The abbot of the legendary Shaolin Temple Shi Yongxin has canceled a scheduled trip to Thailand on Aug. 2 in order to answer to allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct. The allegations, which surfaced on the internet last week, has led to an official investigation into the activities of Shi.

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Shi is famous in Chinese society not only as the head of the Shaolin monastery but also for his business acumen and routine trips abroad. This has earned him the monicker "CEO monk" in local and foreign media.

Theallegations against the abbot were made by an alleged former Shaolin monk, who identifies himself as Shi Zhengyi. Shi claims that the Shaolin head was in fact kicked out of the monastery about 30 years ago after he was found guilty of theft. He also accused the abbot of having illicit affair with nuns and fathering children with them.

There were fears that Shi will flee the country during his visit to Thailand to escape the charges. However, the top monk chose not to proceed with the trip. Shi was supposed to go to Thailand to encourage religious interaction between the two countries.

Shi reportedly sent a written apology to the organizers, explaining that there are some urgent official matters that he needs to attend to. A Shaolin official said that the abbot may catch up with the Shaolin delegation in Thailand, although he declined to gave a specific date.

Henan province-based Dengfeng Religious Affairs Bureau is conducting an inquiry into the allegations against Shi.

The allegations against Shi include the use of bogus invoices to cover up his financial indiscretion and using several fake identification documents.

Authorities have yet to comment on the alleged evidences.

The Shaolin Temple is reputed worldwide reputation as the originator of Kung Fu. Shaolin monks were also the first Zen Buddhists.

TagsShaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, kungfu, ceo monk, shaolin monk, zen buddhist, shaolin scandal, shaolin embezzlement, shaolin abbot, Shaolin Temple China