,Shi Yongxin—once the powerful abbot of China’s legendary Shaolin Temple—has recently been stripped of his monastic status after allegations of embezzlement, sexual misconduct, and fathering at least one child outside his supposed celibate lifestyle.
The Buddhist Association of China didn’t mince words when canceling his ordination certificate, stating that his behavior has “severely damaged the reputation of Buddhism and the image of monks.” For a man once nicknamed the “CEO Abbot” for transforming the 1,500-year-old temple into a global kung fu brand, it’s a staggering fall from grace.
The scandal has rocked China’s Buddhist community and triggered a multi-agency criminal investigation that’s examining not just embezzlement claims but also his alleged improper relationships with multiple women—activities that violate fundamental Buddhist precepts.
Adding to the drama, authorities are now deregistering companies connected to Shi’s commercial empire, which had expanded to include everything from kung fu academies to luxury merchandise.
The temple, birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the iconic Shaolin martial arts, is now working to restore credibility to an institution whose brand has been tarnished by its former leader’s alleged double life. For China’s most famous monk, the karmic wheel has turned—proving that even at the spiritual home of kung fu, no one is above the law or Buddhist principles.
Cover image via Expresso.
