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Saintly sinner of Shaolin temple

Before Shi, Shaolin Temple existed mostly as a legend in Hong Kong kungfu flicks. He is largely responsible for turning it from a myth into an institution. Tourists, Buddhist or not, can buy a ticket for 100 yuan to visit the temple. They can enroll in one of its many martial arts schools even if they have never been to Henan province, by dropping in on one of its branches around the world, operated as a kind of franchise, or catch one of its touring performances. There is even a movie on the way, starring Jackie Chan and Andy Lau, produced by a company set up by the abbot.

No wonder the local government in Henan has been showering the master monk with accolades and prizes. Shaolin has become a big brand and an important business.

But at what cost?

If you care to ask anyone who has recently visited the temple, you'll learn that they tend to find distress rather than peace in the supposed halls of harmony and tranquility. Everything comes at a price. It's just like another money-grabbing venture. There is little room for spirituality.

Nobody criticizes a business for being profit-oriented, on condition it abides by laws and ethics. But religion, like education, usually falls into the non-profit category. You don't want practitioners to starve, but you don't expect them to roll in cash. It simply does not seem right.

Shi's fame and fortune are not unique. Many temples function as tourist attractions. In the United States, televangelists build up their brand names and channel immense wealth into their deep pockets.