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NEWS | EASTERN HORIZON 61

New abbot at scandal-hit China

Shaolin Temple enforces ‘Buddhist

996’ rule; 30 monks quit

By Yating Yang, 10 Aug 2025

Yating is a Beijing- After the downfall of Shi Yongxin, who led the famous
based culture temple in central China’s Henan province for more than
reporter at the two decades, it was announced that Shi Yinle, the abbot
Post. Previously, of The White Horse Temple, had taken over leadership.
she worked for
CCTV-6, covering Shi Yinle, 59, became known for his low profile,
international dedicated leadership style during his 20-year tenure at
film and culture. The White Horse, China’s first Buddhist temple.
Her journalistic He was appointed abbot of the Shaolin Temple on July 29.
expertise includes pop culture, entertainment
industry, gender equality, education, workplace On taking office, he immediately announced five
discrimination, and social welfare. sweeping reforms.

The introduction of grueling work schedules like those They were: halting commercial activities; banning high-
in China’s tech industry, or so-called Buddhist “996” priced consecration rituals; removing temple shops;
reform, has swept through the internationally renowned promoting monastic self-sufficiency through farming;
Shaolin Temple. and overhauling income distribution by eliminating
previously criticised fees.
The new rules come in the wake of an investigation
into former Shaolin abbot, Shi Yongxin, for financial He expressed concern that some monks had strayed
and sexual misconduct and the appointment of his from the spiritual path.
successor, Shi Yinle.
“Now some monks neither truly practice nor properly
work,” he said.

The new abbot cited examples such as monks ordering
takeaway food in meditation rooms or listening to pop
music with earphones during chanting.

He has also suspended international tours by the
Shaolin Temple’s Martial Arts team, along with cultural
and creative shops and online shops that were once key
revenue sources.

In addition, a “bottom-tier elimination system” has been
Stringent regime at famous temple slashes monk’s screen time on put in place, under which monks who fail assessments
mobile phones, imposes strict diet, long working hours
for three consecutive months may be required to leave.