Shaolin shake-up: ‘CEO monk’ under fire over finances, mistresses, and misconduct allegations

BEIJING, July 29 — Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the famed Shaolin Temple, over allegations of embezzlement and other misconduct, the monastery confirmed.

Shi, often dubbed the “CEO monk” for his role in expanding the temple’s commercial ventures globally, is accused of misappropriating project funds and temple assets, according to a statement posted by the temple on its official WeChat account yesterday.

The statement also alleged that Shi had “seriously violated Buddhist precepts,” including engaging in “improper relationships” with multiple women.

A joint investigation involving “multiple departments” is now underway, the temple said.

Shi, 59, has long faced criticism from within and outside religious circles for blending business with Buddhism. He previously faced similar accusations in 2015, which the temple then dismissed as “vicious libel.”

Recent claims against him include embezzling funds from a temple-run company, maintaining a collection of luxury vehicles, and fathering children with several women. If the allegations are proven, Shi could be removed from his post and disrobed — a rare but not unprecedented action under China’s state-controlled religious system.

A hashtag linked to the scandal has garnered over 560 million views on Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, by Monday morning.

Shi became abbot in 1999 and has since played a major role in promoting Shaolin culture globally, founding numerous companies and expanding Shaolin studies abroad. However, critics have accused him of overly commercialising the ancient temple, which dates back to AD 495 and is revered as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese kung fu.

Shi also holds high-ranking positions, including vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of China since 2002 and representative in the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body. — AFP