Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin Photo: VCG

 
Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu, has been placed under investigation by multiple departments for the charge of criminal offenses, the temple said in a statement released on Sunday. 

According to the statement released on the official WeChat account of the temple in Central China's Henan Province, Shi is suspected of criminal charges, including the misappropriation and embezzlement of project funds and temple assets. 

Shi is also accused of serious violations of Buddhist precepts, including maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over an extended period and fathering illegitimate children. 

According to the statement, Shi is currently under investigation by multiple departments, with relevant information to be released to the public in due course. 

On Sunday, a "police notice" went viral showing Shi attempting to flee to the US with his mistresses and children. However, Shi was intercepted by relevant authorities. 

In response, "Ping'an Kaifeng" (Safe Kaifeng), the Weibo account of the public security bureau of Kaifeng, Henan, noted, "The notice is fake. Please stop spreading it. We are currently carrying out relevant work."

According to The Paper, Shi was once accused of having a chaotic private life 10 years ago, which also caused a huge public uproar. 

In March of 2024, the Shaolin Temple denied rumors of Abbot Shi Yongxin passing mantle to son Shi Zheng'en. Some self-media accounts alleged that Shi had transferred his responsibilities to his son, showing a photo of the two standing together. 

Born in 1965, Shi became a monk at Shaolin Temple in 1981 and has served as the 30th abbot of the temple since 1999. In September 2002, Shi was elected as a vice chairman of the Buddhist Association of China.


Global Times