to Revoke Monk Qualification"

The abbot of Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, known as the birthplace of Chinese martial art Kung Fu, is under investigation by authorities for alleged embezzlement of temple assets and inappropriate relationships with women.

According to Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency and local outlets such as Pengpai on the 28th, the Shaolin Temple administration announced on the temple's official website the previous day that "Abbot Shi Yongxin is under joint investigation by multiple departments on suspicion of embezzling and occupying temple assets."

Master Xuyongxin. Xuyongxin Official Weibo.

The administration also stated that Shi Yongxin is accused of seriously violating Buddhist precepts, maintaining inappropriate relationships with multiple women over a long period, and fathering illegitimate children. They added that "relevant information will be announced at an appropriate time."

Since the 26th, rumors have been circulating online in China that Shi Yongxin had been arrested. Chinese media reported that "Shaolin Temple, which had previously denied negative rumors about the abbot, delivered news about him through an official notice." Online, there were also rumors that the abbot was caught at the airport while attempting to flee with several women with whom he was in extramarital relationships, as well as his children. However, the police stated that these rumors were not true.

It is known that more than ten years ago, Shi Yongxin also had relationships with several women and fathered two daughters. He was also embroiled in controversy over allegations of embezzling public funds. In 2015, Shaolin Temple monks including Shi Yanlu, a disciple of the abbot, reported various allegations of sexual misconduct and embezzlement by the abbot to the authorities under their real names. At that time, the Religious Affairs Bureau of Henan Province conducted an investigation for several months and concluded that the allegations were unfounded.

Last year, there were rumors that the abbot intended to pass down his position to his son, but Shaolin Temple denied this, stating that it was "completely fabricated and groundless."

On this day, the Buddhist Association of China decided to revoke Shi Yongxin's monk qualification in accordance with relevant regulations. The association issued a statement saying, "Shi Yongxin's actions are extremely egregious and have seriously tarnished the honor of the Buddhist community and the image of monks," and added, "We firmly support the decision to handle him in accordance with the law."

The abbot was born in 1965 in Anhui Province. He is one of the most famous Buddhist monks in China, having joined Shaolin Temple in 1981 and becoming abbot in 1999. Since 1998, he has served as president of the Henan Buddhist Association, and since 2002, as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. He is especially known for holding a master's degree in business administration (MBA). After being appointed abbot of Shaolin Temple, he launched various profit-making ventures, including Kung Fu shows and film productions, sales of Shaolin Temple souvenirs, and the establishment of domestic and overseas Kung Fu academies and meditation centers, earning him the nickname "CEO of Shaolin Temple." However, some have criticized Shi Yongxin for excessively commercializing Buddhism and Shaolin Temple, reducing them to mere money-making enterprises.