Head of China's famous Shaolin Temple under investigation on suspicion of embezzling funds
Shi Yongxin is alleged to have committed criminal offenses and violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering at least one child, according to a notice from the temple's authority on its WeChat account.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
35 minutes ago
- Toronto Sun
Head of China's Shaolin Temple removed over embezzlement claims
Published Jul 28, 2025 • 2 minute read Abbot Shi Yongxin, long known as the 'CEO monk', is suspected of 'embezzling project funds and temple assets', the Shaolin Temple said. Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP/File Beijing (AFP) — The head of the Chinese temple known as the birthplace of kung fu will be disrobed for 'extremely' bad behaviour, Beijing's top Buddhist authority said Monday, after allegations of embezzlement saw him placed under investigation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Shaolin Temple said on Sunday that Abbot Shi Yongxin, known as the 'CEO monk' for establishing dozens of companies abroad, was suspected of 'embezzling project funds and temple assets'. The monastery said Shi had 'seriously violated Buddhist precepts', including by allegedly engaging in 'improper relationships' with multiple women. 'Multiple departments' were conducting a joint investigation, it said in a statement on WeChat. In response, the Buddhist Association of China, overseen by the ruling Communist Party, said Monday it would cancel Shi's certificate of ordination. 'Shi Yongxin's actions are of an extremely bad nature, seriously undermining the reputation of the Buddhist community, hurting the image of monks,' the association said in an online statement. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The association 'firmly supports the decision to deal with Shi Yongxin in accordance with the law'. Shi had previously been accused by former monks of embezzling money from a temple-run company, maintaining a fleet of luxury cars and fathering children with multiple women. China's government exercises authority over the appointment of religious leaders, and 'improper' conduct is often grounds for removal from office. A hashtag related to the temple scandal had been viewed more than 560 million times on social media platform Weibo as of Monday morning. The last post to the abbot's personal account on Weibo declared: 'when one's own nature is pure, the pure land is here in the present'. Shi faced similar allegations in 2015 which the temple called 'vicious libel'. Shi, 59, took office as abbot in 1999 and in the following decades expanded Shaolin studies and cultural knowledge overseas. He helped the temple establish dozens of companies — but received backlash for commercializing Buddhism. The temple, established in AD 495, is known as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese kung fu. Shi was first elected vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of China in 2002 and has served as a representative to the National People's Congress, the country's top lawmaking body. Canada Editorial Cartoons Sunshine Girls Relationships Editorials
Toronto Star
an hour ago
- Toronto Star
An attack on a Congolese church killed nearly 40 worshippers. Here's what to know
LAGOS, Nigeria. (AP) — Nearly 40 people were killed Sunday in eastern Congo's Ituri province when rebels stormed a Catholic church during a vigil and opened fire on worshippers, including many women and children. At least 38 people were confirmed dead in the church while another five were killed in a nearby village. The victims included 19 men, 15 women and nine children.
Toronto Star
an hour ago
- Toronto Star
India says its troops killed 3 suspected militants in Kashmir fighting
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Indian troops killed three suspected militants in a gunfight in a forested area in disputed Kashmir, officials said Monday. The Indian military in a statement on social media said three militants were killed 'in an intense firefight' in the forested area in Dachigam area, some 30 kilometers (19-miles) northeast of the region's main city of Srinagar.
