Becoming an abbot at the age of 22, earlier than any other monastery head in China, Venerable Master Shi Yongxin has constantly caused people to re-evaluate their traditional notions about Shaolin Buddhist monks with his business-minded transformation of the Shaolin temple and its Martial arts (wugong), and promotion of Buddhism throughout the world over the past two decades. In 1987, former Abbot of the Temple, Venerable Master Shi Xingzheng, passed away. Since then Shi Yongxin, who had joined the temple only six years before, has adopted the long robes and bowl of the venerable abbot, and stepped up to the post of director of the Shaolin Temple Management Committee.

Originally named Liu Yingcheng, Shi Yongxin was born in 1965 to a devout Buddhist family in Yingshang, Anhui Province. Due to the influence of his family, the exceptionally bright Yongxin developed a strong interest in Buddhism during childhood. Instead of playing outside with the other children, he often preferred to stay home alone to read books about Buddhism. It was during this period that the novels and historical documents on the Shaolin Temple began to have a decisive influence on the young child, influencing the whole of his later life.

In 1981, the 16-year-old Shi Yongxin bid farewell to his parents and made the long journey from Anhui to the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province. When he finally became accepted as a Buddhist monk, by Ven. Master Shi Xingzheng his ceremony coincided with the visit of Great Master Shi Haifa, Abbot of Baima Temple (White horse temple, in Luoyang).

Hearing about the young but extremely dedicated efforts of Shi Yongxin, Abbot Haifa became the introducer leading him into the realm of Buddhism, and Abbot Xingzheng tonsured him (shaved his head as part of the initiation ceremony). It is very rare that abbots of more than one famous temple to attend the conversion ceremony for a new monk.

During his period of study at Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin diligently followed Abbot Xingzheng’s instruction and practiced his tasks, both scholarly and menial, with an unremitting determination. Later, he went on pilgrimages to study at other Buddhist shrines, including Mt. Yunju in Jiangxi Province, Mt. Jiuhua in Anhui Province, and Guangji Temple in Beijing.

Shaolin Temple was constructed in 495 as a residence for an eminent monk from India, as ordered by Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Over the last 1,500 years, the temple has been damaged several times by warfare. Taking the rejuvenation of Shaolin Temple as a duty of his responsibility, Shi Yongxin, with the encouragement and support of Abbot Xingzheng, initiated the renovation project for the constructions inside the temple, including Doctrine Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Baiyi Hall. From fund-raising to design and renovation procession, Shi Yongxin worked tirelessly on the projects. Meanwhile, as deputy director of the Shaolin Temple Democratic Management Committee, he organized the association staff to conduct the locating, sorting, and publication of books on Shaolin Wugong, also establishing the Shaolin Temple Martial Way Research Institute-an organization to spread the Shaolin spirit and ensure that future generations may also be able to share in the profound cultural connotations of the Shaolin Temple.

The process of Shi Yongxin becoming the 30th abbot of Shaolin is described by writer Zhen Binghao:

In his late years, Abbot Xingzheng decided to choose a reliable disciple as his successor, and his eyes finally focused on Shi Yongxin.

One night, Shi Yongxin appeared before the bed of Xingzheng, and an historical dialogue commenced.

“What do you come for?” Xingzheng asked.

“Recently, I found Master suffering from illness and incapable of fulfilling all his works,” Shi Yongxin replied. “I am willing to share the burden for Your Honor, and wonder if it is acceptable.” “How many kilograms can your shoulder bear?” Xingzheng asked, revealing no facial expression.

“I can bear however many kilograms Your Honor shouldered before,” Shi Yongxin answered.

“Do you have any other words for me?” Xingzheng asked, trying to conceal his gladness.

“In your time, Your Honor had no such words to say, and so it will be on this day” replied Shi Yongxin in a respectful manner.

Abbot Xingzheng mumbled to himself, “It’s time for the peony to blossom...” He then stood up and took Shi to the Pavilion of Bodhi Dharma, asking him to bend over before the statue of the eminent Indian monk. Thus, Xingzheng formally handed over the power of management to Shi Yongxin.

Six months later, Abbot Xingzheng passed away. Shi Yongxin, then only 22, became the head of Shaolin Temple. In August 1999, he was formally inaugurated as abbot.

Source: China Pictorial Magazine, June 30, 2006