Kung fu temple dismisses vice rumor
By Wang Qingchu |
May 10, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
SHAOLIN Temple yesterday rejected online rumors that its abbot was caught by police visiting prostitutes.
The Buddhist temple, which is famed for its links to China's martial arts, said the rumors about Abbot Shi Yongxin were a vicious libel and that it retains the right to take legal action.
The stories hurt the feelings of Buddhists and seriously tarnished the reputation of the abbot, according to a statement the temple posted on its website, China News Service reported yesterday.
Shaolin Temple and the abbot felt deep regret about the claims and retain the right to hold the person legally responsible, the statement said.
Rumors have been circulating online that Shi was caught paying for sex in central China's Henan Province, where the temple is located, during a police raid to crack down on prostitution.
According to the rumors, Shaolin Temple said it heard about the incident before but didn't say whether it was true. It was also claimed the temple later explained that Shi was performing a Buddhist service for the prostitute, rather than having sex with her.
Shi, the temple's 30th abbot, was previously mired in controversy for vigorously promoting commercial development of the ancient temple. He initiated the opening of a Shaolin pharmacy and monks have visited many countries to perform kung fu shows.
The abbot says he uses these activities to spread Buddhist culture and revitalize the monastery.
Shaolin Temple was built in the fifth century and nestles in the Songshan Mountain in Dengfeng City.
The Buddhist temple, which is famed for its links to China's martial arts, said the rumors about Abbot Shi Yongxin were a vicious libel and that it retains the right to take legal action.
The stories hurt the feelings of Buddhists and seriously tarnished the reputation of the abbot, according to a statement the temple posted on its website, China News Service reported yesterday.
Shaolin Temple and the abbot felt deep regret about the claims and retain the right to hold the person legally responsible, the statement said.
Rumors have been circulating online that Shi was caught paying for sex in central China's Henan Province, where the temple is located, during a police raid to crack down on prostitution.
According to the rumors, Shaolin Temple said it heard about the incident before but didn't say whether it was true. It was also claimed the temple later explained that Shi was performing a Buddhist service for the prostitute, rather than having sex with her.
Shi, the temple's 30th abbot, was previously mired in controversy for vigorously promoting commercial development of the ancient temple. He initiated the opening of a Shaolin pharmacy and monks have visited many countries to perform kung fu shows.
The abbot says he uses these activities to spread Buddhist culture and revitalize the monastery.
Shaolin Temple was built in the fifth century and nestles in the Songshan Mountain in Dengfeng City.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
