CRI听力: Abbot of Shaolin Temple Criticized for Accepting Gift

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of China's famed Shaolin Temple has caused another stir by accepting the gift of a luxury cassock, which is said to be worth about 160 thousand yuan or 23 thousand US dollars.

An article on the website of the Worker's Daily says the move has exposed Shaolin to harsh criticism, which the 1,500-year kungfu shrine is no stranger to.(www.hxen.net)

Earlier the monastery was criticized for its installation of lavish restrooms worth 430 thousand US dollars and the acceptance of a luxury SUV from the local government.

The article cites almost 90 percent of the 5,000 respondents to an online survey who say they disapprove of the temple accepting the luxurious cassock.

It says Shi Yongxin has earned the nickname of the "CEO monk", since many people have accused him of running Shaolin like a business.

Under his leadership, Shaolin has developed business ventures such as kungfu shows, film productions and online sales.

In conclusion, the article indicates the public's discontentment towards Shaolin could be attributed to the commercialization of the temple.

It notes Shi Yongxin may be a successful CEO given that he has helped Shaolin develop into one of the most renowned temples in the world and drawn numerous tourists. But as a monk he perhaps is walking far away from the virtues of Buddhism and instead choosing fame and gain.