Chinese university criticised again over new plans to give Buddhist abbot an honorary title
Anger at Henan University's plans to make Master Xinguang, abbot of Henan's Daxiangguo Temple, an honorary professor, follow criticism in 2009 when it awarded the same title to Shi Yongxin, abbot of the Shaolin Temple
Plans by a Chinese university to give an honorary title to the abbot of a Buddhist temple have been criticised by social media users on the mainland.
Henan University’s school of philosophy and public administration plans to make Master Xinguang, abbot of the more than 1,300-year-old Daxiangguo Temple in Kaifeng city, Henan province, an honorary professor, the Beijing News reported.
The same university was criticised In June 2009, when its sports institute gave the same title to China’s controversial monk, Shi Yongxin, abbot of the Shaolin Temple.
Some internet users are angry, claiming that it is wrong for Master Xinguang to be offered a prestigious position in addition to his role at the temple, the report said.
However, Zhang Jingdong, dean of the school, rejected the criticism yesterday, claiming the abbot would receive no pay or social benefits for taking on the role.
Zhang said the appointment would help to promote academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the school and the temple, the report said.