Core Viewpoint - The current controversy surrounding Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, has led to severe allegations of misconduct, including criminal activities and moral violations, resulting in his戒牒 being revoked by the Chinese Buddhist Association [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Investigations - Shi Yongxin is under investigation for serious allegations including embezzlement of project funds and maintaining improper relationships with multiple women, which has led to a joint investigation by various departments [1][6]. - The accusations against Shi Yongxin closely mirror those from a 2015 report, indicating a pattern of alleged misconduct [2]. Group 2: Historical Context of Crises - Shi Yongxin has faced multiple crises during his tenure, with the most notable being the 2009 controversy regarding the potential commercialization and listing of Shaolin Temple, which he vehemently opposed [3][5]. - His first major crisis involved being expelled from the temple early in his career, a significant punishment within the monastic community [5]. Group 3: Commercialization of Buddhism - Shi Yongxin is recognized as a pioneer in the commercialization and globalization of Buddhism, having established the first Buddhist company in China and expanded Shaolin's brand internationally [7][9]. - Under his leadership, Shaolin Temple has seen significant financial success, with annual visitor numbers reaching approximately 4 million and ticket revenues exceeding 300 million yuan [9]. - Shi Yongxin's business ventures include a wide range of industries, from cultural dissemination to real estate, creating a complex commercial empire that raises questions about the intersection of faith and commerce [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversies surrounding Shi Yongxin, the current abbot of Shaolin Temple, highlighting allegations of criminal activities and the implications for the temple's reputation and operations [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations Against Shi Yongxin - Shi Yongxin has been accused of serious misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and maintaining improper relationships, leading to an investigation by multiple departments [1]. - The allegations against Shi Yongxin closely mirror those from a 2015 report, indicating a pattern of behavior that raises concerns about his leadership [2]. Group 2: Shi Yongxin's Crisis History - Shi Yongxin has faced multiple crises during his tenure, with the most recent being the current allegations, which are deemed more severe than previous issues [3][5]. - His first major crisis involved being expelled from the temple early in his career, while the second was related to a failed plan for the temple to go public in 2009, which he strongly opposed [5]. Group 3: Commercialization of Buddhism - Shi Yongxin is recognized as the first Buddhist leader to commercialize and globalize Buddhist practices, establishing various business ventures under the Shaolin brand [6][9]. - He founded the Henan Shaolin Temple Industrial Development Company in 1997, marking a shift towards market-oriented operations for Buddhist institutions [6]. - The Shaolin Temple has seen significant financial success, with annual ticket revenues exceeding 300 million yuan and substantial income from donations and merchandise sales [8]. Group 4: Business Empire and Transparency Issues - Shi Yongxin controls at least 16 companies across various sectors, including real estate, cultural dissemination, and tourism, raising questions about financial transparency within religious organizations [10]. - The extensive commercialization efforts have sparked debates about the balance between faith and business, questioning the integrity of religious practices in a commercial context [10].