Shaolin Temple Abbot To Be Defrocked Amid Embezzlement and Misconduct Scandal

The leader of the Shaolin Temple, revered as the origin of kung fu, is set to lose his monastic status following what China’s top Buddhist body has termed “extremely bad” behavior. The move follows an official investigation into allegations of embezzlement and other serious misconduct.

On Sunday, the Shaolin Temple disclosed that Abbot Shi Yongxin is under suspicion for embezzling funds from temple projects and misusing temple resources. He is also accused of breaching core Buddhist principles, including allegedly engaging in inappropriate relationships with several women.

In response, the Buddhist Association of China, which operates under the oversight of the Chinese Communist Party, announced on Monday its decision to revoke Shi’s ordination certificate.

“Shi Yongxin’s actions are of an extremely vile nature, severely damaging the Buddhist community’s reputation and tarnishing the image of monks,” the association stated, voicing full support for legal action.

Authorities confirmed that multiple government bodies are jointly investigating the allegations. Shi, often dubbed the “CEO monk” for expanding Shaolin’s global business reach, has long been criticized for blurring the boundaries between spiritual duties and commercial interests.

Similar claims emerged in 2015, which the temple then dismissed as slander. In the current investigation, former monks allege Shi used funds from a temple-owned business for personal benefit, maintained a collection of luxury cars, and fathered children.

A related hashtag has drawn over 560 million views on Weibo, China’s social media platform. Shi’s latest post on the site reads, “When one’s own nature is pure, the pure land is here in the present.”

Shi, 59, has served as abbot since 1999 and played a key role in globalizing Shaolin’s influence through martial arts and Buddhism. Though his efforts brought international recognition, critics have accused him of commercializing sacred traditions.

Founded in AD 495, the Shaolin Temple is a historic center of Zen Buddhism and Chinese martial arts. Shi was appointed vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of China in 2002 and has held a seat in the National People’s Congress, China’s highest legislative authority.