‘Luxurious monk’ of China’s Shaolin Temple under fire over sex scandal, embezzlement

Shi Yongxin (File Photo | AFP)

China’s famed Shaolin Temple is once again at the center of controversy as its high-profile abbot, Shi Yongxin, is facing serious allegations of embezzlement and sexual misconduct.

According to a report in CNN, the temple confirmed on Sunday that the 59-year-old monk is under investigation for multiple criminal offenses, including misappropriation of funds and “improper relationships” with women.

Known widely as the “CEO monk” for turning the ancient Buddhist monastery into a commercial empire, Shi is also accused of fathering at least one child — a direct violation of Buddhist vows of celibacy.

The allegations, announced in a statement on the temple’s official WeChat account, have revived decade-old claims that first surfaced in 2015.

CNN reported that Shi is being probed by “multiple departments” and that “further information will be released to the public in due course.”

Shi has not publicly responded to the current allegations.

The Buddhist Association of China responded swiftly, stripping Shi of his ordination certificate — the official proof of his monastic qualification.

In a statement on Monday, the association said: “Shi Yongxin’s actions are of an extremely egregious nature, severely tarnishing the reputation of the Buddhist community and damaging the image of monastics.”

“The Buddhist Association of China firmly supports and endorses the decision to handle Shi Yongxin’s case in accordance with the law,” it added.

Traditionally, Buddhist monks in China are required to take a vow of celibacy and live a life of discipline and renunciation. Shi’s alleged conduct — particularly his sexual relationships and paternity — are a clear violation of these vows.

The accusations also include financial impropriety. Reports said that Shi is also suspected of embezzling temple funds and misusing project resources.

Shi became the abbot of the 1,500-year-old temple in 1999. Under his leadership, the monastery expanded its global footprint, licensing the Shaolin name for kung fu performances, video games, merchandise, and even real estate ventures.

But his business-first approach earned him fierce criticism. Some Buddhist followers saw the commercialization as eroding the spiritual integrity of the institution.

He once defended his lifestyle in state media after accepting a 1 million yuan ($140,000) luxury car from a local government as a reward for boosting tourism. “Monks are also citizens,” he told Xinhua. “We have fulfilled our duties and made contributions to society, so it is only right that we receive rewards.”

His international presence only added to his celebrity status. Often seen with an iPhone in hand, Shi met with global leaders including Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, and Tim Cook. In February this year, he even led a delegation of Shaolin monks to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis.

Still, controversy has long shadowed him.

In 2015, a self-proclaimed insider posted explosive claims on Chinese social media, alleging Shi had fathered multiple children and embezzled temple funds. CNN reported that documents shared included a birth certificate for one of the alleged children, along with photographs of the mother and child.

Shi and the temple vehemently denied the claims at the time. “If there were a problem, it would have surfaced long ago,” he told BBC Chinese. The case was closed in 2017 due to lack of evidence.

He was later re-elected as the deputy head of the Buddhist Association of China — a position he had held since 2002.

Shi, whose birth name is Liu Yingcheng, joined the Shaolin Temple in 1981. He rose through the ranks to lead an institution known not only for its Zen Buddhist legacy but also for its martial arts tradition — Shaolin kung fu.

According to the AP, earlier on Sunday, Chinese local media had to debunk a viral online notice claiming Shi had tried to flee to the U.S. with several mistresses and nearly 20 children. Authorities dismissed the post as fake.

Still, the renewed allegations have once again cast a long shadow over Shi Yongxin’s legacy — and raised uncomfortable questions about power, wealth, and celibacy inside China’s most iconic temple.