Previous media reports revealed that many temples are now leased to individuals or companies, and have become tools for making money.

"I have read some of the articles, and I agree that they are telling the truth. The problem of temples becoming commercialized and imposters using Buddhism to cheat people has become more serious in recent years," Xue said.

The problem is rooted in the unclear division of responsibilities, he said.

Shi, while echoing Xue, said many temples, especially in central and western China, are not open to the public but under the management of local governments.

Temples in China are usually under several government organs, including bureaus of religious affairs, tourism or gardening, making no single agency fully in charge of the management and supervision.

In some places, companies would build temples and then invite monks to set up a monastery. The temple then would return "profits" to the companies to cover their investment and provide revenue.

"A temple should be a pure place for worship, not a lucrative property," Xue said.

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