Shaolin Temple, known for practicing Zen Buddhism for more than 1,500 years and exceptional kung fu artists that shot to fame since the eponymous film starring Jet Li in 1982, has resumed its founding values like compassion and frugality that their former abbot Shi Yongxin had abandoned. After Shi was removed and put under investigation in July on suspicion of corruption and affairs, all services at the temple, including incense burned for praying, are free of charge. Inscribed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List in 2010, Shaolin had boasted wide international acclaim. Overseas visitors flocked there to train in kung fu and meditation. Shaolin Temple has established over 200 overseas branches and attracted about 60 million people globally to practice kung fu. However, opinions are split over whether its commercial expansion contradicts with the seclusion required for Buddhist followers.
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