NEWS

Controversy-plagued Abbot of Shaolin Monastery Comes under Official Scrutiny

By Craig Lewis | | Buddhistdoor Global

The Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of impropriety made against Shi Yongxin, the abbot of China’s famed Shaolin Temple, which is known for its martial arts tradition. The temple in central Henan Province has refuted the accusations as groundless. The allegations have become widely circulated by media outlets in China after Shi Zhengyi, who identifies himself as a former disciple of the monastery, alleged that the abbot had once been expelled from the temple during the late 1980s for stealing. Chinese news media have since reported new allegations on an almost daily basis, most based on documents released by Shi Zhengyi, who is using a name that translates as “seeker of justice.” The accusations against the abbot include owning a small fleet of fancy cars, embezzling millions of dollars from a temple company, and funneling cash to a mistress in Australia.

The accuser has told reporters that he is disillusioned with the abbot’s hypocrisy and wants to see the “grounds of Shaolin purified again.” He has declined interviews and has not appeared in public, claiming to fear for his safety following threats from people he described as Shi Yongxin’s henchmen. “We want the outside world to know that the Shaolin abbot, using Buddhism as a cloak, is a maniacal womanizer and corrupt ‘tiger’ who brazenly exploits Shaolin’s assets and tarnishes its reputation,” he wrote in a statement calling for a government investigation. (The New York Times)

China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs confirmed late last month that it has ordered the Henan provincial religious affairs department to investigate the allegations, which “concern the image and reputation of Chinese Buddhism.” (Xinhua) The religious affairs bureau under the Denfeng city government said that it has also been tasked by the national body with probing the claims. “Our bureau takes this extremely seriously and will swiftly clarify . . . and ensure a correct understanding of the matter,” the bureau said. (Global News)