China’s Buddhist regulator has promised to impose stricter discipline and supervision on the religion in the wake of the scandal surrounding the disgraced abbot of the Shaolin Temple.
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The Buddhist Association of China said in a lengthy statement on Thursday that it would “further deepen the comprehensive and strict governance of religion” after Shi Yongxin was placed under investigation for alleged financial and sexual misconduct.
It said Shi’s actions had “a serious negative impact on the healthy transmission of Buddhism” and added that he may not only face severe criminal penalties but also severe karmic consequences.
Shi is facing a criminal investigation over accusations he embezzled project funds and temple assets.
He is also accused of maintaining improper relationships with multiple women and fathering children with them, according to a statement released by the temple last month.
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Shi, the holder of an MBA who was nicknamed the “CEO monk”, was ordained in 1981 and became the abbot of Shaolin Temple in 1999.
