New abbot at scandal-hit China Shaolin Temple enforces ‘Buddhist 996’ rule; 30 monks quit
Stringent regime at famous temple slashes monk’s screen time on mobile phones, imposes strict diet, long working hours
The introduction of gruelling work schedules like those in China’s tech industry, or so-called Buddhist “996” reform, has swept through the internationally renowned Shaolin Temple.
The new rules come in the wake of an investigation into former Shaolin abbot, Shi Yongxin, for financial and sexual misconduct and the appointment of his successor, Shi Yinle.
After the downfall of Shi Yongxin, who led the famous temple in central China’s Henan province for more than two decades, it was announced that Shi Yinle, the abbot of The White Horse Temple, had taken over leadership.
Shi Yinle, 59, became known for his low profile, dedicated leadership style during his 20-year tenure at The White Horse, China’s first Buddhist temple.
He was appointed abbot of the Shaolin Temple on July 29.
On taking office, he immediately announced five sweeping reforms.
They were: halting commercial activities; banning high-priced consecration rituals; removing temple shops; promoting monastic self-sufficiency through farming; and overhauling income distribution by eliminating previously criticised fees.