Beijing Youth Daily reported July 27 that Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple – known as the first abbot in China to hold an MBA degree – is suspected of committing several criminal offenses. These include misappropriating project funds and temple assets, maintaining improper relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children.
Guancha News noted that Shi Yongxin currently serves as the legal representative of three entities: China Songshan Shaolin Temple, the Zhengzhou Buddhist Association, and the Henan Provincial Buddhist Association. The Shaolin Temple makes investments through Henan Shaolin Intangible Assets Management Co., Ltd., which manages 17 companies involved in exhibitions, tea production, cultural development, and cultural tourism.
The next day, CCTV News reported that the Buddhist Association of China issued a statement declaring Shi Yongxin’s actions to be egregious, severely tarnishing the reputation of the Buddhist community, the monastic community in particular. As such, the Association fully supports handling the case in accordance with the law: Based on relevant regulations, it has revoked Shi Yongxin’s ordination certificate. Shi became a monk in 1981 at the age of 16, and was appointed abbot of Shaolin Temple at the age of 33.
Due to Shi Yongxin’s high profile and nationwide influence, the news quickly went viral, garnering over 800 million views within two days and being reposted or commented on by 309 media outlets. Many netizens believe that Shi’s misconduct is not an isolated incident, and say the government should conduct a nationwide investigation into abbots at Buddhist temples. Numerous readers also reported seeing young monks in their local areas purchasing houses and cars, likely using misappropriated donations from worshippers. Some commenters stated that they will no longer make donations when visiting temples.