Another meme from JAN+FEB 2018
thread: SHAOLIN SPECIAL January+February 2018
thread: Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin
I was wondering if Abbot Yongxin’s comment would raise any eyebrows
KUNG FU PANDER
A fighting style touting inner peace sparks a cultural war in China
By Ephrat Livni November 13, 2018
Challenges to the magical powers of kung fu practitioners aren’t appreciated.
Tradition and modernity are always at war, at least figuratively. In China, however, the battle between mixed martial arts and wushu—or kung fu—is now literal and political, pitting old-school grandmasters against a new style of scrapper. And the Chinese government doesn’t approve.
Xu Xiaodong, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, riled traditionalists last year by defeating tai chi master Wei Lei, who claims mystical powers, in a brisk showdown that lasted just a few seconds. MMA is a postmodern fighting style, a pastiche of the world’s most effective forms and a sport that’s grown increasingly popular internationally. Xu was forced to go into hiding as the viral video of the fight inspired death threats by people who felt he was mocking tradition. A reprimand from the Chinese Wushu Association accused him of “suspected illegal actions that violate the morals of martial arts.”
The MMA fighter emerged from hiding and in April won another big showdown against kung fu master Ding Hao in less than two minutes. Again, the win did little to convince traditionalists of Xu’s loyalty to Chinese culture. On Nov. 5, Xu learned that local sporting authorities were barring him “indefinitely” from organizing tournaments for MMA fighters at his gym in Beijing.
Xu contends that he isn’t trying to undermine traditional fighting styles. Rather, he’s attempting to expose phony masters who make unfounded and outlandish claims about mystical powers. “A lot of people have been brainwashed by these fake kung fu masters,” Xu tells Time. “I’m trying to wake them up and let them know what real traditional kung fu actually is.”
Wushu was developed by Zen master Boddhidharma, who brought Buddhism from India to China around 500 AD, and developed in the remote forest mountain temple Shaolin. Its approach is shrouded in mysticism and myth. Some practitioners claim to be able to defy gravity, for example. Before his loss to Xu, the tai chi master Wei claimed to be able to control invisible force fields. These claims, and Shaolin temple’s mystical aura, were popularized in kung fu movies by Bruce Lee and, more recently, in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, as well as in the music of the Wu Tang Clan.
While some monks may possess spiritual powers, like self-mastery, not every alleged grandmaster is a magician. That’s why Xu’s view has support from Shi Yong Xin, abbot of the Shaolin temple.
Shi argues that kung fu and MMA are fundamentally different. Wushu is, at heart, a spiritual practice, though mastery involves rigorous physical training, so the abbot doesn’t consider the new style of fighting, or its proponent Xu, much of a threat. From his perspective, wushu is a method to cultivate inner peace.
Of Xu, Shi says, “He’s a good guy, even though he’s a totally amateur MMA fighter…a hundred people in Henan province alone” could defeat him. Still, according to the abbot, “Xu is doing the right thing by fighting fake kung fu.”He, too, believes that con artists promote a mythology about wushu and the monks of the Shaolin temple that in the long term detracts from traditional practices.
While the abbot and the new-school fighter may see eye to eye on debunking myths about magical abilities advanced by sham masters, the Chinese government isn’t thrilled with Xu. Kung fu is part of its “soft power” campaign to promote Chinese culture around the world. Hong Kong–born actor Jackie Chan, whose kung fu movies are widely adored, is a revered national figure who has been advising the Communist party on promotion since 2013. The politically agnostic Shaolin temple controversially flew the Chinese national flag for the first time to show support for the government this year.
The rise of MMA and the apparent ability of Xu to dominate in fights against old-school masters is problematic in the government’s view. Worldwide, love of king fu has been lucrative for China, bringing in billions of dollars from films and schools, while cultivating affection and respect in practitioners and admirers internationally.
Xu is undaunted, however, displaying the spirit of a true fighter. He’s vowed to continue fighting nonetheless, though he’s up against two formidable opponents—tradition and the state. It may be a losing proposition.
THREADS:
Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin
That MMA vs Taiji Fight Everyones Talking About
Our SPRING 2019 issue
Interview with the Abbot of Shaolin Temple, Venerable Shi Yongxin By Gene Ching
Tax Day meme
THREADS
Shaolin Special 2019 (SPRING) on Shaolin sub-forum.
Shaolin Special 2019 (SPRING) on Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine & KungFuMagazine.com sub-forum
Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin
Another Abbot meme
THREADS
Shaolin Special 2019 (SPRING) on Shaolin sub-forum.
Shaolin Special 2019 (SPRING) on Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine & KungFuMagazine.com sub-forum
Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin
Conversation with Abbot Shi Yongxin of the Shaolin Temple
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Venerable-Abbot-Shi-Yongxin
Our latest ezine interview
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More from China - READ Shaolin Trips: Interview with Abbot Shi Yongxin at the World Shaolin Kung Fu Games by Gene Ching
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Cop29
From COP29 to Shaolin: Faith and Culture Leading the Way for Climate Action
NEWS PROVIDED BY
EIN Presswire
Dec 06, 2024, 11:17 AM ET
From COP29 to Shaolin: A retreat uniting Chan wisdom, sustainability, and cultural heritage to empower leaders in global harmony and climate action.
True climate action begins with inner peace. When we harmonize with ourselves, our actions naturally align with the well-being of the planet.”— Abbot Shi YongxinBRUSSELS , BELGIUM, December 6, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ – Amid the global deliberations at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, a profound message emerged from the Europe-Asia Center and the Shaolin Temple delegation: the fight against climate change requires not only technological solutions but also a shift in humanity’s spiritual and cultural perspectives.
Led by H.E. Erik Solheim, former UN Under-Secretary-General, and Abbot Shi Yongxin, the 30th abbot of the historic Shaolin Temple, the delegation emphasized the power of faith, cultural heritage, and ancient wisdom in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the Faith Pavilion, Abbot Shi Yongxin captivated attendees with his address on Zen wisdom and its relevance to the ecological crisis. “The escalating challenges of our world demand not just external solutions but an inner transformation. Harmony with oneself leads to harmony with nature,” he declared.
The delegation’s engagements included thought-provoking discussions with global leaders such as Jeffrey Sachs and Sadhguru, further illustrating the critical role of interfaith and intercultural cooperation in fostering sustainability.
Announcing the Shaolin Mindfulness Retreat
Building on the principles shared at COP29, the Shaolin Temple is proud to announce the Shaolin Mindfulness Retreat, a six-day immersive program designed to integrate holistic well-being, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. The retreat will take place at the iconic Shaolin Temple from May 12–16, 2025 (to be confirmed).
Participants will engage in transformative practices rooted in Chan (Zen) philosophy while gaining practical tools to address modern challenges. “At Shaolin, we believe true climate action begins within. By cultivating mindfulness and balance, we can align our actions with the well-being of the planet and all living beings,” said Abbot Shi Yongxin.
A Transformative Program
The retreat will feature four interactive modules:
Chan Culture Seminars
Explore the principles of Chan Buddhism, emphasizing harmony and balance in personal and societal contexts.
Chan Practice Courses
Experience guided meditation, immersive Chan retreats, and Shaolin Kung Fu, connecting physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines.
Environmental Protection Workshops
Learn sustainable living practices and develop actionable strategies for climate action inspired by Shaolin’s teachings.
Cultural Heritage Exploration
Participate in hands-on activities and field visits to UNESCO-listed sites to understand the importance of preserving cultural legacies.
This retreat combines ancient wisdom with modern solutions, empowering participants to champion global initiatives in well-being, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Faith-Based Leadership at COP29
The Shaolin Mindfulness Retreat is a natural extension of the Europe-Asia Center’s contributions at COP29. Over the course of the conference, the delegation highlighted the importance of spiritual and cultural perspectives in addressing climate change:
Interfaith Collaboration: Abbot Shi Yongxin engaged with H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, to discuss the role of the “Document on Human Fraternity” in fostering planetary protection and peace.
Thought Leadership: In discussions with Jeffrey Sachs, the Abbot underscored the importance of moral and spiritual guidance in promoting sustainable development.
Cultural Diplomacy: During a dialogue with Sadhguru, the Abbot invited him to visit the Shaolin Temple, strengthening ties between Chinese and Indian cultural traditions.
Mindfulness Announcement: At the Faith Pavilion, the Abbot introduced a new mindfulness training program developed in collaboration with UNITAR and the Europe-Asia Center. The initiative combines Shaolin teachings with modern practices to enhance mental resilience and align with the SDGs.
About Abbot Shi Yongxin
As the 30th abbot of Shaolin Temple, Abbot Shi Yongxin has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Shaolin culture as a global force for compassion, peace, and sustainability. Under his leadership, Shaolin Temple has established 300+ cultural centers in over 100 countries, educating millions on mindfulness, martial arts, and sustainable living.
Through initiatives like the Shaolin Charity Campaign, the Abbot has supported vulnerable populations worldwide, exemplifying the fusion of spiritual wisdom and practical action. His work continues to bridge ancient traditions with contemporary challenges.
A Unified Vision
The Shaolin Mindfulness Retreat offers leaders, organizations, and individuals a unique opportunity to carry forward the principles of faith, sustainability, and cultural preservation. It invites participants to transform their inner world while making meaningful contributions to the outer one.
“As we move from the global dialogue of COP29 to the serene spaces of Shaolin Temple, this retreat represents a bridge—a way to connect personal harmony with global action,” said Abbot Shi Yongxin.
Join the Movement
To learn more about the Shaolin Mindfulness Retreat or to register, visit: event.unitar.org
Alfie Brown
A-B Media
+44 7876 586946
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COP29 = the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC
World Meditation Day (5/12/2025) & SHAOLIN Mindfulness Retreat
NEWS PROVIDED BY
EIN Presswire
Dec 22, 2024, 1:04 PM ET
Rui Yan, Director of the Europe-Asia Center
Global Mindfulness Revolution: World Meditation Day debuts May 12, 2025, with Shaolin-backed SDG course uniting culture, resilience, and sustainability.
World Meditation Day bridges ancient wisdom & modern challenges, uniting people and cultures for harmonious sustainable futures. The Shaolin Course powers collaboration for united solutions. Rui Yan, Director of the Europe-Asia CenterBRUSSELS, BELGIUM, December 22, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ – World Meditation Day is a globally significant initiative addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time: mental health, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
Coordinated by the Europe-Asia Center and endorsed by global partners like UNITAR, its launch, supported by the Shaolin Temple, aligns with global movements like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides a timely platform to advocate for resilience, harmony, and well-being in an era marked by climate crises and rising mental health concerns.
Launch Announcement -
The Europe-Asia Center is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural World Meditation Day on May 12th, 2025. This landmark initiative, conceptualized by the Europe-Asia Center, brings together global resources and partnerships, including UNITAR, the Council of Muslim Elders, and the Committee of Human Fraternity, to promote mindfulness as a pathway to global harmony and sustainable development.
Inspiring a Global Movement -
World Meditation Day represents a fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary solutions, inspired by the vision of the Europe-Asia Center. The event has been endorsed by Abbot Shi Yongxin, cultural advisor and spiritual leader of the Shaolin Temple, underscoring the Centers commitment to advancing well-being and addressing global challenges through mindfulness.
As part of the celebration, the Shaolin International Course will be launched at the historic Shaolin Temple in China from May 12th to May 16th, 2025.
The Europe-Asia Centers Role -
The Europe-Asia Center serves as the coordinator of this pivotal initiative. By bringing together diverse organizations, the Center ensures the event highlights the interconnectedness of cultural heritage, sustainability, and human well-being. The inspiration for World Meditation Day stems from the Centers mission to unite ancient traditions with modern needs, addressing critical global issues like mental health, climate action, and cultural preservation.
The Shaolin International Course is a testament to the collaboration between the Shaolin Temple and the Europe-Asia Center, showcasing the transformative power of mindfulness. This six-day retreat combines Chan culture, sustainable practices, and cultural preservation, offering participants a profound journey into physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Through modules encompassing Chan meditation, environmental workshops, and cultural heritage exploration, the course aligns deeply with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rui Yan, Director of the Europe-Asia Center, stated:
“World Meditation Day represents a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern challenges. We are honored to have inspired this initiative, which brings together people and cultures for a more harmonious and sustainable future. The Shaolin International Course exemplifies how collaborative efforts can lead to impactful solutions for the challenges we face today.”
In a time of climate crises, mental health challenges, and cultural disconnection, mindfulness provides a powerful tool for healing and unity. The Shaolin International Course offers leaders, thinkers, and change-makers worldwide an opportunity to integrate these principles into their lives and work.
Participants will gain practical strategies to foster mental clarity, implement sustainable living practices, and preserve cultural heritage, embodying the spirit of the Europe-Asia Centers mission.
Event Highlights -
Chan Culture Seminars: Explore the philosophy of Chan and its relevance to personal growth and societal harmony.
Mindfulness Practices: Engage in Chan meditation (Zazen) and Shaolin Kung Fu, uniting physical discipline with spiritual insight.
Sustainability Workshops: Discover actionable approaches to environmental protection rooted in ancient teachings.
Cultural Heritage Activities: Participate in field visits and hands-on preservation efforts to safeguard cultural legacies.
Join Us on a Transformative Journey
World Meditation Day and the Shaolin International Course symbolize the synergy of ancient traditions and modern aspirations. Together, they call on the global community to embrace mindfulness as a cornerstone for sustainable development and peace.
For more information and to register, visit:
Shaolin Mindfulness Retreat: https://event.unitar.org/full-catalog/shaolin-mindfulness-retreat-advancing-physical-and-mental-well-being-climate-action
Europe-Asia Center: www.europe-asia.org
About the Europe-Asia Center
The Europe-Asia Center fosters cultural exchange, diplomacy, and collaboration between Europe and Asia. By promoting sustainable development, cultural heritage, and innovation, the Center builds bridges across continents to create a more harmonious and connected world. Through initiatives like World Meditation Day, the Center demonstrates its leadership in uniting global efforts for a better future.
About the Shaolin Temple
Renowned for its spiritual and martial arts traditions, the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, has been a beacon of cultural preservation and resilience for over 1,500 years. Through its teachings, the temple continues to advocate for balance between body, mind, and spirit, supporting global efforts to promote well-being and mindfulness.
As a key supporter of the Europe-Asia Centers vision, the Shaolin Temples collaboration emphasizes the importance of integrating ancient practices with contemporary global goals.
Alfie Brown
A-B MEDIA
+44 7876 586946
hello@alfie-brown.com
https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?16353-Venerable-Abbot-Shi-Yongxin
World Meditation Day (5/12/2025) & SHAOLIN Mindfulness Retreat
The Abbot & the Pope
The Meeting Took Place A Few Days After The Future World Chan Forum (19-22 January) At Shaolin Temple
Vatican: Shaolin (Zen Buddhist) monks visit Pope Francis
Best known for kung fu, the monks are the custodians of Zen Buddhism in China. The meeting with the pontiff comes a few days after their temple in Henan held a world conference on meditation and its contribution to peace and the development of relations between peoples.
FEBRERO 03, 2025 19:39
ZENIT STAFF
POPE FRANCIS
(ZENIT News – Asia News / Vatican City, 02.03.2025).- Pope Francis received in audience on the morning of February 1 at the Vatican a delegation of monks from the Shaolin Temple, a key place in the history of Buddhism in China. Some pictures released by the VaticanNews website show the pontiff in his study together with the men religious from the Chinese province of Henan. The meeting took place a few days after the Future World Chan Forum (19-22 January) at Shaolin Temple, which brought together spiritual leaders and thinkers from all over the world to reflect together on how to promote meditation for individual well-being and the harmonious development of global relations between peoples. Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb was present at the event in China, speaking about the contribution offered by the Declaration on Human Fraternity that he and Pope Francis signed in 2019. Known in the West above all for the invention of the kung fu martial art (which monks still practise), Shaolin Monastery is the custodian of the tradition of Zen Buddhism in China. The temple stands on the slopes of Mount Song, one of the five sacred mountains in China. It dates from the 5th century AD when an Indian monk, Bada, the 28th successor of a line of religious leaders that followed the Buddha, arrived in China and began to spread Buddhist teachings. Temple construction began in AD 495 on the order of Emperor Wei Xiaowendi. In Shaolin the sacred Indian texts were translated into Chinese, shaping what are known as the precepts of Zen Buddhism. In recent years the Shaolin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, has been criticised over its tourist notoriety and its connection to kung fu. In response to the criticism, the monks insist that martial arts are only one aspect of the monastery’s culture and spirituality. They also note that they have more than 200 centres all over the world linked to their experience, with more than 100 million visitors. A new, three-storey museum is being built in Shaolin, set to open this year. The first floor will tell the story of the monk Bada and Zen Buddhism, while the second floor will provide a comprehensive overview of Shaolin history and culture through historical documents, objects, and digital installations. The top floor will feature an extensive collection of Shaolin’s artistic and cultural treasures, including inscriptions, sculptures, murals, paintings, and calligraphic works.
Vatican: Shaolin (Zen Buddhist) monks visit Pope Francis | ZENIT - English
The museum is news.
涉案金额过亿 释永信一审被判有期徒刑24年
2026-05-29 19:31:12来源：央视新闻客户端
2026年5月29日，河南省新乡市中级人民法院一审公开宣判被告人刘应成（原法名释永信）犯职务侵占罪、挪用资金罪、非国家工作人员受贿罪、行贿罪，数罪并罚，决定执行有期徒刑二十四年，并处罚金人民币三百五十万元。
新乡市中级人民法院经审理查明：被告人刘应成利用担任少林寺住持、少林慈善福利基金会会长等职务上的便利，2003年至2025年，单独或者伙同他人非法侵占单位财物人民币1.31亿余元；2012年至2022年，挪用单位资金人民币1.51亿余元归个人使用，超过三个月未还；2006年7月以来，为他人在承建少林寺工程项目及相关经营活动中提供帮助，非法收受财物共计折合人民币1163万余元。1995年至2022年，刘应成为谋取不正当利益，给予国家工作人员财物共计折合人民币567万余元。
新乡市中级人民法院认为，被告人刘应成的行为已构成职务侵占罪、挪用资金罪、非国家工作人员受贿罪、行贿罪。刘应成职务侵占、挪用资金、非国家工作人员受贿均数额特别巨大，行贿情节特别严重，犯罪行为持续时间长，危害后果严重，社会影响恶劣，依法应予从严惩处。刘应成到案后如实供述自己的罪行，主动交代办案机关尚未掌握的部分犯罪事实，认罪悔罪。根据被告人刘应成犯罪的事实、性质、情节和对于社会的危害程度，依法作出上述判决。
宣判后，被告人刘应成当庭表示服判不上诉。
此前，新乡市中级人民法院于2026年5月25日公开开庭审理了该案，检察机关出示了相关证据，被告人刘应成及其辩护人进行了质证，控辩双方在法庭主持下充分发表了意见，刘应成进行了最后陈述，并当庭表示认罪悔罪。部分人大代表、政协委员、宗教界代表、群众代表及被告人亲属旁听了庭审及宣判。
（总台央视记者 奚丹霓 冀成海 田萌）
编辑:杨璇铄
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Involving Over 100 Million Yuan, Shi Yongxin Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison at First Instance
May 29, 2026, 19:31:12 | Source: CCTV News App
On May 29, 2026, the Xinxiang Intermediate People’s Court in Henan Province delivered its public verdict at the first instance, finding the defendant, Liu Yingcheng (formerly known by his Buddhist name, Shi Yongxin), guilty of the crimes of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, accepting bribes as a non-state functionary, and offering bribes. Through the consolidated punishment of multiple crimes, the court sentenced him to a fixed-term imprisonment of 24 years and imposed a fine of 3.5 million RMB.
Following its trial, the Xinxiang Intermediate People’s Court established the following facts: From 2003 to 2025, the defendant, Liu Yingcheng—taking advantage of his official positions as the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple and the President of the Shaolin Charity and Welfare Foundation—illegally embezzled organizational assets totaling over 131 million RMB, acting either alone or in collusion with others. From 2012 to 2022, he misappropriated organizational funds totaling over 151 million RMB for personal use, failing to repay said funds for a period exceeding three months. Since July 2006, in exchange for providing assistance to others regarding the construction of projects at the Shaolin Temple and related business activities, he illegally accepted assets and valuables with a total value equivalent to over 11.63 million RMB. Furthermore, from 1995 to 2022, in order to secure illegitimate benefits, Liu Yingcheng offered assets and valuables to state functionaries with a total value equivalent to over 5.67 million RMB.
The Xinxiang Intermediate People’s Court ruled that the defendant Liu Yingcheng’s actions constituted the crimes of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, accepting bribes as a non-state functionary, and offering bribes. The court noted that the amounts involved in Liu Yingcheng’s embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and acceptance of bribes as a non-state functionary were “particularly massive,” while the circumstances surrounding his offering of bribes were “particularly serious.” Furthermore, his criminal conduct spanned a prolonged period, resulted in grave harmful consequences, and exerted a pernicious social impact; therefore, in accordance with the law, he warrants severe punishment. However, upon being taken into custody, Liu Yingcheng truthfully confessed to his crimes, voluntarily disclosed certain criminal facts that the investigative authorities had not yet uncovered, and expressed remorse for his actions. Based on the facts, nature, and circumstances of the defendant Liu Yingcheng’s crimes, as well as the degree of harm inflicted upon society, the aforementioned judgment was rendered in accordance with the law. Following the pronouncement of the verdict, the defendant, Liu Yingcheng, stated in court that he accepted the judgment and would not appeal.
Prior to this, the Xinxiang Intermediate People’s Court held a public trial for the case on May 25, 2026. The prosecution presented relevant evidence, which was cross-examined by the defendant, Liu Yingcheng, and his defense counsel. Under the direction of the court, both the prosecution and the defense fully presented their arguments; Liu Yingcheng delivered his final statement and, in open court, expressed his admission of guilt and remorse. A number of representatives from the National People’s Congress and the CPPCC, representatives from religious circles, members of the public, and relatives of the defendant attended both the trial and the sentencing hearing.
(Reporters from CMG/CCTV: Xi Danni, Ji Chenghai, Tian Meng)
Editor: Yang Xuanshuo
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Here’s the Reuters take
Former head of China’s ‘kung fu’ temple sentenced to 24 years, state media reports
By Reuters
May 29, 20265:04 AM PDTUpdated 59 mins ago
Buddhist abbot Shi Yongxin, a delegate of the National People’s Congress (NPC), walks towards the Great Hall of the People for a plenary meeting of the NPC, China’s parliament, in Beijing, China, March 4, 2016. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
BEIJING, May 29 (Reuters) - The former abbot of a Chinese temple famed as the birthplace of kung fu has been sentenced to 24 years in prison and fined 3.5 million yuan ($517,000) for crimes including embezzlement and bribery, state media reported on Friday.
Buddhist monk Shi Yongxin, 60, was charged in March this year after being placed under investigation last July.
A court in the central Chinese province of Henan handed down the sentence, saying Shi had abused his role at Shaolin Temple to embezzle, misappropriate, and take and give bribes totaling about 300 million yuan over nearly three decades.
Shi pleaded guilty and told the court he would not appeal, state media reported.
Shaolin Temple said last July that its head monk was under joint investigation by multiple agencies for suspected criminal offences including embezzlement and violation of Buddhist precepts by maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over a long period.
Shi’s monastic certificate was swiftly revoked by the Buddhist Association of China amid the investigation. Responding to Shi’s sentencing in a statement, the association said on Friday that “he brought it on himself”.
Shi, known as Liu Yingcheng before he became a monk in 1981, oversaw the temple since 1987 and became its abbot in 1999.
($1 = 6.7665 Chinese yuan renminbi)
Reporting by Shi Bu and Liz Lee; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Helen Popper
