Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, is being investigated by multiple agencies for embezzlement, “improper relationships with multiple women” and “fathering illegitimate children”, the temple said on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple, located in a mountain range in central China’s Henan province, attracts thousands of disciples every year – some from across the world.<\/p>\n
Mr Shi, who has been Shaolin Temple’s abbot since 1999, has earned the nickname “CEO monk” for transforming the institution into a global brand.<\/p>\n
He has been stripped of his ordination certificate amid the probe, China’s Buddhist association said on Monday. The ordination certificate is proof of someone’s acceptance into the monastic community.<\/p>\n
“Shi Yongxin’s actions are extremely bad, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks,” the Buddhist Association of China said in its statement.<\/p>\n