China investigates Shaolin Temple’s head monk on suspicion of financial and sexual misconduct

Money, sex and a Buddhist monk: Head of Chinas famed Shaolin Temple under investigation

Guardian

Head of Shaolin Temple in China under investigation on suspicion of embezzlement

Newsweek

Shaolin Temple's Head Monk Faces Criminal Probe

<span>The Buddhist Association of China revoked Shi's ordination certificate on Monday, stating his behaviors seriously damaged the reputation of the Buddhist community and tarnished the image of monks.</span

XINHUA

The Buddhist Association of China revoked Shi's ordination certificate on Monday, stating his behaviors seriously damaged the reputation of the Buddhist community and tarnished the image of monks.

<span>Shi is accused of maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over an extended period and fathering at least one illegitimate child, violating Buddhist precepts.</span

Shi is accused of maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over an extended period and fathering at least one illegitimate child, violating Buddhist precepts.

<span>The Shaolin Temple, established over 1,500 years ago in Henan Province, is recognized as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.</span

The Shaolin Temple, established over 1,500 years ago in Henan Province, is recognized as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

<span>Shi became abbot in 1999 and earned the nickname "CEO monk" for commercializing the temple's heritage, establishing over 50 Shaolin Cultural Centers overseas and developing various business ventures.</span

Shi became abbot in 1999 and earned the nickname "CEO monk" for commercializing the temple's heritage, establishing over 50 Shaolin Cultural Centers overseas and developing various business ventures.

<span>Similar allegations against Shi were investigated in 2015, but Henan provincial religious authorities dropped the charges in 2017 citing insufficient evidence.</span

New York Times

Similar allegations against Shi were investigated in 2015, but Henan provincial religious authorities dropped the charges in 2017 citing insufficient evidence.

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Head monk of Shaolin 'Kung Fu' temple faces criminal probe

China

Crime & justice

This appears to be another politically motivated attack on a successful religious figure who modernized an ancient institution. Shi was previously cleared of similar charges in 2017, and his commercial innovations helped preserve Shaolin's cultural heritage while making it globally accessible through schools and cultural centers worldwide.

<span>This appears to be another politically motivated attack on a successful religious figure who modernized an ancient institution. Shi was previously cleared of similar charges in 2017, and his commercial innovations helped preserve Shaolin's cultural heritage while making it globally accessible through schools and cultural centers worldwide.</span>

Shaolin Temple Abbot Under Investigation for Embezzlement

Head monk of Shaolin 'KungTemple Fu'Abbot templeUnder facesInvestigation criminalfor probeEmbezzlement

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Shaolin Temple Abbot Under Investigation for Embezzlement

Head monk of Shaolin 'KungTemple Fu'Abbot templeUnder facesInvestigation criminalfor probeEmbezzlement

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