Woman Arrested on Arson, Hate Crime Charges After Fire at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
Justin Whitaker
4 June 2026
Investigators say online posts linked the suspect to the blaze and threats against Buddhist temples.
Sri Lanka Arrests 22 Alleged Buddhist Monks in Record Airport Cannabis Seizure
Justin Whitaker
28 April 2026
Officials said the alleged monks were returning from Thailand with cannabis hidden in luggage compartments
State Prosecutors Charge Former Shaolin Temple Abbot with Bribery and Embezzlement
Craig Lewis
23 March 2026
State prosecutors in central China’s Henan Province, have indicted Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the Shaolin Temple for financial misconduct.
Thai Monk Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement Linked to AIDS Hospice
Justin Whitaker
28 August 2025
The arrest comes amid broader scandals involving misconduct among Thai monks, prompting calls for stricter oversight
Buddhist Nun and Abbots in Cross-Litigation Over Sexual Assault, Exploitation Claims in Southern California
Buddhistdoor Global
19 August 2025
A Buddhist nun has sued two Southern California abbots, alleging sexual assault, labor exploitation, and retaliation, while the abbots countersued accusing her of extortion and fraud
Buddhistdoor View: The Fall of Shaolin’s CEO-Monk and the Dharma-ending Age’s Temptations of Sex and Greed
Buddhistdoor Global
2 August 2025
Despite the politics, Shi Yongxin’s “CEO-monk” persona was always going to collapse under the weight of its own contradictions
China’s Shaolin Temple Abbot Removed from Office Amid Embezzlement and Misconduct Allegations
Justin Whitaker
29 July 2025
The once-celebrated leader of Shaolin Temple has been detained by police and disrobed by Buddhist authorities in Henan province
Thai Authorities Arrest Woman Accused of Extorting Senior Monks in Widening Scandal
Justin Whitaker
17 July 2025
The Thai government has called for increased financial oversight of temples after a major scandal involving sex and extortion amongst Buddhist monastics
Tibetan Government-in-exile Denounces Unexplained Death of Prominent Buddhist Leader, Calls for Investigation
Craig Lewis
11 April 2025
The Central Tibetan Administration held a media briefing on 8 April to address the unexplained death of the senior Buddhist leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje.
Louisiana Executes Buddhist Death Row Inmate Amid Controversy Over Nitrogen Hypoxia
Sensei Alex Kakuyo
1 April 2025
A man who converted to Buddhism has been executed in the U.S. despite numerous pleas for mercy from advocates and supporters
Minnesota Police Charge Two Men in Connection with US Theft Ring Targeting Buddhist, Hindu Temples
Justin Whitaker
17 October 2024
While many Buddhists doubt that they will be able to retrieve stolen money and items, there is relief in the community that arrests have been made
Civil Asset Forfeiture Used to Confiscate Donations from Colorado Buddhist Monk
Sensei Alex Kakuyo
23 July 2024
Buddhist monk Ven. Pho Kay had US$19,000 seized during a traffic stop but ultimately regained his funds after a four-month legal battle, highlighting issues with civil asset forfeiture and law enforcement treatment in the United States.