Controversy comes to the birthplace of kung-fu with accusations against head monk Shi Yongxin
China’s famous Shaolin Temple has announced that its abbot is under investigation on suspicion of misappropriation and embezzlement of project funds and temple assets.
Shi Yongxin is alleged to have committed criminal offences and violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering at least one child, according to a notice from the temple’s authority on its WeChat account.
The notice said a joint investigation was being carried out by multiple departments and its findings would be announced in due course.
On Monday, China’s Buddhist Association stripped Shi of his ordination certificate, accusing him of “seriously undermining the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks”. Shi has not responded publicly to the allegations. The Guardian has contacted him for comment.
