BEIJING: The head of the Chinese temple known as the birthplace of kung fu will be disrobed for “extremely” bad behavior, Beijing’s top Buddhist authority said Monday, after allegations of embezzlement saw him placed under investigation.
The Shaolin Temple said on Sunday that Abbot Shi Yongxin, known as the “CEO monk” for establishing dozens of companies abroad, was suspected of “embezzling project funds and temple assets.”
The monastery said Shi had “seriously violated Buddhist precepts,” including by allegedly engaging in “improper relationships” with multiple women.
“Multiple departments” were conducting a joint investigation, it said in a statement on WeChat.
In response, the Buddhist Association of China, overseen by the ruling Communist Party, said Monday it would cancel Shi’s certificate of ordination.
