Free Republic

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. 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. 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. He has been stripped of his ordination certificate amid the probe, China's Buddhist association said on Monday. The ordination...

Chinese MMA fighter Xu Xiaodong has received support from a Shaolin Monk in his bid to expose “kung fu fakery” by pummelling traditional martial arts masters. A video of the fighter known as “Mad Dog” brutally knocking out tai chi master Wei Lei in 10 seconds went viral last year, but his attempts to expose those who “scam” and “brainwash” people with fake martial arts has caused huge debate in China. Xu said he had to go into hiding for several months in 2017 after claiming he was assaulted by two strangers who represented traditional martial arts. The 40-year-old returned...

Shaolin Temple rejects 'vicious lies' about abbot and a mistress (Shanghai Daily) 10:54, October 14, 2011 China's Shaolin Temple yesterday made a public announcement rejecting online rumors that its abbot financially supported a female university student as his mistress, raised their son in Germany and had been caught by police for visiting prostitutes. The temple said the rumors were "vicious lies weaved out of nothing but caused great damages to its abbot Shi Yongxin and the Buddhist temple itself." The temple has reported the case to police so they can investigate. The temple is also inviting anyone who has any...