Shaolin Temple abbot escaped?

The Guardian reported that Chinese investigators are concerned that the abbot, Shi Yongxin, has fled after he unexpectedly disappeared during a six-day business trip to Thailand and failed to respond to calls.

While the investigation is still ongoing, monk Thich Vinh Tin mysteriously disappeared - Photo: Shaolin Temple Canada

In his apology letter, Master Vinh Tin said he was too busy with other work to attend.

A spokesman for the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said that Venerable Yongxin is currently vice president of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC).

The allegations against Master Yongxin have “damaged the reputation and image of Chinese Buddhism,” the association asserted. It called on the authorities to “clarify the truth as soon as possible” to restore the temple’s reputation.

However, while the case remains unclear, authorities have been unable to contact Master Vinh Tin. The monk has not appeared in public since the accusations, and calls to the Shaolin Temple have gone unanswered.

The religious affairs department of Dengfeng city, Henan province, said it had been asked by the central government to verify the allegations against monk Thich Vinh Tin.

“Our agency finds the incident very serious and will quickly verify and ensure a correct understanding of the incident,” the agency affirmed.

(According to TTO)