Shaolin Temple scandal shakes the foundations of a symbol of Chinese martial arts.

The suspension and criminal investigation of the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Grand Master Shi Yongxin, is shaking the Chinese martial arts community.

Abbot of Shaolin Temple - Thich Vinh Tin (center) - Photo: CN

On July 27, the official WeChat account of the Shaolin Temple confirmed that Abbot Shi Yongxin is under investigation by multiple inter-agency bodies on serious charges: embezzlement of project funds and temple assets, violation of monastic precepts, illicit relationships with multiple women over a long period, and having at least one illegitimate child.

At the same time, the temple also announced that he had been suspended from his position as abbot to facilitate the investigation.

"We are committed to fully cooperating with the authorities and will keep the public informed as the situation progresses," the statement read, as quoted on mainstream news sites such as The Paper and Sina Finance.

These allegations are not new. In 2015, a person claiming to be a former Shaolin disciple accused Yongxin of similar offenses: using temple funds for personal purposes, raising illegitimate children, and engaging in extramarital affairs.

At that time, the Henan provincial authorities intervened but concluded there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. However, this time the Shaolin Temple itself announced the incident first, with a firmer and more serious tone, leading the public to believe that the accusations could no longer be covered up as before.

Immediately after the information was confirmed, a wave of criticism erupted across Chinese social media platforms and mainstream media.

The Phoenix News quoted commentator Hu Xijin as saying this is "the biggest religious scandal in years" and warning of consequences for the long-standing reputation of the Shaolin Temple.

Sina News expressed its concerns, questioning the transparency of the operation of religious assets: "Shaolin is a national symbol, but for too long it has operated like a business with its head both practicing as a monk and managing the property."

Not only domestically, but also internationally, the press has closely followed the situation and expressed deep disappointment. The Financial Times emphasized that Shi Yongxin – who once transformed Shaolin Temple into a global brand, known as the "CEO of the temple" – now faces accusations that seriously damage his personal reputation and the image of a symbol of martial arts and a Chinese cultural heritage.

AP News published an article with the headline "Shaolin Temple Abbot Under Investigation for Embezzlement and Ectopic Child," while also highlighting the negative impact on Chinese culture.

In an article published on July 28, the South China Morning Post assessed that the incident "has sent shockwaves not only through Buddhist circles but also through the international martial arts community."

Abbot Thich Vinh Tin has long been criticized - Photo: QQ

Shaolin Temple has long been considered the cradle of Chinese martial arts, the birthplace of many schools and the ethical values ​​of martial arts. "It is hard to imagine that the abbot of such a sacred place would be accused of violating both the precepts and the ethics of martial arts," the article wrote.

The Deccan Herald (India) called this a major shock for those who had viewed Shaolin as a spiritual symbol of the East, a place where spirituality and martial arts harmonized.

The reaction from the martial arts community also showed deep disappointment. On Chinese martial arts forums, many expressed a feeling of betrayal.

A martial arts master surnamed Zhang, who once led his students to Shaolin for training, told Sina Sports that he felt "ashamed for having presented Shaolin as a place of purity and exemplary conduct." On the social media platform Weibo, the hashtag "Shaolin shaken" garnered over 200 million views in just two days, accompanied by thousands of angry comments.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/be-boi-thieu-lam-tu-bieu-tuong-vo-hoc-trung-quoc-lung-lay-20250728111335454.htm