Key Points
- Shaolin Temple (Shaolin Si 少林寺) abbot Shi Yongxin (释永信), known as the “Buddhist CEO,” is under investigation for severe allegations, including misappropriating and embezzling temple funds and fathering illegitimate children.
- The Chinese Buddhist Association (Zhongguo Fojiao Xiehui 中国佛教协会) has agreed to revoke Shi Yongxin’s ordination certificate (Jie Die 戒牒), effectively stripping him of his monastic status and referring to him by his secular name, Liu Yingcheng (刘应成).
- Shi Yongxin’s alleged actions are labeled “egregious” and are causing significant damage to the reputation of the Buddhist community in China.
- The investigation highlights the controversial nature of Shi Yongxin’s “commercial empire,” built on global kung fu tours, online stores, and licensing deals that brought fame but also raised questions about over-commercialization of a sacred institution.
- He is currently under a joint investigation by multiple government departments, signaling the serious legal and ethical implications of the case.
An investigation into Shaolin Temple’s (Shaolin Si 少林寺) abbot Shi Yongxin (释永信) is sending shockwaves through China’s religious and business circles, as the man famously dubbed the “Buddhist CEO” faces a storm of serious allegations.
The situation escalated quickly, with the highest Buddhist authority in the country taking swift and decisive action.
Let’s break down what’s happening.
The Bombshell Allegations: What is Shi Yongxin Accused Of?
On July 27, 2025, the Shaolin Temple Management Office dropped a report with some heavy accusations against its famous abbot.
This isn’t just a minor issue; we’re talking about allegations that span both criminal and religious domains.
Here’s a look at the key charges against Shi Yongxin:
- Major Financial Crimes: He is suspected of misappropriating and embezzling temple assets and project funds. This points to serious potential criminal offenses.
- Severe Personal Misconduct: The report claims he maintained improper relationships with multiple women and allegedly fathered illegitimate children. For a Buddhist monastic, this is a profound violation of core precepts.
These actions, if true, represent a massive blow to the reputation of not just Shi Yongxin, but the broader image of the Buddhist community in China.
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The Official Response: A Swift Crackdown from the Top
The Chinese Buddhist Association (Zhongguo Fojiao Xiehui 中国佛教协会) did not mince words.
In a public announcement, they stated they resolutely support and uphold the decision to handle Shi Yongxin’s case according to the law.
They labeled his alleged actions as “egregious” and highlighted the severe damage done to the community’s reputation.
Following a formal request from the regional Henan Buddhist Association (Henan Fojiao Xiehui 河南省佛教协会), the national association took a significant step:
- It has officially agreed to revoke the ordination certificate (Jie Die 戒牒) of Shi Yongxin.
This is a an incredibly serious move. An ordination certificate is the foundational document that validates a person’s status as a monk or nun.
Revoking it effectively strips him of his monastic identity.
The announcement also made a point to reference his secular name, Liu Yingcheng (刘应成), signaling a formal separation from his religious role.
Currently, Shi Yongxin is under a joint investigation by multiple government departments, indicating the gravity of the situation.
- Chinese Buddhist Association: Supports resolution according to law, labels actions “egregious.”
- Revocation of Ordination Certificate: Agreed to revoke Shi Yongxin’s “Jie Die” (戒牒), stripping monastic status.
- Secular Name Acknowledgment: Refers to him by secular name, Liu Yingcheng (刘应成).
- Investigation Status: Under joint investigation by multiple government departments.
Unpacking the ‘Buddhist CEO’ and His Commercial Empire
The scandal has thrust the concept of Shi Yongxin’s “commercial empire” back into the spotlight.
For years, Shi Yongxin has been a controversial figure, celebrated by some for modernizing the Shaolin Temple brand and criticized by others for over-commercializing a sacred institution.
His “Buddhist CEO” moniker came from his aggressive expansion of the Shaolin brand through:
- Global kung fu tours
- Online stores
- Licensing deals and business ventures
While these activities brought massive revenue and global fame to the ancient temple, they also raised questions about the intersection of spirituality and profit.
The current allegations of misappropriating funds add a potentially criminal layer to this long-running debate.
The investigation isn’t just about a monk’s personal failings; it’s a deep dive into the finances of one of China’s most famous cultural exports.
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What’s Next for the Shaolin Temple?
With its abbot and central figure under a multi-departmental investigation, the future of the Shaolin Temple’s leadership and its vast commercial network is uncertain.
The core issue is a breach of trust on multiple levels—legal, financial, and spiritual.
As authorities dig deeper, the fallout could reshape how religious institutions in China operate, especially those with significant commercial interests.
The saga of the Shaolin Temple’s abbot, Shi Yongxin, is a powerful case study on the complex and often fraught relationship between ancient tradition, modern commerce, and personal integrity.
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