motoring.co.za - Martial-arts monk taking punches over luxury 4x4

Martial-arts monk taking punches over luxury 4x4

GOING CHOP-CHOP: Shaolin martial-arts abbot Shi Yongxin and the controversial VW 4x4.

August 24, 2006

Beijing, China - The abbot at a Shaolin temple in China's poverty-stricken central province of Henan has caused a stir, Tony Yengeni style, not only for accepting a $125 000 luxury car as a gift but also for suggesting he get a bigger present later.

Chinese state media said on Wednesday that Shi Yongxin, head of the Buddhist monastery believed to be the home of kung fu martial arts, was given the VW 4x4 by local officials for his "services for tourism".

There is a Shaolin temple in South Africa and others around the world.

"I will try my best to promote martial arts to the world in an attempt to boost local tourism

'I will try my best to promote martial arts to the world'

. I dream of getting a bigger prize next year," Shi said when he received the car a week ago, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Tens of thousands of Internet users reacted variously to this gift and the abbot's remark, with anger and support.

One anonymous contributor wrote: "Shaolin monks are renowned for their austerity... but now luxury goods have entered their lives, proving that the religious world has been violated by worldly concepts."

Others supported the abbot, saying the acts of driving and praying were not at odds in a monk's life.
"There aren't any laws stipulating that monks can't drive a car," said one posting.

The Shaolin Temple was established 1500 years ago and is famoujs for combining martial arts with Buddhism and its monks go into long sessions of mind-purifying meditation.

It has in recent years sought to shed its reclusive reputation, increasingly stepping into the spotlight to promote trademark protection for the temple and raise money.

The temple has also announced it will partner with a Chinese TV station to produce an "Idols"-styled reality show involving kung fu fighters from around the world. - AFP