Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple in China, is facing investigation for alleged offenses including embezzlement, improper relationships with multiple women, and having illegitimate children. The 1,500-year-old temple, located in central China’s Henan province, has confirmed that multiple departments are jointly investigating Shi and will provide more information in due course.
Shi, who has been the abbot since 1999, has earned the nickname “CEO monk” for transforming the institution into a global brand. Under his leadership, the temple started opening schools outside China and formed a traveling troupe of monks who performed Shaolin kung fu shows. News of Shi’s investigation was the most read topic on Weibo on Monday morning, with his last Weibo post dated July 24.
This is not the first time Shi has faced scrutiny. In 2015, he was accused of having sexual relations with women and embezzling temple funds, allegedly receiving expensive gifts from companies and local governments, including a Volkswagen SUV and a robe with gold thread. Although he was investigated at the time for embezzlement and fathering several children, he was later cleared of the charges. When asked about the allegations in a 2015 interview with BBC Chinese, Shi said, “If there were a problem, it would have surfaced long ago.”
The Shaolin Temple has a significant following worldwide, and its signature style of martial arts, Shaolin Kung Fu, has been referenced in various media and popular culture. The temple’s influence extends beyond China, with references in songs by American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and inspiration for a spinoff of the video game Mortal Kombat.
According to recent reports, the allegations against Shi include embezzling around $4.3 billion USD from various temples, having 51 mistresses, and fathering 174 illegitimate children. A viral post claimed that Shi was apprehended attempting to board a flight to the United States with seven mistresses, 21 children, and six staff from the temple. While the police initially stated that the post was fake, the Shaolin Temple has confirmed the investigation.
As a Buddhist monk, Shi’s alleged actions would be a direct violation of Buddhist celibacy rules, which emphasize chastity and self-discipline. The investigation into Shi’s conduct will likely have significant implications for the Shaolin Temple and its followers.