The Shaolin Buddhist Monastery has called reports that dozens of monks have left the temple, following the investigation launched against former abbot Shi Yongxin, untrue, the temple said in a statement.
“Information circulating on the Internet about the collective departure of 30 monks is false“, the monastery said in a statement. The temple urged the public not to believe it and not to spread such rumors.
Earlier, the South China Morning Post reported that more than 30 novices had left the monastery in a week due to the tightening of rules after the arrival of the new abbot Shi Inle. According to the newspaper, Xi Jinping, known for his modesty but ideological conviction, immediately after his appointment on July 29, carried out "five decisive reforms." The temple then suspended commercial performances and banned expensive initiation rituals. In addition, shops on the monastery grounds are being closed, monks are being ordered to make a living through farming whenever possible, and the income distribution system has been changed, the newspaper reported.
The change of abbot at Shaolin took place in late July, when the monastery announced that the former temple master, Shi Yongxin, was suspected of “committing a crime, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds allocated for projects“, as well as “serious violations of Buddhist precepts, long-term illicit relationships with multiple women, and fathering illegitimate children“. The Chinese Buddhist Association has stripped him of his spiritual rank.