Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin has answered media criticisms that its planned Australian complex is over-commercialized.
Xinhua reported that the planned Shaolin temple in Australia will have facilities for the development of farming, meditation and martial arts, as the abbot had earlier announced. The Shaolin complex will be built in a 1,000-hectare land at the Australian culture center in the southeastern part of Shoalhaven City.
Australian media has earlier said that the planned complex will not only include a kung fu academy and a Buddhist temple, but also a golf course and a hotel, which critics said is contradictory to the spiritual teaching and principles of Buddhism.
A member of the People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's highest political advisory body, also told Xinhua that Shaolin is not involved in the investment and planning of the complex, as critics question where the Buddhist institution will get resources and funding for the construction of a resort hotel and a golf course.
The abbot also told Xinhua that the land is open for lease to investors who are willing to develop the area and that includes the area purchased for the Shaolin Temple.
"If entrepreneurs see business opportunities and want to build a new community of Sino-Australia cultural cooperation, as long as the Australian government, the public and the investors are willing to do it, I just say it is destiny," the abbot was quoted as saying.
The planned Shaolin complex is expected to open next year.
The Shaolin Temple has more than 40 culture centers in major cities and continents around the world. The institution plans to further expand with the aim of promoting culture and enhancing cooperation and understanding among countries of the world.