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By Nirmal P. Acharya

Recently, the Chinese authorities released a statement that the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, is suspected of criminal offences. He misappropriated and embezzled project funds and temple assets; he seriously violated Buddhist precepts and maintained improper relationships with multiple women for a long time, and had an illegitimate child. He is currently under joint investigation by multiple departments. The relevant situation will be promptly made public.

In fact, there have been rumors about Shi Yongxin’s corruption for a long time. What we know is that after Shi Yongxin became the abbot of Shaolin Temple, he vigorously promoted the commercial development of the temple and even there were rumors that he wanted to list the Shaolin Temple on the stock market.

When a temple becomes entangled with capital, it is bound to fall into decline. This is certain and there won’t be any surprises. Therefore, when we heard the news about Shi Yongxin’s incident today, we were not surprised or taken aback at all.

Corruption is a stubborn problem in society and throughout history, and it is almost impossible to eradicate. From the Americas, Europe, to Asia, and even Nepal, the cases of corruption that have been exposed constantly surpass human imagination. At present, the only political force in the world that is truly courageous in combating corruption and can do so is the Communist Party of China.

Over the past decade, the Communist Party of China has conducted investigations and trials on 4.709 million people in its anti-corruption efforts, and has imposed disciplinary and administrative penalties on millions of individuals. This has effectively curbed the spread of corruption.

The investigation of the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, marks that China’s anti-corruption campaign has expanded from government, party affairs departments and business circles to the religious sector, demonstrating the determination to carry out the anti-corruption efforts to the end.

Nepal is identified as a severely corrupt nation. Due to the numerous political parties and the weak government in Nepal, one cannot find the necessary, continuous and powerful political forces to carry out anti-corruption actions.