Shi Yongxin, the abbot of China's Shaolin Temple, attends the third Shaolin Cultural Festival with a team of 70 disciples in London, Oct 12, 2014. [Photo/IC]

Shi Yongxin,the abbot of Shaolin Temple in Henan province, is embroiled in another scandal, this time he is accused of paying for sex. Comments:

This is not the first time Shi Yongxin has been criticized or accused of various wrongdoings over the years. Not only the scandal-plagued abbot, but also Shaolin Temple, has the responsibility to explain the situation, rather than remaining silent when facing a flood of questions from the public. Perhaps Shaolin Temple should reflect on its business model and accounts management, and if it is not an institution capable of making proper independent decisions, then a competent authority should take the responsibility instead.

Xiamen Daily, July 30

Controversies concerning the abbot, which involve not only his private life, but also the business-oriented development path he has guided Shaolin Temple along, give the impression it is more being commercialized than any other religious body. Since such scandals damage the image of both the abbot and the temple, the accusation this time has offered an opportunity for Shi and the temple to clear their names, if indeed they can.

Beijing News, July 29

It is not enough for Shaolin Temple to complain to the police about the accusation or calm the heated online discussion about the scadal. A thorough investigation should be conducted to investigate the accusation and determine whether they are true. If it is proved false, it would not only return innocence to Shi Yongxin, but also mean the accuser can be held accountable by the law for the false accusation.

People's Daily, July 28