Latest news with #ShaolinKungFu
Mint
30-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Fall of the ‘CEO Monk': Shaolin Temple's Shi Yongxin ousted over corruption, sexual misconduct, ‘secret' child
China on Wednesday, July 30, dismissed the abbot of the iconic 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple amid allegations of corruption, 'sexual misconduct' and fathering illegitimate children and appointed a new abbot. The previous abbot, Shi Yongxin – also known as the 'CEO monk' – has been under joint criminal investigation over alleged misappropriation of project funds and temple assets by multiple agencies. Buddhist monks in China are bound by a vow of celibacy, but Shi Yongxin, who led the Shaolin Temple for 25 years, broke monastic precepts by becoming embroiled in a sex scandal. He is accused of 'maintaining improper relationships with multiple women'. According to the temple, Shi Yongxin is also accused of fathering at least one 'illegitimate' child. '[Shi] is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. Further information will be released to the public in due course,' the temple said. The Buddhist Association of China said Shi's 'behaviours are extremely deplorable in nature, have seriously damaged the reputation of the Buddhist community and tarnished the image of monks.' Shi faced similar allegations in 2015 which the temple called 'vicious libel'. He was accused of 'misconduct and improper sexual relations'. Shi Yongxin, formerly known as Liu Yingcheng, became a monk in 1981. He was handed over the affairs of the Shaolin temple in 1987 and was appointed abbot in 1999. In 2008, the temple launched an online store selling a variety of products, including shoes, tea, T-shirts, and a kung fu instruction manual priced at 9,999 yuan ( ₹ 1.21 lakh) – also the time he was accused of commercialising the temple. Its business ventures over the years also included book publishing, medicine, kung fu performances, film production, asset management and real estate. Also Read | 'Just a simple Buddhist monk': The Dalai Lama urges for peace, compassion ahead of his 90th birthday Shi was a delegate of China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, for around two decades until 2018. He has also been deputy head of China's Buddhist association. Founded in 495 AD, the Shaolin Temple is situated in the foothills of Song Mountain in China's Henan province. It is regarded as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. It holds immense religious and historical significance. It is also a popular tourist destination and renowned worldwide as a hub for Chinese martial arts, drawing students from across the globe.
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
China appoints new abbot for Shaolin Temple after sacking predecessor over corruption, misconduct
China has appointed a new abbot for the iconic Shaolin Temple, replacing the former head monk who was dismissed amid investigations into allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct. Shi Yongxin was found to have seriously violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining improper relationships with multiple women.(AFP) Shi Yinle, the abbot of the White Horse Temple, has been named as the new head of the famed Shaolin Temple, known globally for its deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and martial arts heritage. The announcement was made in a brief statement released by the temple. The state-run Xinhua news agency on Tuesday reported that Shi Yinle's appointment was approved after democratic reviews by the monastic community of the temple and other relevant procedures. The move comes after the removal of 60-year-old Shi Yongxin, who had led the temple for 25 years. According to official media reports on Sunday, Shi Yongxin was found to have seriously violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over an extended period and fathering illegitimate children. He is currently under joint investigation by multiple authorities, the reports said. Founded in 495 AD, the Shaolin Temple is situated in the foothills of Song Mountain in China's Henan province. It is regarded as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. It holds immense religious and historical significance. It is also a popular tourist destination and renowned worldwide as a hub for Chinese martial arts, drawing students from across the globe.
CNN
28-07-2025
- Business
- CNN
Money, sex and a Buddhist monk: Head of China's famed Shaolin Temple under investigation
China's famed Shaolin Temple announced on Sunday that its abbot is under investigation for suspected embezzlement and 'improper relationships' with women, reviving decade-old allegations against the controversial, high-profile monk. Shi Yongxin, known as 'CEO monk' for his entrepreneurial endeavors that transformed the Buddhist monastery into a commercial empire, is suspected of criminal offenses including embezzlement and misappropriation of project funds and temple assets, the temple's authority said in a statement. The 59-year-old monk was also accused of seriously violating Buddhist precepts by maintaining 'improper relationships' with multiple women over an extended period and fathering at least one child, according to the statement. Buddhist monks in China have traditionally been expected to take a vow of celibacy. '(Shi) is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. Further information will be released to the public in due course,' the statement added. CNN has not been able to contact Shi. Established more than 1,500 years ago in the forested mountains of central China, the Shaolin Temple is both a religious and cultural icon, renowned for its age-old tradition of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu – a distinct form of Chinese martial arts. Shi, who became the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in 1999 and was a member of China's rubber-stamp parliament for two decades, has frequently appeared in the media spotlight. Known as the first Chinese abbot to hold a Master of Business Administration degree, he was often seen globetrotting with an iPhone in hand, meeting world leaders and industry titans – from the late Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, late South African president Nelson Mandela, and Henry Kissinger to Apple CEO Tim Cook. In February, Shi led a delegation of monks from the Shaolin Temple to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis. But unflattering headlines have dogged the Buddhist monk for years – including his acceptance of a 1 million yuan ($140,000) car from the local government as a reward for promoting tourism in 2006. Responding to a public outcry at the time, Shi told state media: 'Monks are also citizens. We have fulfilled our duties and made contributions to society, so it is only right that we receive rewards.' His focus on promoting the Shaolin brand and turning it to multimillion-dollar business has attracted fierce criticism, especially from some followers who saw excessive commercialization as corrupting the spiritual integrity of the religious institution. He staged Shaolin kung fu performances around the world, licensed the temple's name out to cartoons, movies and video games, and established a business empire that includes publishing, traditional Chinese medicine, tourist development and real estate. For his part, Shi has defended his efforts to commercialize the Shaolin brand and promote it globally. After writing a $3 million check to an Australian town in 2015 to build a Shaolin branch there, Shi Yongxin told state-run Xinhua news agency: 'If China can import Disney resorts, why can't other countries import the Shaolin Monastery?' 'Cultural promotion is a very dignified undertaking,' he said. Later that year, a self-identified Shaolin insider posted a series of explosive allegations on Chinese social media, depicting Shi as an embezzler and womanizer with illegitimate children. The accuser included documents dating back to the late 1980s purportedly showing Shi being kicked out of Shaolin following theft and other accusations from his own master. Among the documents posted online was a birth certificate for one of the abbot's supposed illegitimate children, as well as photos of the alleged mother and the child. The allegations prompted an angry denial from the Shaolin Temple and an investigation from the country's religious affairs authorities. Asked by BBC Chinese at the time about the allegations, Shi said: 'If there were a problem, it would have surfaced long ago.' The authorities dropped the case in 2017, citing insufficient evidence. Three years later, Shi went on to be re-elected as the deputy head of the Buddhist Association of China – the state supervisory body on the religion – a position he has held since 2002, according to state media. On Monday, the Buddhist Association of China said in a statement that Shi had been stripped of his ordination certificate – an official proof of a monk's or nun's qualification to enter monastic life. 'Shi Yongxin's actions are of an extremely egregious nature, severely tarnishing the reputation of the Buddhist community and damaging the image of monastics,' the association said. 'The Buddhist Association of China firmly supports and endorses the decision to handle Shi Yongxin's case in accordance with the law.' Steven Jiang contributed to this report.
India.com
28-07-2025
- India.com
Sexual relations with women, fathering children, and corruption, Abbot of Shaolin Temple in China face serious allegations, his net worth…, owns cars like…
New Delhi: Shi Yongxin, the chief abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China, has landed in a massive controversy. Shaolin Temple, a major centre of Buddhist faith, has issued a statement where it has informed that Shi Yongxin is under investigation over allegations of corruption, having illicit relationships with multiple women, and fathering children. China Daily, China's state-run newspaper, reported that Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in Henan province, is suspected of involvement in criminal activities. The report also added that the abbot maintained inappropriate relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathered children, thereby committing a serious violation of the principles of the Buddhist faith. In the mountainous region of China's Henan province lies the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees every year — many of them traveling from around the world. All You Need To Know About Shaolin Temple Shaolin Temple was established in the 5th century Shaolin Temple has not only been a center of Buddhist faith but also a cradle for the development of martial arts. Shi Yongxin has been the abbot of the Shaolin Temple since 1999. He earned the nickname 'CEO Monk' for transforming the institution into a global brand. Under his leadership, the temple began opening schools outside China and formed a touring troupe of monks who performed Shaolin Kung Fu shows. According to the BBC, news of Shi's arrest became the most-read topic on Weibo. His own Weibo account, which has over 880,000 followers and used to be updated daily with Buddhist teachings, last posted on July 24. The BBC also reported that in 2015, Shi was investigated for allegedly having sexual relationships with women and embezzling temple funds. He had also received expensive gifts from companies and local governments, including a Volkswagen SUV and a garment woven with gold threads. At the time, he was investigated for embezzlement and being the father of several children, but he was later cleared of those charges. In a 2015 interview with BBC China, Shi was questioned about allegations of corruption and relationships with women. At that time, he had said, 'If there had been any problem, it would have come to light much earlier.' The Shaolin Temple also came under criticism in 2015 over plans to build a temple complex worth nearly 300 million dollars. The project included a hotel, a kung fu school, and a golf course
CNN
28-07-2025
- Business
- CNN
Money, sex and a Buddhist monk: Head of China's famed Shaolin Temple under investigation
China's famed Shaolin Temple announced on Sunday that its abbot is under investigation for suspected embezzlement and 'improper relationships' with women, reviving decade-old allegations against the controversial, high-profile monk. Shi Yongxin, known as 'CEO monk' for his entrepreneurial endeavors that transformed the Buddhist monastery into a commercial empire, is suspected of criminal offenses including embezzlement and misappropriation of project funds and temple assets, the temple's authority said in a statement. The 59-year-old monk was also accused of seriously violating Buddhist precepts by maintaining 'improper relationships' with multiple women over an extended period and fathering at least one child, according to the statement. Buddhist monks in China have traditionally been expected to take a vow of celibacy. '(Shi) is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. Further information will be released to the public in due course,' the statement added. CNN has not been able to contact Shi. Established more than 1,500 years ago in the forested mountains of central China, the Shaolin Temple is both a religious and cultural icon, renowned for its age-old tradition of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu – a distinct form of Chinese martial arts. Shi, who became the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in 1999 and was a member of China's rubber-stamp parliament for two decades, has frequently appeared in the media spotlight. Known as the first Chinese abbot to hold a Master of Business Administration degree, he was often seen globetrotting with an iPhone in hand, meeting world leaders and industry titans – from the late Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, late South African president Nelson Mandela, and Henry Kissinger to Apple CEO Tim Cook. In February, Shi led a delegation of monks from the Shaolin Temple to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis. But unflattering headlines have dogged the Buddhist monk for years – including his acceptance of a 1 million yuan ($140,000) car from the local government as a reward for promoting tourism in 2006. Responding to a public outcry at the time, Shi told state media: 'Monks are also citizens. We have fulfilled our duties and made contributions to society, so it is only right that we receive rewards.' His focus on promoting the Shaolin brand and turning it to multimillion-dollar business has attracted fierce criticism, especially from some followers who saw excessive commercialization as corrupting the spiritual integrity of the religious institution. He staged Shaolin kung fu performances around the world, licensed the temple's name out to cartoons, movies and video games, and established a business empire that includes publishing, traditional Chinese medicine, tourist development and real estate. For his part, Shi has defended his efforts to commercialize the Shaolin brand and promote it globally. After writing a $3 million check to an Australian town in 2015 to build a Shaolin branch there, Shi Yongxin told state-run Xinhua news agency: 'If China can import Disney resorts, why can't other countries import the Shaolin Monastery?' 'Cultural promotion is a very dignified undertaking,' he said. Later that year, a self-identified Shaolin insider posted a series of explosive allegations on Chinese social media, depicting Shi as an embezzler and womanizer with illegitimate children. The accuser included documents dating back to the late 1980s purportedly showing Shi being kicked out of Shaolin following theft and other accusations from his own master. Among the documents posted online was a birth certificate for one of the abbot's supposed illegitimate children, as well as photos of the alleged mother and the child. The allegations prompted an angry denial from the Shaolin Temple and an investigation from the country's religious affairs authorities. Asked by BBC Chinese at the time about the allegations, Shi said: 'If there were a problem, it would have surfaced long ago.' The authorities dropped the case in 2017, citing insufficient evidence. Three years later, Shi went on to be re-elected as the deputy head of the Buddhist Association of China – the state supervisory body on the religion – a position he has held since 2002. Steven Jiang contributed to this report.
