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Money, sex &CEO monk: Head of Shaolin Temple under investigation
The introduction of gruelling work schedules like those in China's tech industry, or so-called Buddhist "996" reform, has swept through the internationally renowned Shaolin Temple.
The new rules come in the wake of an investigation into former Shaolin abbot, Shi Yongxin, for financial and sexual misconduct and the appointment of his successor, Shi Yinle.
After the downfall of Shi Yongxin, who led the famous temple in central China's Henan province for more than two decades, it was announced that Shi Yinle, the abbot of The White Horse Temple, had taken over leadership.
Shi Yinle, 59, became known for his low profile, dedicated leadership style during his 20-year tenure at The White Horse, China's first Buddhist temple.
He was appointed abbot of the Shaolin Temple on July 29.
On taking office, he immediately announced five sweeping reforms.
They were: halting commercial performances; banning high-priced consecration rituals; removing temple shops; promoting monastic self-sufficiency through farming; and overhauling income distribution by eliminating previously criticised fees.
He expressed concern that some monks had strayed from the spiritual path.
"Now some monks neither truly practise 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 put in place, under which monks who fail assessments for three consecutive months may be required to leave.
The new rules have also imposed an unprecedented level of discipline at the temple.
Monks are now required to participate in morning prayers at 4.30am followed by farming and then Zen martial arts practice in the afternoon.
Mobile phones must now be stored in a central storeroom, and all forms of entertainment are banned. Screen time has been reduced to just 30 minutes.
The diet has also become stricter, consisting mainly of vegetables, with tofu permitted only once a week.
The demanding schedule and lifestyle reforms have been humorously dubbed by netizens as "Buddhist 996" in reference to the work culture in some Chinese tech companies where employees work from 9am to 9pm, six days a week.
The move has reportedly triggered a wave of resignations.
Source :
Editor: Crystal H
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