Money, sex and a Buddhist monk: Head of China’s famed Shaolin Temple under investigation

The abbot of China’s iconic Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, is under investigation for embezzlement and misconduct, reigniting past scandals that once rocked the Buddhist community.

In an official statement released Sunday, the temple confirmed Shi is suspected of serious criminal activity, including misappropriation of funds and temple assets. He is also accused of violating monastic vows by engaging in “improper relationships” with multiple women and allegedly fathering at least one child.

“(Shi) is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. Further information will be released in due course,” the statement read.

Shi has led the Shaolin Temple since 1999. Known as the “CEO monk,” he transformed the ancient monastery into a global brand. During his tenure, the temple became a hub for kung fu shows, media licensing, and commercial ventures.

Shi’s efforts led to the creation of businesses in publishing, tourism, traditional medicine, and real estate. He also approved the use of the Shaolin name in movies, cartoons, and video games. Critics accused him of compromising the spiritual mission of the temple for profit.

“Monks are also citizens,” Shi said in 2006 after accepting a luxury car from a local government. “We have fulfilled our duties and made contributions to society, so it is only right that we receive rewards.”

Shi held a seat in China’s National People’s Congress for two decades. He was the first Chinese abbot to earn a Master of Business Administration degree and frequently traveled abroad. His meetings included high-profile figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Henry Kissinger, and Apple CEO Tim Cook. Earlier this year, he led a delegation of monks to meet Pope Francis in the Vatican.

Despite his global recognition, controversy has followed him for years. In 2015, a whistleblower posted documents online alleging Shi committed theft, maintained secret relationships, and fathered children. The materials included a birth certificate and photographs of a woman and child. Some documents dated back to the late 1980s and claimed Shi had once been expelled from the temple.

Shi denied the accusations and said, “If there were a problem, it would have surfaced long ago.”

Authorities launched an investigation in 2015 but dropped the case in 2017, citing insufficient evidence. Despite the scandal, Shi retained leadership positions. He continued to serve as deputy head of the Buddhist Association of China, a role he held since 2002.

That changed on Monday. The Buddhist Association of China revoked his ordination certificate, which serves as official recognition of monastic status.

“Shi Yongxin’s actions are of an extremely egregious nature,” the association stated. “They severely tarnish the reputation of the Buddhist community and damage the image of monastics.”

Religious expert Dr. Ian Johnson, author of The Souls of China, previously observed that many temples in the country face pressure to balance business and faith. “Shi Yongxin represented the extreme edge of that tension,” he said in a past interview.

Shi often defended his efforts to globalize the Shaolin brand. After funding a $3 million Shaolin cultural center in Australia, he asked, “If China can import Disney resorts, why can’t other countries import the Shaolin Monastery?” He added, “Cultural promotion is a very dignified undertaking.”

Founded in 495 AD, the Shaolin Temple is a spiritual and cultural landmark. It is considered the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu. With the investigation underway, the temple’s future leadership and direction remain uncertain.

The Buddhist Association said it supports full legal action against Shi. “We endorse the decision to handle his case in accordance with the law,” it said in closing.

‍