Henan’s Shaolin Temple – one of China’s most famous kung fu institutions – has hit back at “malicious rumors” accusing its controversial abbot Shi Yongxin of embezzling temple funds to pay for mistresses and illegitimate children.
The accusations, made in an open letter by someone claiming to be a former disciple, have become the most talked about corruption scandal in China, as Internet users question the Buddhist credentials of Shaolin’s 50-year-old head monk.
The Telegraph reports:
“In detailed allegations that date back to the 1990s the letter says that abbot Shi, 50, had sex with Buddhist nuns. It also alleges that he lured one ‘follower’ to Shaolin with money to have sex with her, and then kept her on as a mistress.”
Perhaps most damning of all, the letter accuses Shi of having two identity cards and two hukou to hide his illegitimate children.
In the latest salvo against the abbot, his anonymous accuser, known as Shi Zhenggyi ('Zhengyi' means 'justice'), yesterday released copies of duplicate identity documents alleged to belong to Shi Yongxin and a mistress, and challenged the abbot to take a paternity test.
The claim has ignited heated debate on Weibo, with many clamoring for the abbot's dismissal and others condemning what they see as mob justice.
Shi Yongxin has long drawn criticism for commercializing the temple through aggressive branding and kung fu shows, earning the nickname of Shaolin's “CEO monk.”
Earlier this year, the historic temple announced plans to expand its brand with nationwide franchises and the construction of a $297 million complex in Australia featuring a martial arts academy and a hotel, which is expected to rake in even more revenue from tourists and kung fu students.
[Image via Sina]
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