2025年7月29日，嵩山少林寺迎來一場可謂歷史性的重大轉變——新任住持釋印樂正式就位，接替長達三十餘年備受爭議的釋永信，宣告少林寺進入新的時代。這一變動不僅震撼宗教界，也迅速引爆輿論熱潮，成為全網熱議的焦點。

釋印樂法師此前擔任白馬寺方丈二十年，素以樸實、淡泊、拒絕商業化聞名。他所領導的白馬寺一直堅持僧人自種蔬菜、不販賣礦泉水、不搞表演經濟的簡樸修行路線，深受信眾尊敬。在這樣的背景下，他調任少林寺被外界解讀為一次「去商業化」、「回歸本真佛教精神」的重大人事安排。

釋印樂履新後動作極快。就在上任首日，他便親自將釋永信的「方丈室」牌匾摘除，象徵過往一個時代的終結。他同時下令暫停多項與商業掛鉤的寺內經營項目，包括商業展覽、部分香火收費與海外武僧巡演計畫，甚至表示未來三年內將全面關停以武術表演為主的觀光項目，並召回少林寺駐外武僧團隊，將僧團重心轉回佛法修行本身。

而這樣的改革很快在寺內產生明顯變化。遊客反映，以往需付費獲取的香火，如今改為「平安香自取」，人人可排隊領取；寺內原本需額外付費的資料、佛學書籍也轉為自由翻閱，展現出對信眾更加開放、友善的態度。有信徒表示，這才是他們記憶中的少林寺，是一座修行與文化的聖地，而非一處武術表演場或旅遊熱點。

社會各界對釋印樂的到來反應熱烈。許多網友對比釋印樂與釋永信的面貌與作風，直言「面相清瘦、慈眉善目，這才像高僧；不是肥頭大耳、講究排場的商人」。也有批評指出，過去釋永信雖被指控商業化過度，但他也曾推動少林寺國際化、弘揚少林武學，是另一路線的實踐者。

不過，在改革聲浪中，也有人對少林寺未來的經濟自給能力表示關切。畢竟，過去少林寺的收入大部分來自功夫表演、門票與海外活動，若完全去商業化，是否能維持上百名僧侶與寺廟維運，仍有待觀察。釋印樂本人則回應：「佛門清淨之地，施主自有布施，何須功利。」他的語氣堅定，顯示對改革有長遠規劃與高度信心。

整體來看，釋印樂此番「去釋永信化」的改革不僅是管理風格的調整，更可視為少林寺本質方向的重大轉折——從現代觀光與武術品牌回歸禪宗修行與佛法弘傳，這或許會為當代佛教在中國的發展提供一個全新樣本。而少林寺的未來，是能持續吸引信眾回歸佛心，還是陷入財務與改革的拉鋸戰，仍值得社會各界持續關注。

On July 29, 2025, the legendary Shaolin Temple on Mount Songshan underwent what many are calling a historic transformation—Master Shi Yinle officially assumed the role of abbot, replacing the long-serving and often controversial Shi Yongxin, who had held the position for over thirty years. This leadership change sent ripples not only through the religious community but also ignited widespread public discussion, quickly becoming a trending topic across Chinese social media platforms.

Master Shi Yinle had previously served for two decades as the abbot of Baima Temple, where he earned respect for his austere lifestyle, spiritual integrity, and rejection of commercialization. Under his leadership, Baima Temple followed a path of minimalist monastic discipline: monks grew their own vegetables, refused to sell bottled water, and abstained from monetized performances. Given this background, his appointment to Shaolin Temple is widely interpreted as a deliberate shift away from commercialism and a return to authentic Buddhist values.

Shi Yinle moved swiftly after his inauguration. On his very first day, he personally removed the plaque reading “Abbot’s Office” from Shi Yongxin’s former quarters, symbolizing the end of an era. He also ordered the suspension of several commercial programs within the temple, including exhibitions, certain incense-related fees, and international martial arts tours. Notably, he announced that within three years, the temple will completely shut down its kung fu performance tourism programs and recall Shaolin monks stationed abroad, shifting focus entirely back to Buddhist cultivation and practice.

These changes have already brought visible transformations within the temple. Tourists report that incense, which previously required payment, is now offered freely under the name “Peace Incense,” with orderly lines for collection. Informational materials and Buddhist texts, once behind paywalls, are now freely accessible to all visitors, reflecting a more welcoming and inclusive attitude toward the public. Some faithful followers expressed that this feels like the true Shaolin Temple they remember—a spiritual and cultural sanctuary, not merely a kung fu theater or tourist attraction.

The broader public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many netizens have compared the appearance and demeanor of Shi Yinle to that of Shi Yongxin, noting, “This is what a real monk looks like—gaunt, kind-eyed, and humble—not a well-fed businessman obsessed with ceremony.” Still, some commentators argue that while Shi Yongxin was criticized for excessive commercialization, he was also instrumental in globalizing the Shaolin brand and promoting Chinese martial arts worldwide, making him a pioneer in a different kind of legacy.

Nonetheless, as enthusiasm for reform grows, so do concerns about the economic sustainability of the temple. In the past, Shaolin’s revenue relied heavily on martial arts shows, ticket sales, and international programs. Some question whether the temple can still support its hundreds of monks and maintain operations if it fully detaches from its commercial ventures. To this, Shi Yinle responded calmly, stating, “A monastery is a place of purity—offerings from devotees will come naturally. We have no need for profit-driven pursuits.” His unwavering tone suggests a long-term vision and strong confidence in his reform strategy.

Overall, Shi Yinle’s efforts to “de-Yongxinize” the temple are more than just a change in management style—they represent a profound shift in the temple’s identity: from a modern martial arts tourist destination back to its roots in Chan Buddhism and spiritual practice. This could potentially offer a new model for contemporary Buddhism in China. Whether Shaolin Temple will continue to draw followers back to faith or struggle between the pulls of finance and reform remains to be seen—but it is clear that all eyes are now on this storied institution as it steps into a new era.