Official investigation denies serial allegations against Shaolin abbot

An investigation into allegations against Shi Yongxin, famed abbot of the Shaolin Temple and also referred to as China's CEO monk, has determined that the abbot is innocent of the many accusations that were made against him, reported Henan Daily.

A report on the now-completed investigation was released on Saturday, February 4th.

Early in 2015, authorities received anonymous tips claiming that the abbot was a womanizer, owned a small fleet of fancy cars, embezzled millions of dollars, and illegally possessed the assets of Shaolin Temple, a cradle of Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism nestled on Mount Song of Henan Province.

The official investigation found 15 fancy cars, including 4 imports and 11 domestic models, all registered to the Shaolin Temple, and determined the vehicles were used for daily work involving the temple.

Regarding a claim that Shi had asked for millions of yuan from his apprentice, investigators determined that the apprentice had given the abbot money ahead of Spring Festival in 2010 and 2012, but that was described as a tradition of Buddhism. Investigators say Shi used the money to develop the temple and to support the study of apprentices.

No evidence was found to support claims that Shi stole money that was raised by providing incense sticks to pilgrims. Revenue made from that practice are managed by the financial section of the temple, reports Henan Daily.

The official investigation also cleared Shi of the allegation that he illegally raised money under the name of building Century Bell on the top of Mount Song. There is no evidence of personal accumulation of money by unfair means, according to the investigation.

However, the allegation that the abbot had a second Hukou, China's household registration, under a different name turned out to be true. Investigation found that Shi's second Hukou under the name Liu Yingcheng had been canceled.

The investigation also found that the Shaolin Temple needs to improve its internal administration and financial section, reported Henan Daily.