'CEO Monk' scandal: Shaolin temple chief under fire for 'bad behaviour & improper relationships'; accused of misusing funds
The Buddhist Association of China announced on Monday that the head of the famous Shaolin Temple, known as the birthplace of kung fu, will be removed from his position for "extremely bad behavior.
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The decision came on Sunday after the Shaolin Temple revealed that Abbot Shi Yongxin, nicknamed the "CEO monk" for his international business ventures, was under investigation for allegedly misusing temple funds and project money.
The temple stated that Shi had gravely violated Buddhist principles, including accusations of having "improper relationships" with several women, AFP reported.
A joint investigation involving "multiple departments" was underway, according to their WeChat statement.
The Buddhist Association of China, under Communist Party oversight, announced Monday its decision to revoke Shi's ordination certificate.
The association stated that Shi Yongxin's conduct was exceptionally poor, severely damaging the Buddhist community's standing and monks' reputation, whilst expressing strong support for legal action against him.
Previous accusations by former monks included financial misconduct involving temple businesses, possession of luxury vehicles, and having children with multiple partners.
The Chinese government maintains control over religious leadership appointments, with inappropriate behaviour often resulting in dismissal.
By Monday morning, social media platform Weibo recorded over 560 million views on the temple controversy hashtag.
The abbot's final Weibo post stated: "when one's own nature is pure, the pure land is here in the present".
Similar accusations in 2015 were dismissed by the temple as "vicious libel".
Shi, aged 59, became abbot of the Shaolin Temple in 1999 and later helped expand its cultural reach around the world.
In 2002, he was elected vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of China and has also served as a delegate to the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body.
The Shaolin Temple, founded in AD 495, is recognised as Zen Buddhism's origin and the birthplace of Chinese kung fu.
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