Shaolin Temple abbot Thich Vinh Tin had his dharma name revoked and was expelled from the monkhood.

On July 28, the Buddhist Association of China issued an official announcement: The abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin (real name Liu Yingcheng), had his dharma name revoked, after receiving a report from the Buddhist Association of Henan Province.

According to a notice from the Shaolin Temple Management Board on July 27, Shi Yongxin is being investigated on suspicion of committing criminal offenses, including embezzlement, misappropriation of project capital and temple assets, and serious violations of Buddhist precepts by maintaining illicit relationships with many women over a long period of time and having children out of wedlock.

Shaolin Temple abbot damages the reputation of Buddhism

The Buddhist Association of China stressed that Shi Yongxin's behavior was "extremely serious," causing great harm to the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks. The association fully supports his strict handling according to Buddhist law and discipline.

Conclusion announcement: Based on relevant regulations, the association officially agrees to cancel the dharma name of Thich Vinh Tin, which means he is no longer considered a monk in the Chinese Buddhist system.

During his 26 years as abbot, Thich Vinh Tin took advantage of this opportunity to turn the ancient pagoda into a cultural and tourist center, from opening martial arts classes, selling tickets for performances, to linking up with film studios and game companies.

Deals such as buying land for hundreds of millions of yuan, plans to list on the stock exchange and a series of accusations such as having an illegitimate child, corruption, although once denied, have seriously damaged his image as well as Shaolin Temple - Photo: SOHU

According to estimates, the total assets of Shaolin Temple in 2009 exceeded 30 billion yuan, including valuable land in Zhengzhou, a "Shaolin" brand system registered in more than 660 items, as well as an international office network spanning 40 major cities such as New York, Berlin and Moscow.

Not stopping there, the "Shaolin resort" in Australia with an area of over 1,600 hectares including a hotel, golf course and martial arts school has demonstrated his ambition to globalize.

Under Shi Yongxin, the number of monks at Shaolin increased from less than 10 to more than 300. He also established the Shaolin Buddhist Academy, restored many historical structures, and actively spread Shaolin culture to the world .

However, public opinion has been skeptical of the "religion + commerce" model he pursues for many years. The peak came in July this year, when rumors spread that he was being investigated and suspended from his position, in the context of the Chinese government launching a campaign to check the secularization of religion.

A viral photo claiming that he and his relatives had fled abroad was later denied, but his "disappearance" since a ceremony on May 5 fueled the rumours.

Thich Vinh Tin's social media account stopped updating since July 24 - Photo: SOHU

Shaolin Temple is still open to visitors

Sohu newspaper also reported that the summer tourist season has entered its peak, and the number of tourists flocking to famous places across the country is constantly increasing. Shaolin Temple in Tung Son ( Henan ) often welcomed a large number of visitors at this time in previous years.

A tour guide with more than 10 years of experience confirmed: "It is currently the peak tourist season, Shaolin Temple is still open as usual, visitors are not affected."

Another tour guide also said that the number of visitors has not decreased compared to the same period last year, tours are still organized regularly, and visitors are still introduced to the history and culture of Shaolin Temple as usual.

Shanghai

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tru-tri-thieu-lam-tu-thich-vinh-tin-bi-huy-bo-phap-danh-khai-tru-khoi-gioi-tang-20250728165444681.htm