'CEO monk' who turned the temple where kung fu was founded into a multimillion-dollar empire is accused of fathering children out of wedlock and embezzlement
- Shi Yongxin, known as the 'CEO monk', is said to be under investigation
- Accused of embezzlement and fathering several children out of wedlock
- Abbot Shi is known for commercialising China's famed Shaolin Temple
- A statement posted on the temple website dismissed the claims as 'untrue'
Claim: The controversial 'CEO monk', Shi Yongxin, who heads the Shaolin Temple, is said to be under investigation for allegedly embezzling temple funds
Chinese authorities are investigating allegations of misbehaviour against the controversial 'CEO monk' who turned the temple where kung fu was invented into a sprawling commercial empire.
Master Shi Yongxin, who heads the famed Shaolin Temple, has been accused by a former disciple of fathering several children out of wedlock and embezzling funds.
The religious affairs bureau under the Denfeng city government says it was asked by the national body to look into the claims, which were made online, against the Chinese abbot.
'Our bureau takes this extremely seriously and will swiftly clarify ... and ensure a correct understanding of the matter,' the bureau said in a one-sentence notice on the city government website.
The notice didn't specify any of the claims, although media reports in China say the accusations include that Abbot Shi fathered children with at least two women and embezzled temple money.
Abbot Shi could not be reached for comment and calls to the temple in Henan province south of Beijing rang unanswered.
However, a statement posted on the temple's website dismissed the claims as 'untrue rumours' fabricated by people seeking to harm Zen Buddhism.
In February the globe-trotting monk announced plans for Shaolin to build a $297million complex in Australia that would include a temple, hotel, kung fu academy and a golf course.
Denying the accusations: However, a statement posted on the Shaolin Temple (pictured) website dismissed the claims as 'untrue rumors' fabricated by people seeking to harm Zen Buddhism
Famous: The Shaolin Temple is found in a forested mountainside in central Henan province and is home to warrior monks whose kung fu moves have become known the world over
Abbot Shi has been criticised by some for seeking to turn the temple and its famed kung fu fighting monks into a commercial enterprise, a move which helped make him China's most famous Buddhist.
The temple, built in the late fifth century, has defended aggressive commercialisation as the best way to defend its heritage and spread its Buddhist message.
It is found in a forested mountainside in central Henan province and is home to warrior monks whose kung fu moves have become known the world over.
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