Shaolin’s CEO monk, from meeting Pope Francis to fall from grace
Chinese social media are discussing the corruption and sex scandal investigation against Abbot Shi, the man who turned the temple known for kung fu into a business empire. Similar accusations had surfaced in the past, but failed to dent his power. Some commentators note that his troubles began when he returned to China after a visit to the Vatican, which Beijing never reported. It is speculated that he went too far, undertaking an initiative not agreed with the Communist Party.
Beijing (AsiaNews) – Chinese authorities are investigating Abbot Shi Yongxin, head of the world-renowned Shaolin ‘kung fu’ Temple, for embezzlement, improper relations with women, and fathering illegitimate children, this according to a statement released by the temple. The Buddhist Association of China also announced that it had stripped Shi Yongxin of his monastic ordination.
According to Caixin, Shi was taken away at midnight last Friday. The Chinese news platform reported that he was banned from leaving China after a visit abroad during the Spring Festival (the Chinese Lunar New Year, which fell in February this year). After the trip, he was summoned by the authorities, but was still allowed to travel within the country.
The Caixin report did not mention the destination or the content of the foreign visit. However, it is known that on 1 February, Shi led a Shaolin Temple delegation to the Vatican, where they met with Pope Francis.
Chinese authorities did not mention the visit, nor was it covered by state media. The Holy See played down the event, given the unofficial nature of the meeting. But some analysts on Chinese social media speculate that this is the real cause for Shi's problems.
Online comments note that China and the Vatican do not have formal diplomatic relations, suggesting that Shi may have tried to circumvent the authorities, taking a gamble to enhance his prestige as a religious leader, something that Beijing does not tolerate.
Other commentators believe the monk made a mistake, misreading the political climate at home, at a time when Chinese authorities are pushing for sinicisation and ideological control, treating any initiative outside the limits set by the Communist Party, as a challenge, something that will never be officially acknowledged.
It is not surprising that the official motivation cited for the abbot’s arrest is embezzlement of Shaolin Temple’s funds. Shi became a monk there in 1981, at the age of 16, and has been abbot since 1999.
Under his leadership, the 1,500-year-old temple has become a global brand, attracting thousands of Buddhist followers and kung fu enthusiasts from around the world every year.
Overtime, Shi built a business empire, earning the moniker "CEO monk."
Beyond his business success, Shi also has a political career. He served as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and as a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
For over a decade, he was as a representative in the National People's Congress. He supported the authorities' directives on the sinicisation of Buddhism. In 2018, the Shaolin Temple became the first to raise the Chinese national flag, an act that sparked intense debate among Chinese internet users.
In China, official religious organisations are under the leadership of the United Front Department of the Chinese Communist Party. Analysts say Shi is also a state official due to his political involvement, not only a religious leader.
It is still unclear whether the visit to the Vatican was approved by the authorities: pictures show a private meeting between Shi and Pope Francis, without the presence of Chinese officials.
The Shaolin Temple gained popularity in pop culture thanks to a film starring Jet Li. However, its marketing has been heavily criticised.
Chinese media have estimated that, in the past, tourism revenue from the temple accounted for nearly a third of the annual budget of the city of Dengfeng, where the temple is located.
The temple has been criticised for high ticket prices, as well as the sale of incense, and Buddhist products. There were even rumours of a plan to list it on the stock exchange. In 2015, plans to build a hotel, a Kung Fu school, and a golf course sparked strong controversy.
The Shaolin Temple empire also expanded abroad. Currently, groups of monks are travelling the world to perform martial arts shows. The temple also established branches outside of China.
As a result of this expansion, the rumour mill about Shi went into high gear. As early as 2015, one of his disciples accused him of corruption and fathering two illegitimate children. At that time, an investigation by ended for lack of evidence. This time things are different.
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