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Shi Yongxin

Shi Yongxin
The latest news and top stories on Shi Yongxin. A prominent figure in Chinese Buddhism, he has served as the Abbot of Shaolin Temple since 1999, having joined the monastery in 1981. He is also Vice Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China and Chairman of the Henan Province Buddhists Association. Known for his efforts in promoting Shaolin culture globally, he has overseen temple restoration, scholarly publications and the establishment of overseas cultural centres. He played a key role in Shaolin Temple's UNESCO World Heritage status. Currently, he is under investigation for alleged criminal offences including embezzlement and violating Buddhist precepts.
Shi Yongxin served as abbot of Shaolin Temple and president of the Shaolin Charity and Welfare Foundation. Photo: AFP
Corruption in China

China sentences former Shaolin abbot to 24 years for corruption

Disgraced leader should be ‘severely punished’ according to law, court says, calling circumstances of his bribery ‘particularly serious’.

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Corruption in China

Former Shaolin Temple abbot indicted for bribery and embezzlement

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Corruption in China

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Religion in China

‘CEO monk’ scandal: China creates new oversight body for Buddhist clergy

Beijing’s fourth-ranking official Wang Huning urges association to exercise ‘comprehensive and rigorous governance over the religion’.

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Shi Zhengci, the abbot of Wuzu Temple in Huangmei county, Hubei province, is the Buddhist Association of China’s new chairman of the board of supervisors. Photo: Handout
Shaolin Temple

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

Provincial Communist Party boss on impromptu visit calls on temple’s new leadership to protect reputation and return to ‘true teachings’.

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Religion in China

Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin closer to prosecution over money scandals

Famed ‘CEO monk’ of kung fu cradle was removed in July over allegations including embezzlement and ‘seriously violating’ Buddhist principles.

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Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Shaolin Temple scandal would have led to far harsher reactions in China’s past

The resolution of the temple’s recent shameful episode is much more civilised than the violent purges of Buddhism in China’s history.

Shi Yongxin (pictured here in 2006), the former abbot of China’s Shaolin Temple, is facing an official investigation for financial and sexual misconduct. China Photos: Getty Images
Religion in China

After Shaolin Temple scandal, China’s Buddhists urged to obey law and pay taxes

Buddhist regulator calls on believers to be patriotic as it doubles down on condemnation of famous temple’s disgraced former abbot.

SCMP Highlights

US, China tariff truce extended; Nvidia deal confirmed: SCMP daily highlights

From potential turning point in how temples are run in China to America letting Nvidia sell chips, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Religion in China

Shaolin’s ‘CEO monk’ scandal may prompt overhaul of how temples are run in China

While long-time abbot Shi Yongxin faces criminal investigation it’s business as usual at the temple, but it could be a turning point.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Trending in China

New abbot at 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.

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The new head of China’s scandal-hit Shaolin Temple has introduced strict new rules, sparking a reported wave of monk resignations. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Xinhua/Weibo
Shaolin Temple

China’s Buddhist regulator pledges stricter controls after Shaolin abbot scandal

Vow comes after Shi Yongxin, the former head of the kung fu cradle, was accused of embezzling temple funds and sexual misconduct.

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Trending in China

New head of scandal-hit Shaolin Temple avoids commerce, does manual work himself

Successor to disgraced former Shaolin Temple chief vows to follow true path of Buddhism, values ‘agriculture’ and ‘zen’.

SCMP Highlights

US-China trade talks, Japan’s concern over unruly Indonesians: 7 highlights

From China’s concern over H20 chip safety to actor Will Or being diagnosed with cancer, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

A video of Indonesians in Osaka gathering on a pavement and obstructing passage has prompted social media comments criticising their behaviour. Photo: X/parsonalsecret
Corruption in China

Editorial | Investigation into Shaolin Temple’s ‘CEO monk’ a chance to clear the air

The probe is an opportunity to review the temple’s management and ensure the brand is promoted without compromising what makes it special.

Shi Yongxin, then abbot of the Shaolin Temple, at the famous temple in China’s central Henan province, in November 2009. Photo: AFP
Religion in China

China’s Shaolin Temple gets new abbot after scandal fells Shi Yongxin

White Horse Temple abbot Shi Yinle will replace Shaolin head who is under investigation for alleged financial and sexual misconduct.

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SCMP Highlights

China’s birth crisis subsidies, Shaolin head defrocked: SCMP daily highlights

From the battle for the world’s most powerful dam to Beijing’s fears for China’s birth rate, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

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Corruption in China

Abbot of China’s world-famous Shaolin Temple under criminal investigation

Temple accuses Shi Yongxin of embezzling project funds and temple assets, seriously violating Buddhist precepts and of sexual misconduct.

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Shi Yongxin (centre), abbot of the Shaolin Temple in central China, is under joint investigation by multiple departments. Photo: Getty Images
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