SHAOLIN, China – The serene Shaolin Temple, a 1,500-year-old icon nestled in China’s Henan province, is facing scandal after its abbot, Shi Yongxin, was arrested on suspicion of fraud and other serious offenses.
Abbot Accused of Embezzlement and Impropriety
The abbot, who has led the temple since 1999, faces accusations including embezzlement, abuse of public funds, grave violation of Buddhist precepts, and maintaining inappropriate relations with women. These charges follow years of persistent rumors surrounding the 60-year-old monk.
Shaolin Temple, renowned as the cradle of Chinese civilization and a global emblem of Buddhism, has long been celebrated for its Zen traditions and meditation practices. For centuries, it has also been famous for teaching martial arts, specifically Shaolin kung fu, a practice amplified globally through films and documentaries.
The temple, perched on Mount Song, one of China’s five sacred mountains, attracts visitors from around the world. Notable figures like Richard Nixon and Vladimir Putin have visited. More recently, French basketball star Victor Wembanyama stayed at the monastery for a spiritual and athletic retreat.
Shaolin Temple: From Spirituality to Business Empire
Under Shi Yongxin’s leadership, Shaolin transformed into a sprawling enterprise. His strategy focused on internationalization and a sophisticated commercial approach, turning “Shaolin” into a lucrative global brand. This commercialization extended to various products, from real estate and health services to tourism and jewelry, even vegan biscuits.
Revenue from these ventures, combined with kung fu training programs offered at the temple, reportedly pushed annual profits beyond 60 million euros. Shi Yongxin is said to have held an 80% stake in the company’s capital.
Despite previous investigations that were reportedly suppressed or incomplete, the “CEO-abbot” has now been apprehended. The case has ignited significant discussion across Chinese social media, with related articles garnering over 500 million views. Beijing authorities are closely observing the situation, and a successor has already been appointed to lead the temple, tasked with reflecting on the adage, “The habit doesn’t make the monk.”
