Beijing : The chief priest of China’s iconic Shaolin Temple, known for its martial arts traditions, is facing allegations of having sexual relations with women followers including Buddhist nuns, a charge refuted by the temple as “groundless”.
The accuser, using the name Shi Zhengyi and claiming to be a former disciple of the temple, posted an article on various online forums last week, alleging that 50-year-old Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the temple, maintained sexual relations with his women followers, including two Buddhist nuns. Denying allegations, the abbot has complained to police about the “slander campaign” against him, official media here quoted a staff member of the temple at Henan province as saying.
A police officer from the public security bureau of Dengfeng, Henan, told the Global Times that they have received the Shaolin Temple’s report and are investigating the case.
In the online article, the former disciple also alleged that the abbot used the temple’s income to support his alleged mistresses.
K J M Varma
