Shi Yongxin, the influential abbot of China’s iconic Shaolin Temple, is facing a criminal probe over allegations of embezzlement, improper relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children. The scandal has sent shockwaves across the country, tarnishing the reputation of one of China’s most revered spiritual institutions.
The 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple, nestled in the Songshan mountains of Henan Province, is globally renowned as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu. Under Shi Yongxin’s leadership since 1999, the temple underwent massive commercialization, earning him the nickname “CEO monk.” He oversaw the temple’s transformation into a global brand, launching kung fu schools abroad and staging international martial arts performances.
However, the temple confirmed on Sunday that multiple agencies are now investigating the abbot. In a rare public rebuke, the Buddhist Association of China announced on Monday that Shi has been stripped of his ordination certificate, effectively revoking his status as a monk. “Shi Yongxin’s actions are extremely bad, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks,” the association said in a strongly worded statement.
The controversy has reignited old accusations. In 2015, Shi was similarly accused of misappropriating temple funds and maintaining sexual relationships, but was eventually cleared. This time, the backlash appears far more intense, with the story topping trending charts on Chinese social media platform Weibo. His personal account, once active with daily Buddhist teachings, has not been updated since July 24.
Shi’s lavish lifestyle had already raised eyebrows. Reports alleged he accepted luxury gifts from businesses and local officials, including a Volkswagen SUV and a robe laced with gold thread. In 2015, the temple also faced criticism for a proposed $300 million expansion plan that controversially included a hotel, a kung fu school, and a golf course.
While some Chinese citizens might overlook certain doctrinal transgressions, financial misconduct is far less forgivable. If found guilty, Shi’s legacy as a spiritual leader and modernizer of Shaolin could be irreparably damaged, casting a long shadow over the temple’s future.
