China’s scandal-hit Shaolin Temple urged to draw clear line between business and religion

The Communist Party chief of Henan province has made an impromptu visit to the famed Shaolin Temple, whose former abbot was rounded up on corruption charges earlier this year, and called for a clear boundary between the temple and business.

The visit comes nearly five months after former abbot Shi Yongxin – known as “the CEO monk” – was abruptly removed amid allegations of embezzlement, bribery and violations of Buddhist principles.

In an “in-depth exchange” with new abbot Shi Yinle, Liu said he hoped that the temple’s new leadership would “return to the true teachings of the religion, and safeguard the reputation and image of Shaolin Temple”.

Shi Yinle was transferred from the White Horse Temple, also in Henan, to lead the Shaolin Temple in July, days after Shi Yongxin’s removal.