截至2025年7月27日，少林寺住持釋永信爆出重大醜聞。根據少林寺管理處發布的通報，釋永信涉嫌刑事犯罪，具體涉及挪用與侵佔項目資金、寺院資產，且長期違反佛教戒律，與多名女性保持不正當關係，甚至育有私生子。消息一出震撼宗教界與輿論場，相關部門已展開聯合調查，並承諾會適時向社會公開更多細節。

釋永信自1981年進入少林寺，師從第二十九代方丈釋行正，並於1999年起擔任少林寺方丈。他主導將少林寺武術、禪學與商業推廣結合，成立武僧團、少林實業發展公司與少林影視公司等機構，使少林寺從單純宗教場所轉型為國際知名文化品牌，但也長期因「過度商業化」引發批評與爭議。

此外，釋永信多年來身兼政治職務，曾連任第九至第十二屆全國人大代表，著有《禪露集》《我心我佛》等多部佛學與少林文化專書，也主編大量少林相關出版物。

此次醜聞曝光，不僅讓少林寺百年聲譽蒙塵，也再度引發外界對宗教團體財務透明與戒律制度的關注。隨著調查深入，釋永信能否面對法律與道德的雙重審判，成為接下來社會輿論的焦點。

As of July 27, 2025, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, has been implicated in a major scandal. According to an official announcement from the Shaolin Temple Administration Office, Shi is suspected of criminal wrongdoing, including misappropriation and embezzlement of temple project funds and assets. He is also accused of long-term violations of Buddhist precepts—maintaining improper relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children. These allegations have shocked both the religious community and public opinion. Relevant authorities have launched a joint investigation and have pledged to publicly disclose more details in due course.

Shi Yongxin entered Shaolin Temple in 1981 under abbot Shi Xingzheng (the 29th-generation abbot). In 1999, Shi assumed the role of abbot himself. Under his leadership, Shaolin Temple was transformed into a globally recognized cultural brand by integrating martial arts, Chan Buddhism practice, and commercial ventures. He established the Shaolin monk troupe, Shaolin Industrial Development Co., Ltd., and Shaolin Film Productions, turning the temple into a major tourist and media attraction. While this businessized approach brought international fame, it also drew longstanding criticism and controversy over “over-commercialization.”

He also held a dual political and religious role, having been elected to China’s 9th through 12th National People’s Congresses. Shi Yongxin authored several books on Chan Buddhism and Shaolin culture, including Chan Dew Collection (禪露集) and My Heart, My Buddha (我心我佛), and served as editor-in-chief for numerous Shaolin publications.

The recent scandal not only tarnishes the temple’s century-old reputation but also reignites concerns about financial transparency and the integrity of disciplinary oversight within religious institutions. As the investigation proceeds, whether Shi Yongxin will face both legal and moral accountability is now the central focus of public scrutiny.