Shi, 60, born Liu Yingcheng (刘应成), joined Shaolin Temple in 1981 and became abbot in 1999. Known as the “CEO monk” for his business acumen, he transformed the temple into a global brand, overseeing ventures like kung fu performances, merchandise, and overseas cultural centers in cities such as Berlin and London.

The temple’s annual income, estimated at 500 million RMB, stems from ticket sales, incense offerings, and over 700 trademarks, including Shaolin Kung Fu. Shi’s enterprises, such as Henan Shaolin Intangible Assets Management Centre, span real estate, publishing, and tourism, with investments like a 452 million RMB commercial complex in Zhengzhou.

Shi’s commercialization efforts, while boosting the temple’s global profile, sparked controversy. In 2015, allegations of corruption and misconduct surfaced but were dismissed in 2016 for lack of evidence. Now, fresh accusations have reignited public scrutiny, trending heavily on Weibo and Baidu. A false online claim that Shi attempted to flee to the US with 34 others was debunked by Kaifeng police, who confirmed ongoing investigations.

The Buddhist Association condemned Shi’s actions as “extremely deplorable,” supporting legal action. Shi, a former National People’s Congress representative and vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China, has not publicly responded. The temple stated that multiple departments are conducting a joint investigation, with findings to be released soon. Legal experts suggest Shi could face imprisonment for crimes like embezzlement or bribery.

Shi defended commercialization as a means to preserve Shaolin’s cultural heritage, allocating 30% of revenue to restoration projects, like the 200 million RMB Pagoda Forest refurbishment, and charitable causes, including a 10 million RMB donation for Wuhan’s Covid-19 relief in 2020. However, critics argue his ventures compromise the temple’s spiritual integrity, a tension highlighted by his lavish lifestyle, including receiving a 1 million RMB car in 2006.

Shi’s downfall underscores China’s expanding anti-corruption campaign into religious institutions, raising questions about balancing spiritual purity with financial sustainability.


The Shaolin Temple, an integration of Chan Buddhism and Martial Arts



Shaolin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Chan Buddhism and kung fu, remains a global cultural icon, celebrated in films like Jet Li’s 1982 The Shaolin Temple. Nestled in the forested slopes of Mount Song in Henan Province, Shaolin Temple stands as a timeless symbol of the integration of Buddhist spirituality and physical discipline. Established in 495 CE during the Northern Wei Dynasty under Emperor Xiaowen’s patronage, the temple was built for the Indian monk Batuo to spread Buddhist teachings in China. Its name, "Shaolin," (少林) meaning "forest of Shaoshi," reflects its serene location at the foot of Mount Shaoshi, a setting that has shaped its unique role in Chinese Buddhism.


The Cradle of Chan Buddhism

Shaolin’s spiritual significance soared with the arrival of Bodhidharma around 527 CE. Revered as the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, Bodhidharma introduced a revolutionary approach to Buddhist practice, emphasizing direct mind-to-mind transmission and meditation over scriptural study. His teachings laid the foundation for Chan (known as Zen in Japan), making Shaolin a pivotal center for its development in China. The temple’s focus on meditation cultivated a path to awakening that resonated deeply with Chinese spiritual sensibilities, blending Indian Buddhist principles with local cultural elements.


The Union of Martial Arts and Dharma

Shaolin Temple is perhaps best known for its martial arts, a tradition born from necessity and enriched by Buddhist philosophy. In its early days, the temple’s remote location necessitated self-defense against bandits, prompting monks to develop physical skills. Legend credits Bodhidharma with creating the "Muscle Tendon Changing Classic" (Yijin Jing), a set of exercises to maintain health during long meditation sessions. Over time, these practices evolved into Shaolin Kung Fu, a discipline that transcends mere combat to become a form of moving meditation.

Shaolin martial arts embody Buddhist principles such as impermanence, non-attachment, and mindfulness. The rigorous training hones mental focus and emotional control, complementing seated meditation. Guided by Buddhist precepts, martial practice at Shaolin emphasizes compassion and restraint, transforming physical techniques into a path for spiritual growth. This integration of body, mind, and spirit distinguishes Shaolin’s approach, making kung fu a living expression of Dharma.


Historical Influence and Imperial Recognition



Shaolin’s historical impact extends beyond spirituality. During the Tang Dynasty, Shaolin monks, led by masters like Tan Zong, aided Emperor Li Shimin in consolidating his rule, earning the temple imperial favor and cementing its reputation for martial and spiritual excellence. This alliance elevated Shaolin’s status, ensuring its enduring influence in Chinese culture.


Contributions to Chinese Buddhism

Shaolin’s contributions to Chinese Buddhism are manifold. It played a central role in establishing Chan as a major school, offering a direct path to enlightenment through meditation. The temple also demonstrated how physical cultivation could enhance spiritual practice, creating a model for integrating body and mind. By synthesizing Indian Buddhist principles with Chinese cultural elements, Shaolin forged a unique spiritual tradition that continues to inspire.


A Living Tradition

Today, Shaolin Temple remains a vibrant center of Chan Buddhism and martial arts. Its teachings emphasize calming the mind, developing wisdom, cultivating compassion, and understanding emptiness—the core of Buddhist practice. While martial arts have brought Shaolin global fame, its primary mission endures as a Buddhist monastery, where monks engage in meditation, sutra study, and Chan practice.


Notable Masters of Shaolin

Shaolin’s legacy is carried forward by its revered masters, though historical records are often incomplete due to periods of destruction and the blending of fact with legend. Among the verified luminaries are :

1. Batuo (跋陀) - Indian monk who founded Shaolin Temple in 495 CE
2. Bodhidharma (達摩) - 28th Patriarch of Indian Buddhism who came to Shaolin around 527 CE
3. Hui Ke (慧可) - Second Chinese Patriarch, Bodhidharma's successor
4. Sengchou (僧稠) - Early Shaolin master known for both martial and meditative practices
5. Tan Zong (談宗) - Led Shaolin monks helping Li Shimin establish Tang Dynasty
6. Hui Neng (惠能) - Though not strictly a Shaolin master, his influence was significant

More recent verified masters include:
- Xing Yu (行宇)
- Hai Deng (海灯)
- Shi Suxi (释素喜)


A Legacy of Harmony

Shaolin Temple stands as a testament to the harmony of physical, mental, and spiritual cultivation. Its integration of kung fu and Chan Buddhism offers important lessons: that the disciplined body can be a vehicle for awakening the mind. As a beacon of Chinese Buddhist heritage, Shaolin continues to inspire practitioners worldwide to pursue wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.