Last weekend, one of the most discussed news stories in China was the announcement from the Shaolin Temple, sometimes known as the Shaolin Monastery. The prestigious Buddhist temple and Kung Fu institution announced that its abbot, Shi Yongxin (释永信), is under criminal and other investigations from multiple agencies.
The news is especially scandalous because Shi is not only under investigation for “misappropriating and embezzling project funds and the temple’s assets”, but also for violating Buddhist precepts by maintaining “improper relationships with multiple women over time” and allegedly having at least one “illegitimate” child.
The statement triggered heated discussion online, with many netizens saying that “the wishes we made in temples came true for the monks”. Others turned to memes, such as a clip from the 1997 wuxia TV series Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils based on the novel of the same name. In the clip, one of the antagonists, Jiu Mozhi, accuses a fictional version of the Shaolin Temple of sheltering corruption. Many netizens are calling the scene prescient.
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Often called the “CEO” monk, Shi has been behind many of Shaolin’s business ventures and licensing deals since he was put in charge of the temple and its brand in 1999. Almost exactly 10 years ago, a public letter sent under a pseudonym accused Shi of embezzling temple funds and having sexual relations with women, breaking monastic celibacy. However, it was rejected by monks and the temple. In this latest development, Shi has been defrocked by the Buddhist Association of China.