Shaolin Temple Abbot Dismissed Amid Embezzlement and Misconduct Allegations

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The head of China’s renowned Shaolin Temple, Abbot Shi Yongxin, has been removed following accusations of embezzling temple funds and engaging in unethical behavior.

The Buddhist Association of China confirmed the investigation on Monday, revealing that Shi is suspected of diverting funds from temple projects and breaching Buddhist principles, including inappropriate relationships with multiple women.

In response, the Buddhist Association revoked Shi’s ordination certificate, condemning his actions as damaging to the reputation of Buddhism and monks. Shi, who became abbot in 1999, was previously accused of embezzling money, maintaining a fleet of luxury cars, and fathering children with several women, leading to public outrage.

The controversy has garnered massive attention, with over 560 million views on Weibo. Shi helped expand the temple’s global influence, but his commercialization of Buddhism had attracted criticism.

The Shaolin Temple, founded in 495 AD, is considered the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese kung fu. Shi also held high-profile positions in China’s Buddhist community and the National People’s Congress. This is not the first time he has faced such allegations, as similar accusations arose in 2015.