Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin has recently been the subject of a joint investigation by multiple Chinese government agencies, sparking widespread concern. On the evening of July 27th, the Shaolin Temple Administration Office issued a notice confirming that abbot Shi Yongxin was under investigation for suspected criminal offenses. The following day, the Buddhist Association of China announced the revocation of Shi Yongxin's ordination certificate, expressing its "firm support for legal action." This marked the end of the reigns of this religious figure, who once spearheaded the "Shaolin branding" movement. On the 29th, the Shaolin Temple Administration Office announced the appointment of Master Yinle, formerly abbot of the White Horse Temple, as the new abbot of the temple.
Official reports indicate that Shi Yongxin is suspected of embezzling and misappropriating funds and assets for temple projects. He is also accused of maintaining illicit relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children, seriously violating Buddhist precepts. Multiple media outlets have confirmed that Shi Yongxin was taken into custody by Xinxiang police in Henan Province around July 25th, with Xinxiang authorities taking the lead in handling the case.
On July 28th, the Buddhist Association of China issued a statement stating that it had recently received a request from the Henan Provincial Buddhist Association to revoke the ordination certificate of Shi Yongxin. After consideration, the association agreed to the cancellation and supported the legal investigation and handling of the case. Some netizens commented, "What was the Buddhist Association doing before? Are they trying to save him now?" Others sarcastically said, "Shaolin Temple has become an ATM for pilgrims. Now that infrastructure funding is needed, it's naturally the temple's turn to take action."
A "precept certificate" is a certificate of ordination received by Buddhist monks after they have been ordained. In China, precept certificates are issued uniformly by the Buddhist Association of China.
Public information shows that Shi Yongxin, whose secular name is Liu Yingcheng, was born in 1965 and has been the head of Shaolin Temple since 1987, a period of 38 years. He has served as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, chairman of the Henan Buddhist Association, and a deputy to the National People's Congress. He has been active in political, business, and religious circles, earning him the nickname "the CEO in a monk's robe."
