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

Hong Kong – The chief of the famous Chinese Shaolin Temple has been defrocked while he is the subject of an investigation by the authorities for alleged financial offenses and a sexual fault.

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Temple since 1999, has revoked his certificate of ordination, said the Buddhist association supported by the state of China on Monday in a statement, citing allegations according to which he diverted and diverted the project funds and the assets of the temple.

The 59 -year -old religious leader also broke his vow of celibacy, having “inappropriate relationships” with women over a long period and in apple trees at least one child outside marriage, the temple said in a separate statement on Sunday.

Shi’s actions are “particularly blatant, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and tarnishing the image of monastics,” said the association, adding that it “firmly supports” the investigation by several agencies.

Shaolin temple calls remained unanswered on Monday.

Nicknamed the “CEO Monk”, Shi marketed the Shaolin temple based in the Chinese central province of Henan, a 1,500 -year -old monastery recognized as the cradle of Kung Fu. On Monday, four companies are still recorded under the name of Shi, according to Qichacha, a Chinese corporate database operator.

Directed by Shi, the temple has noted its international profile over the years thanks to tourism, performance and training. He also created several cultural centers abroad, notably in the United States, Australia and Europe.

Although Shi has faced similar accusations in the past, they were rejected by the religious authorities at the time.

In 2011, Shi minimized online rumors that he had mistresses and children. “There is no need to justify. When things like this happen, let it go,” he told people in the newspaper daily.

In 2015, several Shi students accused him of extortion and corruption, drawing increased attention from the body of religious affairs of China. A two -year investigation then eliminated Shi from reprehensible acts.

The latest investigation was largely satiated on Chinese social media, where commentators noted the irony of allegations against Shi since his religion obliges him to live frugally.

“All the wishes I made for wealth and success in Buddhist temples have come true for monks,” wrote a user on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.