List of Buddhists

This is a list of notable Buddhists, encompassing all the major branches of the religion (i.e. in Buddhism), and including interdenominational and eclectic Buddhist practitioners. This list includes both formal teachers of Buddhism, and people notable in other areas who are publicly Buddhist or who have espoused Buddhism.

Philosophers and founders of schools

Individuals are grouped by nationality, except in cases where their influence was felt elsewhere. Gautama Buddha and his immediate disciples ('Buddhists') are listed separately from later Indian Buddhist thinkers, teachers and contemplatives.

Buddha's disciples and early Buddhists

See also: Ten principal disciples, Category:Disciples of Gautama Buddha, and Category:Family of Gautama Buddha

Buddha and his disciples; the world's tallest walking statue of the Buddha, in Kandy, Sri Lanka

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

• Gautama Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama

Clergy

• Ānanda, the Buddha's cousin, personal attendant of the Buddha and a chief disciple
• Aṅgulimāla, serial killer who attained to sainthood after renouncing wickedness
• Anuruddhā, one of the ten principal disciples
• Aśvajit, one of the first five disciples of the Buddha
• Bharika, one of the first five disciples of the Buddha
• Devadatta, another cousin of Siddhārtha and later rival who attempted to assassinate the Buddha
• Gavāṃpati
• Gayākāśyapa
• Kālodayin
• Maha Kapphina
• Kātyāyana, foremost in explaining the Dharma
• Kaundinya (also known as Kondañña or Ājñātakauṇḍinya), the first arhat and one of the first five disciples of the Buddha
• Khemā, a chief of the women disciples
• Kisā Gautamī
• Koṣṭhila
• Mahākāśyapa
• Mahākauṣṭhila, foremost in eloquence
• Mahānāman, one of the first five disciples of the Buddha
• Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī, Buddha's aunt and foster mother, as well as the first woman to be ordained
• Maudgalyāyana, one of two chief disciples of the Buddha
• Nanda, younger half-brother of the Buddha
• Nandika
• Nadīkāśyapa
• Paṭācārā
• Pilindavatsa
• Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja
• Pūrṇamaitrāyaṇīputra, one of the ten principal disciples
• Rāhula, son of Siddhārtha and Yasodharā
• Revata
• Śāriputra one of two chief disciples of the Buddha
• Subhūti, one of the ten principal disciples
• Śuddhipanthakena
• Suvāhu
• Sundarī Nandā, the Buddha's half-sister
• Sunīta, a low-caste man who reached enlightenment
• Upāli, foremost disciple in knowledge of the Vinaya
• Utpalavarṇā
• Uruvilvākāśyapa
• Vāgīśa
• Vakkula
• Vāṣpa, one of the first five disciples of the Buddha
• Yasodharā, Siddhārtha's wife before he renounced the palace life

Laity

• Amrapali, royal courtesan
• Anathapindika, wealthy merchant and banker
• Ajatasattu, king of Magadha, son of Bimbisāra
• Bimbisāra, king of Magadha
• Chandaka, prince Siddhārtha's charioteer
• Citta, wealthy merchant
• Cunda Kammāraputta, a smith who gave the Buddha his last meal
• Hastaka Āṭavika, saved by the Buddha from a demon
• Kubjottarā, a chief woman disciple and servant of Queen Śyāmāvatī
• Pasenadi, King of Kosala
• Samavati, a queen of Kauśāmbī
• Śuddhodana, the Buddha's father
• Velukantakiyā
• Viśākhā, an aristocratic woman and chief female patron

Later Indian Buddhists (after Buddha)

• Aryadeva, foremost disciple of Nagarjuna, continued the philosophical school of Madhyamaka
• Aśvaghoṣa, Sarvāstivāda Buddhist philosopher, dramatist, poet and orator from India
• Atiśa, holder of the "mind training" teachings, considered an indirect founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism
• Bhāviveka, early expositor of the Svatantrika branch of the Madhyamaka school
• Bodhidharma, founder of Chan Buddhism
• Bodhiruci, patriarch of the Dilun (Chinese:地論) school
• Batuo, founding abbot and patriarch of the Shaolin Monastery
• Buddhaghosa, Theravadin commentator
• Buddhapālita, early expositor of the Prasaṅgika branch of the Madhyamaka school
• Chandragomin, renowned grammarian
• Candrakīrti, considered the greatest exponent of Prasaṅgika
• Dharmakirti, famed logician, author of the Seven Treatises; student of Dignāga's student, Īśvārasēna; said to have debated famed Hindu scholar Adi Shankara
• Dignāga, famed logician
• Kamalaśīla (8th century), author of important texts on meditation
• Kumārajīva, Buddhist monk, scholar, missionary and translator from the Kingdom of Kucha, Central Asia
• Luipa, one of the eighty-four tantric Mahasiddhas
• Nagarjuna, founder of the Madhyamaka school, widely considered the most important Mahayana philosopher (with Asanga)
• Nadapada (Tib. Naropa), Tilopa's primary disciple, teacher of Marpa the Translator and Khungpo Nyaljor
• Saraha, famed mahasiddha, forefather of the Kagyu lineage
• Śāntarakṣita, abbot of Nalanda, founder of the Yogacara who helped Padmasambhava establish Buddhism in Tibet
• Shantideva (8th century), author of the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra
• Śīlabhadra, Buddhist monk and philosopher and erstwhile abbot of Nālandā university in India
• Tilopa, recipient of four separate transmissions from Nagarjuna, Nagpopa, Luipa, and Khandro Kalpa Zangmo; Naropa's teacher

From Gandhara

• Asanga, founder of the Yogacara school, widely considered the most important Mahayana philosopher along with Nagarjuna
• Garab Dorje, Indian founder of Dzogchen (Great Perfection) tradition
• Vasubandhu, author of the Abhidharmakōśa and various Yogacara treatises; these may or may not be the same person
• Padmasambhava (Tib. Guru Rinpoche), Indian founder of Tibetan Buddhism

Indo-Greek

• Dharmaraksita (3rd century BCE), Greek Buddhist missionary sent by emperor Ashoka, and a teacher of the monk Nagasena
• Mahadharmaraksita (2nd century BCE), Greek Buddhist master during the time of Menander
• Nāgasena (2nd century BCE), Buddhist sage questioned about Buddhism by Milinda, the Indo-Greek king in the Milinda Pañha

Central Asian

• An Shigao, Parthian monk and the first known Buddhist missionary to China, in 148 CE
• Dharmarakṣa, Yuezhi monk, the first known translator of the Lotus Sutra into Chinese
• Jñānagupta (561–592), monk and translator from Gandhara, Pakistan
• Kumārajīva (c. 401), Kuchan monk and one of the most important translators
• Lokaksema, Kushan monk from Gandhara, first translator of Mahayana scriptures into Chinese, around 180 CE
• Prajñā (c. 810), monk and translator from Gandhara, who translated important texts into Chinese and educated the Japanese Kūkai in Sanskrit texts

Chinese

• Baizhang Huaihai, Zen buddhist master of Tang dynasty
• Bodhidharma, first patriarch of Chan Buddhism in China
• Dahui Zonggao, 12th-century kōan master
• Daman Hongren, fifth patriarch of Chan Buddhism in China
• Dayi Daoxin, fourth patriarch of Chan Buddhism in China
• Dazu Huike, second patriarch of Chan Buddhism in China
• Faxian, translator and pilgrim
• Fazang, was the third of the five patriarchs of the Huayan school of Mahayana Buddhism, of which he is traditionally considered the founder.
• Guifeng Zongmi, fifth patriarch of the Huayan school
• Hong Yi, calligraphist, painter, master of seal carving
• Huangbo Xiyun, 9th-century teacher of Linji Yixuan
• Huineng, sixth and last patriarch of Chan Buddhism in China
• Ingen, 17th-century Chinese Chan monk, founder of the Ōbaku sect of Zen
• Ji Gong, a Buddhist monk revered as a deity in Taoism
• Jizang, founder of East Asian Mādhyamaka
• Jnanayasas, translator
• Linji Yixuan, 9th-century Chinese monk, founder of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism
• Mazu Daoyi, 8th-century Chan master
• Moheyan, 8th-century Chinese monk, advocate of "sudden" enlightenment
• Sanghapala, 6th-century monk (Mon-Khmer?) who translated many texts to Chinese
• Sengcan, third patriarch of Chan Buddhism in China
• Wumen Huikai, author of the Gateless Gate
• Xuanzang, brought Yogacara to China to found the East Asian Yogācāra school; significant pilgrim, translator
• Xueting Fuyu, 13th-century Shaolin Monastery abbot of the Caodong school
• Yijing, pilgrim and translator
• Yunmen Wenyan, founder of one of the five schools of Chan Buddhism
• Yuquan Shenxiu, Tang dynasty, patriarch of "Northern School" sect of Chan Buddhism
• Zhaozhou, 9th-century Chan master; noted for "Mu" koan
• Zhiyi, founder of the Tiantai school

Tibetan

• Gampopa, student of Jetsun Milarepa and founder of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism
• Jigten Sumgön, founder of Drikung Kagyu Lineage
• Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen, founder of the Jonang school and advocate of the shentong philosophy
• Longchenpa, one of the greatest Nyingma philosophers
• Mandarava, important female student and consort of Padmasambhava
• Marpa Lotsawa, student of Naropa and a founder of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism
• Milarepa, foremost student of Marpa Lotsawa
• Padmasambhava, Gandharan founder of Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism
• Karmapa, the founder of Karma Kagyu or Kamtsang Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism
• Jamgon Kongtrul, Tibetan buddhist scholar, artist, physician and polymath
• Sakya Pandita, one of the greatest Sakya philosophers
• Taranatha, important Jonang scholar
• Je Tsongkhapa, 14th-century Tibetan monk, founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, based upon the Kadam
• Yeshe Tsogyal, important female student and consort of Padmasambhava
• Rongzom Mahapandita, important Nyingma scholar and meditation master of Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism

Japanese

• Bankei Yōtaku (1622–1693), Zen master of the Rinzai school
• Dōgen Zenji (1200–1253), founder of the Sōtō school of Zen, based upon the Caodong school
• Eisai (1141–1215), travelled to China and returned to found the Rinzai school of Zen]
• Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769), Rinzai school of Zen]
• Hōnen (1133–1212), founder of the Jōdo-shū school of Pure Land Buddhism
• Ikkyū (1374–1481), Zen Buddhist monk and poet
• Ippen (1234–1289), founder of the Ji-shū sect of Pure Land Buddhism
• Kūkai (774–835), founder of Shingon Buddhism
• Myōe (1173–1232), monk of Kegon and Shingon Buddhism, known for his propagation of the Mantra of Light
• Nakahara Nantenbō (1839–1925), Zen master and artist
• Nichiren (1222–1282), founder of Nichiren Buddhism
• Nikkō (1246–1333), founder of Nichiren Shōshū
• Rōben (689–773), invited Simsang to Japan and founded the Kegon tradition based upon the Korean Hwaeom school
• Ryōkan (1758–1831), Zen monk and poet
• Saichō (767–822), founded Tendai school in Japan, also known by the posthumous title Dengyō Daishi
• Shinran (1173–1263), founder of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Pure Land Buddhism and disciple of Hōnen
• Takuan Sōhō (1573–1645), Zen teacher, and, according to legend, mentor of the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi
• Gempō Yamamoto (1866–1961), Zen master
• Shinjō Itō (1906–1989), founder of Shinnyo-en

Korean

See also: List of Korean Buddhists

• Gihwa (1376–1433), Korean Seon monk; wrote commentaries on the Diamond Sutra and Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment
• Jinul, Korean Seon monk (1158–1210); founder of modern Korean gong'an meditation system
• Uisang (7th century), Korean monk, founder of Hwaeom tradition, based upon the Chinese Huayan school
• Woncheuk
• Wonhyo (617–668), Korean monk; prolific commentator on Mahayana sutras

Burmese

• Shin Arahan, primate of Pagan Kingdom, 1056–1115
• Ledi Sayadaw, propagator of Vipassanā
• Mahasi Sayadaw, propagator of Vipassanā
• Sayadaw U Tejaniya, propagator of Vipassanā
• Mogok Sayadaw, propagator of Vipassanā
• Webu Sayadaw, propagator of Vipassanā
• Panditarama Sayadaw, propagator of Vipassanā
• Mingun Sayadaw, first monk in Myanmar to be awarded the title of Tipitakadhara, meaning Keeper and Guardian of the Tipitaka
• Taunggwin Sayadaw, the last Buddhist monk to hold the office as Thathanabaing of Burma
• Maha Bodhi Ta Htaung Sayadaw, founder of Maha Bodhi Tahtaung
• Thamanya Sayadaw, best known for his doctrinal emphasis on metta
• Sunlun Sayadaw, a popular meditation teacher among the monks and Vipassanā meditation master
• Sitagu Sayadaw, founder and Supreme Head of the Sitagu Buddhist Academies
• Ashin Nandamalabhivamsa, rector of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
• Chanmyay Sayadaw, well-known monk and editor of the Buddhist Scriptures in Pali for reciting Buddhist scriptures at the Sixth Buddhist Council in Myanmar
• Taung Galay Sayadaw, Karen Theravadin Buddhist monk, and also known as a prolific writer and a historian
• Sayadaw U Narada, planted many thousands of Bodhi trees, built thousands of pagodas and Buddha statues
• Sayadaw U Pannavamsa, prominent Buddhist monk, known for his missionary work, particularly in Sri Lanka and Malaysia
• Ashin Sandadika, well-known monk
• Sayagyi U Ba Khin, propagator of vipassana meditation in the Ledi tradition

Thai

• Somdet Phra Buddhacarya (1788–1872), monk who was the preceptor and teacher of King Rama IV
• Ajahn Sao Kantasīlo (1861–1941), one of the pioneers of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya, mentor of Ajahn Mun
• Ajahn Mun Bhūridatta (1870–1949), monk who established the Thai Forest Tradition or "Kammaṭṭhāna tradition"
• Khruba Siwichai (1878–1939), best known for the building of many temples during his time, his charismatic and personalistic character
• Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro (1884–1959), monk who founded the Dhammakaya Movement in the early 20th century
• Luang Pu Waen Suciṇṇo (1887–1985), first generation student of the Thai Forest Tradition
• Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Jinavajiralongkorn (1897–1988), the 18th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
• Phra Ajaan Thate Desaransi (1902–1994), first generation student of the Thai Forest Tradition and one of the founding teachers of the lineage
• Buddhādasa Bhikkhu (1906–1993), famous and influential Thai ascetic-philosopher of the 20th century
• Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo (1907–1961), regarded as one of the great teacher and meditation master of the Thai Forest Tradition
• Ajahn Maha Bua (1913–2011), well-known monk in the Thai Forest Tradition
• Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara (1913–2013), the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
• Ajahn Fuang Jotiko (1915–1986), student of Ajahn Lee, well-known monk in the Thai Forest Tradition
• Ajahn Chah (1918–1992), monk well known for his students from all over the world
• Ajahn Suwat Suvaco (1919–2002), student of Ajahn Funn and established four monasteries in the United States
• Phra Chanda Thawaro (1922–2012), student of Ajahn Mun, one of the best known Thai Buddhist monks of the late 20th and early 21st centuries
• Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX (1927–), the 20th and current Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, practitioner of the Thai Forest Tradition

Rulers and monarchs

• Anawrahta (1015–1078), founder of the Pagan Kingdom and credited with introducing Theravada Buddhism there and reintroducing it in Ceylon
• Ashoka (304–232 BC), Mauryan Emperor of ancient India, and the first Buddhist ruler to send Buddhist missionaries outside of India throughout the Old World (阿育王)
• Brihadratha Maurya, last ruler of the Maurya Empire
• Bayinnaung Kyawhtin Nawrahta (1516-1581), king of the Toungoo Dynasty, assembled the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, viewed himself as the protector of Theravada Buddhism, and had long tried to promote and protect the religion in Ceylon, introduced more orthodox Theravada Buddhism to Upper Burma and the Shan states, prohibited all human and animal sacrifices throughout the kingdom
• Harsha (606–648), Indian emperor who converted to Buddhism
• Jayavarman VII (1181–1219), king of Cambodia
• Kanishka the Great, ruler of the Kushan Empire
• Kublai Khan, Mongol khagan and founder of the Yuan dynasty of China
• Hulagu Khan, Mongol ruler who conquered much of Southwest Asia, he converted to Buddhism on his deathbed, spending most of his life as a Nestorian Christian
• Menander I (Pali: Milinda), 2nd century BCE, a king of the Indo-Greek Kingdom of Northwestern India who questioned Nāgasena about Buddhism in the Milinda Pañha and is said to have become an arhat
• Mindon Min (1808–1878), penultimate King of Burma and facilitator of the Fifth Buddhist council
• Emperor Ming of Han (15 June 28 – 5 September 75), born Liu Yang and also known as Liu Zhuang and asHan Mingdi, was the second emperor of China's Eastern Han dynasty.
• Mongkut, king of Thailand and founder of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya
• Prince Shōtoku (574–622), mythologized crown prince and regent of Japan
• Theodorus (1st century BCE), Indo-Greek governor, author of a Buddhist dedication
• Wu Zetian (625–705), only female Empress Regnant in Chinese history
• Emperor Wu of Liang (梁武帝) (502–549)
• Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura (307 BCE–267 BCE), King of Anuradhapura
• Dutugamunu of Anuradhapura (161 BCE-131 BCE), King of Sri Lanka
• Bimbisar (544-492 BC) founder of Haryanka dynasty
• Ajatshatru (492 460 BC ) second emperor of Haryanka dynasty
• Udayin (460-444 BC) third emperor of Haryanka dynasty
• Pasenadi king of kosala
• Mahinda Rajapaksa Prime minister of Sri Lanka and Modern Day leader of Buddhist’s World

Modern teachers

Theravada teachers

• Ajahn Amaro (1956–)
• Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (1906–1993)
• Ajahn Brahm (1951–)
• Ajahn Candasiri (1947–)
• Ajahn Chah (1918–1992)
• Ajahn Jayasaro (1958–)
• Ajahn Khemadhammo (1944–)
• Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta (1870–1949)
• Ajahn Pasanno (1949–)
• Ajahn Sucitto (1949–)
• Ajahn Sumedho (1934–)
• Ajahn Sundara (1946–)
• Ajahn Viradhammo (1947–)
• Ayya Khema (1923–1997)
• Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero (1896–1998)
• Bhante Sujato (1966–)
• Bhikkhu Anālayo (1962–)
• Bhikkhu Bodhi (1944–)
• Bhikkhu Kiribathgoda Gnanananda (1961–)
• Bour Kry (1945–)
• Charles Henry Allan Bennett (1872–1923)
• Dipa Ma (1911–1989)
• Godwin Samararatne (1932–2000)
• Hammalawa Saddhatissa (1914–1990)
• Henepola Gunaratana (1927–)
• Jack Kornfield (1945–)
• K. L. Dhammajoti (1949–)
• K. Sri Dhammananda (1919–2006)
• Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana (1948–)
• Ledi Sayadaw (1846–1923)
• Luangpor Thong (1939–)
• Mahasi Sayadaw (1904–1982)
• Mother Sayamagyi (1925–2017)
• Ñāṇamoli Bhikkhu (1905–1960)
• Nyānaponika Mahāthera (1901–1994)
• Nyānatiloka Mahāthera (1878–1957)
• Ñāṇavīra Thera (1920–1965)
• Narada Maha Thera
• Phra Paisal Visalo
• Piyadassi Maha Thera
• Preah Maha Ghosananda (1929–2007)
• Sayagyi U Ba Khin (1899–1971)
• S. N. Goenka (1924–2013)
• Sharon Salzberg (1952–)
• Sujiva (1951–)
• Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1949–)
• Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu (1979–)
• In Thailand, Ajahn means monk teachers (have to been a monk more than 10-years)

For Theravada, Bhikkhu (male) and Bhikkhuni (female) mean monastic members in Pali (Theravada use Pali language for studying Tripitaka)

Tibetan Buddhist teachers

• Anagarika Govinda (1898–1985)
• B. Alan Wallace (1950–)
• Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (1930–2002)
• Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (1940–1987)
• Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche (1951–)
• Damba Ayusheev, the XXIV Pandito Khambo Lama in Russia (1962–)
• Dhardo Rimpoche (1917–1990)
• Dilgo Khyentse (1910–1991)
• Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje (1904–1987)
• Gyaincain Norbu, the 11th Panchen Lama (controversial; born 1990)
• Kalu Rinpoche (1905–1989)
• Karma Thinley Rinpoche (1931–)
• Kelsang Gyatso
• Matthieu Ricard (1946–)
• Ole Nydahl (1941–)
• Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa (1924–1981)
• Sakyong Mipham
• 14th Dalai Lama (1935–)
• Tenzin Palmo (1943–)
• Thubten Yeshe (known as Lama Yeshe) (1935–1984), Tibetan lama who, while exiled in Nepal, co-founded Kopan Monastery (1969) and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (1975). He followed the Gelug tradition.
• Thubten Zopa Rinpoche
• Trijang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso(1901–1981)
• Tsoknyi Rinpoche (1966–)
• Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920–1996), Dzogchen, Mahamudra and the Chokling Tersar
• Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche (1975–)
• Gelek Rimpoche
• Tsem Tulku Rinpoche (1965–)
• Dagyab Kyabgoen Rinpoche
• Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
• Sakya Trizin
• Thubten Chodron
• Pema Chödrön
• Robina Courtin
• Robert Thurman
• Mark Epstein

Dzogchen and Bon Teachers

• Namkhai Norbu (1938–2018)
• Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche (1961–)

Zen teachers

American

• Adyashanti
• Robert Baker Aitken (1917–2010)
• Anne Hopkins Aitken (1911–1994)
• Reb Anderson (1943–)
• Zentatsu Richard Baker (1936–)
• Joko Beck (1917–2011)
• Sherry Chayat (1943–)
• Issan Dorsey (1933–1990)
• Zoketsu Norman Fischer (1946–)
• James Ishmael Ford (1948–)
• Tetsugen Bernard Glassman (1939–2018)
• Paul Haller
• Cheri Huber (1944)
• Sozui Schubert (1965) hvzc.org
• Soenghyang (Barbara Rhodes, 1948–)
• Philip Kapleau (1912–2004)
• Houn Jiyu-Kennett (1924–1996)
• Bodhin Kjolhede (1948–)
• Jakusho Kwong (1935–)
• Taigen Dan Leighton (1950–)
• John Daido Loori (1931–2009)
• Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji (1954–)
• Heng Sure (1949–)
• Bonnie Myotai Treace (1956–)
• Brad Warner (1964–)

Chinese

• Fayun (1933–2003)
• Hsu Yun (1840–1959)
• Hsuan Hua (1918–1995)
• Nan Huai-Chin (1918–2012)

European

• John Crook (1930–2011)
• U Dhammaloka (1856?–1914?)
• John Garrie (1923–1998)
• Muhō Noelke (1968–)

Japanese

• Kōbun Chino Otogawa (1938–2002)
• Taisen Deshimaru (1914–1982)
• Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769)
• Keido Fukushima
• Jakushitsu Genkō (1290–1367)
• Shodo Harada (1940–)
• Harada Daiun Sogaku (1871–1961)
• Dainin Katagiri (1928–1990)
• Musō Soseki (1275–1351)
• Imakita Kosen (1816–1892)
• Yamada Koun (1907–1989)
• Taizan Maezumi (1931–1995)
• Sōyū Matsuoka (?–1998)
• Sōkō Morinaga (1925–1995)
• Soen Nakagawa (1907–1984)
• Gudō Wafu Nishijima (1919–2014)
• Shōhaku Okumura
• Kōdō Sawaki (1880–1965)
• Nyogen Senzaki (1876–1958)
• Oda Sessō (1901–1966)
• Soyen Shaku (1859–1919)
• Zenkei Shibayama (1894–1974)
• Eido Tai Shimano (1932–2018)
• Omori Sogen (1904–1994)
• D. T. Suzuki (1870–1966)
• Shunryū Suzuki (1904–1971)
• Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji (1933–)
• Bassui Tokushō (1327–1387)
• Sesshū Tōyō (1420–1506)
• Sobin Yamada
• Hakuun Yasutani (1885–1973)
• Bankei Yōtaku (1622–1693)
• Sesson Yūbai (1290–1348)

Korean

• Seongcheol (1912–1993)
• Seungsahn (1927–2004)
• Pomnyun (1953–)

Malaysian

• Chi Chern (1955–)

Taiwanese

• Guang Qin (廣欽) (1892–1986), founder of Cheng Tian Temple (承天禪寺) in Taiwan
• Yin Shun (印順) (1906–2005), founder of Humanistic Buddhism (人間佛教)
• Sheng-yen (聖嚴) (1931–2009), founder of Dharma Drum Mountain (法鼓山) in Taiwan
• Cheng Yen (證嚴) (1937–), founder of Tzu Chi Foundation (慈濟基金會) in Taiwan
• Hsing Yun (星雲) (1927–), founder of Fo Guang Shan (佛光山) in Taiwan
• Wei Chueh (惟覺) (1928–), founder of Chung Tai Shan (中台禪寺) in Taiwan

Vietnamese

• Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926–2022)
• Thích Chân Không (1938–)
• Thích Thiên-Ân (1926–1980)
• Thích Thanh Từ (1924–)

Writers

Further information: List of writers on Buddhism

• Nyanatiloka Mahathera, (1878–1957), translated several important Theravadin Pali texts into German, also wrote a Pali grammar, an anthology, and a Buddhist dictionary
• Nyanaponika Thera (1901–1994), co-founder of the Buddhist Publication Society, contemporary author of numerous seminal Theravada books
• Ñāṇamoli Bhikkhu (1905–1960), is remembered for his reliable translations from the Pali into English, remarkable command of the Pali language and a wide knowledge of the canonical scriptures
• Bhikkhu Bodhi (1944–), second president of the Buddhist Publication Society and has edited and authored several publications grounded in the Theravada Buddhist tradition
• Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu (1949–), known for his translations of almost 1000 Sutta in all and providing the majority of the sutta translations in a website known as "Access to Insight"
• Bhikkhu Analayo (1962–), known for his comparative studies of Early Buddhist Texts as preserved by the various early Buddhist traditions
• Buddhādasa Bhikkhu, his works literally take up an entire room in the National Library of Thailand, and inspired a group of Thai social activists and artists of the 20th century
• Jack Kornfield (1945–), American book writer, student of renowned forest monk Ajahn Chah, and teacher of Theravada Buddhism
• Joseph Goldstein (1944–), one of the first American Vipassana teachers, contemporary author of numerous popular books on Buddhism
• Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda (1919–2006), Buddhist monk and scholar. in Malaysia, wrote approximately 60 Buddhist works, ranging from small pamphlets to texts of over 700 pages
• Achan Sobin S. Namto (1931–), taught Vipassana meditation and Buddhist psychology in Southeast Asia and North America for over 50 years
• Phra Dhammavisuddhikavi (1936–), Ex-Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Mahamakut Buddhist University and has written 70 books on Buddhism
• P.A. Payutto (1937–), lectured and written extensively about a variety of topics related to Buddhism, awarded the 1994 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education
• Phra Paisal Visalo, writing and editing books on environment and Buddhism, co-founder of Sekiyadhamma, a network of socially engaged monks in Thailand
• Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu, (1979–), facilitates a meditation website for groups and individuals, maintains a YouTube channel where hosts both live chatrooms and pre-recorded videos answering viewers' questions about Theravada Buddhism
• Tara Brach (1953–)
• John Crook (1930–2011), British ecologist, sociologist, and practitioner of both Ch'an and Tibetan Buddhism tradition
• Josei Toda (1900–1958), peace activist and second president of the Soka Gakkai
• Han Yong-un (1879–1944)
• Chittadhar Hridaya (1906–1982)
• Hsuan Hua (1918–1995), Tripitaka Master; extensive English commentaries on the major Mahayana Sutras: Avatamsaka Sutra, Shurangama Sutra, Shurangama Mantra, Lotus Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and many others
• Christmas Humphreys (1901–1983)
• Daisaku Ikeda (1928–), prolific writer of Nichiren Buddhism, society, peace and nuclear abolition, and President of the Soka Gakkai International
• Sangharakshita (1925–2018)
• Edward Salim Michael (1921—2006)
• Nakamura Hajime (1911–1999)
• Nishida Kitaro (1870–1945)
• Gudo Wafu Nishijima (1919–2014)
• Nishitani Keiji (1900–1990)
• Henry Steel Olcott (1832–1907), major revivalist of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and a Buddhist modernist for his efforts in interpreting Buddhism through a Westernized len
• Shunryū Suzuki (1904–1971), Sōtō Zen monk and teacher who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States
• Sharon Salzberg (1953–), teacher of Buddhist meditation practices in the West, and also a New York Times Best selling author
• Sheng-yen (1930–2009), religious scholar, one of the most respected teachers of Chinese Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism, and founder of spiritual and educational organization Dharma Drum Mountain
• Taixu (1890–1947), activist and thinker who advocated the reform and renewal of Chinese Buddhism
• Yin Shun (1906–2005), bring forth the ideal of "Humanistic" (human-realm) Buddhism and regenerated the interests in the long-ignored Āgamas among Chinese Buddhists
• Tanaka Chigaku (1861–1939)
• Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871–1944), Japanese educator and founder of the Soka Gakkai
• Robert Thurman (1941–), American author, editor and translator of books on Tibetan Buddhism, Je Tsongkhapa professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and co-founder and president of Tibet House U.S.
• Brad Warner (1964–)
• Alan Watts (1915–1973)
• Robert Wright (1957–)
• Noah Levine (1971–) is an American Buddhist teacher and the author

Politicians and activists

Indian

• B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956), Indian nationalist, jurist, scholar, political leader, anthropologist, economist and architect of the Constitution of India
• Prakash(Balasaheb) Ambedkar, Indian Politician, Grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
• Kiren Rijiju, Indian politician
• Ramdas Athawale, Indian politician
• Udit Raj, is an Indian politician and member of Indian National Congress. Raj, a Dalit, converted from Hinduism to Buddhism in 2001.

Malaysian

• Tan Cheng Lock (1883-1960), Malaysian nationalist, businessmen and founder of Malaysian Chinese Association, key figure in the independence of Malaysia.

Burmese

• Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese opposition politician and chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Burma; received the Rafto Prize and the Sakharov Prize in 1990 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 (Theravada)
• U Thant (1909–1974), Burmese diplomat and third Secretary-General of the United Nations (1961–1971) (Theravada)
• U Nu (1997 - 1995), Prime Minister of Burma and facilitator of Sixth Buddhist Council

American

See also: List of Buddhist members of the United States Congress

• Bill Clinton, 42nd U.S. president from (1993-2001)
• David Ige is an american politician. He is the 8th Governor of Hawaii. A Democrat, he served in the Hawaii State Senate from 2003 to 2014 and the Hawaii House of Representatives from 1985 to 2003. In the 2014 gubernatorial election, he defeated incumbent Governor Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary, and won the general election over Republican nominee Duke Aiona. Ige was reelected in 2018.
• Colleen Hanabusa, U.S. Congresswoman (2011–), Democrat and lawyer from Hawaii
• Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator (2013–), U.S. Congresswoman (2007–2013) and Democrat from Hawaii; first elected female Senator from Hawaii, first Asian-American woman elected to the Senate, first U.S. Senator born in Japan and the nation's first Buddhist Senator
• Hank Johnson, U.S. Congressman (2007–) and Democrat from Georgia; one of the first two Buddhists to serve in the United States Congress (Soka Gakkai International)

English

• Eric Lubbock, 4th Baron Avebury (1928–2016), English politician and Liberal Democrat; served as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Orpington from 1962 to 1970 and served in the House of Lords, having inherited the title of Baron Avebury in 1971 (Secular Buddhism)

South Korean

• Jiyul, a Buddhist nun from South Korea who fasted to stop destruction of Korean salamander lands (Korean Seon)
• Pomnyun, South Korean Buddhist monk, Zen master, and peace activist who received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding in 2002 for his peace activism on the issue of Korean peninsula. (Korean Seon)

Vietnamese

• Thích Huyền Quang (1919–2008), Vietnamese Buddhist monk, dissident and activist; formerly the patriarch of the Unified Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam; in 2002, he was awarded the Homo Homini Award for his human rights activism by the Czech group People in Need
• Thích Quảng Độ, Vietnamese Buddhist monk, current patriarch of the Unified Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam; awarded the Homo Homini Award for human rights activism by the Czech group People in Need in 2002; nine-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee
• Thích Quảng Đức (1897–1963), Vietnamese Mahayana monk and self-martyr for freedom of religion; burned himself to death at a busy Saigon road intersection on 11 June 1963 (Mahayana)

Sri Lankan

• D. S. Senanayake (1883-1952), Prime Minister of Ceylon
• S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike (1899-1959), Prime Minister of Ceylon
• Sirimavo Bandaranaike (1916-2000), Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and first female Prime Minister in the world.

Actors

American

• Anthony Lee, (1981-2000), was an American Buddhist actor and playwright. (Soka Gakkai International)
• Celeste Lecesne, American actor, author, screenwriter, LGBT rights activist, founder of The Trevor Project (Soka Gakkai International)
• Chris Evans (1981- ), is an American buddhist actor. He is well-known as Captain America. He is a student of Indian Buddism. He spent three weeks in Rishikesh in 2005 or 2006 at a Buddhist retreat and that he attends a Buddhism class in LA.(Theravada)
• Chris Kattan, american actor, comedian and author. He is best known for his work as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, for playing Doug Butabi in A Night at the Roxbury, and his roles as Bob on the first four seasons of The Middle and Bunnicula in Bunnicula.(Tibetan Buddhism)
• David Labrava is an actor, writer, tattoo artist, former member of the Hells Angels, and motorcycle enthusiast best known for playing Happy Lowman in the FX series Sons of Anarchy and its spinoff Mayans M.C.(Zen)
• Drew Carey, is an american buddhist actor, comedian, game show host and photographer.(Theravada)
• Duncan Trusell (1974- ), is an American actor and stand-up comic, known for his podcast The Duncan Trussell Family Hour. (Tibetan Buddhism)
• Elliot Page, is an American-Canadian buddhist actor and activists. He has received various accolades, including an Oscar nomination, two BAFTA and Emmy nominations, and a Satellite Award.(Tibetan Buddhism)
• Garry Shandling (1949–2016), was an american actor and comedian. (Zen)
• George Takei, American actor and author (Theravada)
• Jeff Bridges (1949- ), is an American actor. One of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, he is the recipient of numerous accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and an Academy Award from seven nominations. Critic Pauline Kael wrote that Bridges "May be the most natural and least self-conscious screen actor that has ever lived." The actor elaborated that his Buddhism is more like a general calmness. (Zen)
• Jeremy Piven, is American actor, comedian and producer.(zen)
• John Astin – is an American actor best known for playing Gomez Addams on The Addams Family
• Keanu Reeves (1964- ), American- Canadian Actor and became Lord Buddha in Little Buddha (1993) and Neo in The Matrix film series . (Theravada)
• Mandy Patinkin (1952– ) is an American actor and singer, known for his work in musical theatre, television and film.
• Martin Starr (1983– ), is an American Buddhist actor and comedian. He is known for the television roles of Bill Haverchuck on the short-lived comedy drama Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000), Roman De Beers on the comedy series Party Down (2009–2010), Bertram Gilfoyle on the HBO series Silicon Valley (2014–2019), for his film roles in Knocked Up (2007) and Adventureland (2009), and as Roger Harrington in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films The Incredible Hulk (2008), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). (Theravada)
• Michael Imperioli (1966– ), is an American actor, writer, director and musician, best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in the HBO crime drama The Sopranos (1999–2007), which earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004. In 2008, Imperioli became a Buddhist.
• Pattrick Duffy (1949- ), is an American actor and director widely known for his role on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas, where he played Bobby Ewing, the youngest son of Miss Ellie, and the nicest brother of J.R. Ewing from 1978 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1991. The actor was brought closer to the teachings of Buddhism by his late wife, the ballet dancer Carlyn Rosser (1939-2017). He has now been practicing religion for almost 50 years and describes it as an "Essential part" of his life. (Soka Gakkai International)
• Peter Coyote (1941–), American actor and author
• Richard Gere, American actor (Tibetan Buddhism)
• Robert Downey Junior (1965-), American jewish buddhist who is well-known as Iron Man. He has said many times that Buddhism has helped him with his drug and alcohol addiction.He was honored by Time Magazine's "Time 100" in 2008, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. His laurels include two Academy Award nominations, three Golden Globe wins, numerous other award nominations and wins, and tremendous popular and commercial success, particularly in his roles as Sherlock Holmes and Tony Stark (the latter of which he has so far played in Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). For three consecutive years, from 2012 to 2015, Downey has topped the Forbes list of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, making an estimated $80 million in earnings between June 2014 and June 2015.(Theravada)
• Ron Glass (1945-2016), is an American devout buddhist actor and comedian.
• Steven Seagal, American actor and aikido expert (Tibetan Buddhism)

Brazilians

• Edson Celulari, Brazilian actor
• João Vitti (Piracicaba, São Paulo, October 30, 1967), is a Brazilian theatre and telenovela actor.
• Carmo Dalla Vecchia (21 August 1971) is a Brazilian actor.

British

• Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (1967 – ) British-Nigerian actor best known for his roles on television, including Lost, Oz, and Game of Thrones (Soka Gakkai International)
• Barry Letts (26 March 1925 – 9 October 2009), was an English actor, television director, writer and producer, best known for being the producer of ''Doctor Who'' from 1969 to 1974.
• Benedict Cumberbatch (1976- )  is a British buddhist actor.He is famous for Dr.Strange (2021), The Imitation Game (2014) and Spider-man:No Way Home (2021).(Theravada).
• Chris Gascoyne (1968-) is an english buddhist actor, who is known for his role as the seventh Peter Barlow in the soap opera Coronation Street from 2000 . Gascoyne has been nominated for several accolades at the British Soap Awards for his portrayal of Peter Barlow.(Theravada)
• John Cleese, is a British actor and comedian.
• Orlando Bloom (1977- ), English actor. Well-known for Will turner in Pirates of the Carrebean flim series, Elf Legolas in Lord of Rings movie series. (Soka Gakkai International)
• Peter Dean (1939-), is a British buddhist actor.Best known for his roles as Pete Beale in EastEnders, Jeff Bateman in Coronation Street and Sergeant Jack Wilding in Woodentop (Zen)
• Russell Brand (1975- ), is a british comedian, actor, and radio host. After beginning his career as a comedian and later becoming an MTV presenter, Brand first achieved renown in 2004 as the host of Big Brother's Big Mouth, and Big Brother spin-off.(Tibetan Buddhism)
• Tom Baker (1934- ) is a british actor and writer.

Indian

• Bhalchandra Kadam, actor, comedian
• Abhijeet Sawant, actor and singer
• Kushal Badrike, actor, comedian
• Gagan Malik (1976- ), Indian actor.(Theravada)
• Tusshar Kapoor (1976- ), Most celebrated Bollywood actor and producer of India. He is famous for Golmal flim series. ( Nichiren Buddhism)
• Ayushman Khurrana (1984- ), is an Indian flim actor and activists. Ayushmann Khurrana and his wife Tahira Kashyap are followers of Nichiren Buddhism, which has provided the fuel to fight their battles against cancer. Buddhism has also helped Khurrana articulate his journey as an actor better. “I practice Nichren Buddhism. It has taught me that you have to be mentally strong. It has an impact on your physical being. It (cancer) was a minor frustration for me. But I accepted it truly. I decided that I will not live in denial and hide it from the world,” says Tahira, who was detected with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) with high grade malignant cells last year. ( Niciren Buddhism)
• Ravi Dubey (1983- ), is an Indian Buddhist actor, model and producer. He is a Nichiren Buddhist. He said, "I started following Buddhism when I was going through a very rough patch in my life and I wanted some understanding of the chaos that was going on in one's life. I wanted to align myself and feel better about myself. So, when things went out of control, I started chanting at that time."(Nichiren Buddhism)
• Manav Gohil (1974- ), is an Indian Buddhist actor and producer.(Nichiren Buddhism.

Italian

• Manuel de pepe (1970-), Italian actor, producer and singer. He converted to Buddhism in 2011. (Secular Buddhism)
• Marco Columbro (1950- ), is an Italian actor and television host.(Tibetan Buddhism)

Billionaire

American

• Bill Gates (1955- ) is an American business magnate, software developer, investor, author, and philanthropist. He is a co-founder of Microsoft, along with his late childhood friend Paul Allen. During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), president and chief software architect, while also being the largest individual shareholder until May 2014.
• Jack Dorsey,(1976- ) is an American technological entrepreneur and philanthropist who is the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, as well as the founder and CEO of Block, Inc., a financial payments company. (Theravada)
• Mark Zuckerberg (1984- ) is an American media magnate, internet entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is known for co-founding the social media website Facebook and its parent company Meta Platforms (formerly, Facebook, Inc.), of which he is the chairman, chief executive officer, and controlling shareholder.
• Steve Jobs, American businessman, entrepreneur, marketer, inventor and the CEO of Apple Inc (Zen)

Singer

American

• Adam Yauch -better known under the stage name MCA, was an American rapper, bass player, filmmaker and a founding member of the hip hop group Beastie Boys.
• Buster Williams – American jazz bassist
• David Bowie (8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016), was an English singer-songwriter and actor.
• Duncan Sheik – American singer-songwriter and composer(Soka Gakkai International )
• Combat Jack (July 8, 1964 – December 20, 2017), known professionally as Combat Jack, was a Haitian-American hip hop music attorney, executive, journalist, editor and podcaster.
• Steven Sater – American playwright, lyricist and screenwriter best known for Spring Awakenings(Soka Gakkai International)

Australian

• Jimmy Barnes, is an Australian singer.

British

• Howard Jones – English musician, singer and songwriter
• Maxi Jazz - british rapper.

Canadian

• Beverly Glenn-Copeland – U.S.-born Canadian musician, songwriter and singer(Soka Gakkai International)
• k.d. lang, Canadian singer (Tibetan Buddhism)

Chinese

• Faye Wong, Chinese singer and actress (Tibetan Buddhism)

Hong Konger

• Daniel Chan, is a popular Hong Kong singer, songwriter, and actor. He is most notable as one of the young talents in the 1990s music scene.Chan is a Buddhist.(Chan Buddhism)

Indian

• Adarsh Shinde, singer, musician
• Vitthal Umap, singer
• Vaishali Mhade, singer
• Abhijeet Kosambi, singer
• Surekha Punekar, Indian folk artist
• Shibani Kashyap, Indian singer

Italian

• Carmen Consoli – Italian singer and songwriter

Sport players

Footballer

• Brett Kirk (1976–), is a former Australian rules football player of the Sydney Swans and was the AFL's International Ambassador. Kirk is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Sydney Swans.Kirk is known as a Buddhist and has a tattoo of a Buddhist symbol on his back.
• Fabien Barthez, French goalkeeper (1994–2006) of 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000-winning French national football team (Zen)
• Shunsuke Nakamura – Japanese soccer player, midfielder for the Scottish team Celtic F.C.
• Sébastien Frey, is a French former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. His club career began in France with Cannes in 1997, but later went on to spend most of his career in the Italian Serie A, playing for Inter Milan, Hellas Verona, Parma, Fiorentina, and Genoa; he ended his career in 2015, after two seasons with Turkish side Bursaspor.Frey is a Buddhist and credited former Fiorentina legend Roberto Baggio as one of his spiritual mentors.(Soka Gakkai International)
• Roberto Baggio, Italian (1988–2004) footballer; in 1993, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or (Soka Gakkai International)
• Mario Balotelli Barwuah, is an Italian buddhist professional footballer who plays as a striker for Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor. Balotelli started his professional football career at Lumezzane and played for the first team twice before having an unsuccessful trial at Barcelona, and subsequently joining Inter Milan in 2007. He is studying Buddhism in a bid to find inner peace.He has also bought several copies of the dharma, the religion’s teachings, and set up a quiet area with a statue of Buddha where he can meditate. (Pure Land Buddhism)
• Mehmet Scholl, is a German football manager and former player. He played most of his career as an attacking midfielder for Bayern Munich. During his career he won the UEFA Cup in 1996, the Euro 1996, and the UEFA Champions League in 2001, as well as eight German Championships.(Theravada)

Cricketer

• Mahela Jayawardene (1977-) is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who is also the current consultant coach of Sri Lanka national cricket team. Mahela is the most successful captain for Sri Lanka along with Sanath Jayasuriya.
• Kumar Sangakkara (1977-) is a Sri Lankan cricket commentator, former professional cricketer, businessman, ICC Hall of Fame inductee, and the former president of Marylebone Cricket Club. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicket-keeper-batters in the history of the sport. (Theravada)
• Lasith Malinga (1981- ) is a Sri Lankan professional cricket player and Captain of T20 International cricket of Sri Lanka. he is considered as one of the greatest limited-overs bowlers of all time. He has got a lot of popularity for his ability to take Hat-trick in all three formats of the game. In addition to this, Malinga is the first player to take two world cup Hat-trick and three Hat-tricks in the ODIs.(Theravada)
• Sanath Jayasuriya (1969- ) was an Sri Lankan legendary batter.
• Tillakaratne Dilshan (1976–), Sri Lankan cricket player who converted from Islam to Buddhism at the age of 16, previously known as Tuwan Muhammad Dilshan. (Theravada)
• Tillakaratne Sampath (1982–), Sri Lankan cricket player who was previously known as Tuwan Mohammad Nishan Sampath
• Suraj Randiv (1985–), Sri Lankan cricket player.(Theravada)

Swimer

• Anthony Ervin, american gold medalist swimer.(Zen)

Rugby

• Jonny Wilkinson (1979- ), is an english former rugby union player. He is particularly known for scoring the winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final and is widely acknowledged as one of the best rugby union players of all time. (Thravada)
• Ricky Evans (1960- ) is a former Welsh international rugby union player.

Golfer

• Tiger Woods, American golfer(Theravada)

Military leaders

• Ellison Onizuka (1946–1986), U.S. Air Force Colonel and first Asian American astronaut of NASA (Pure Land Buddhism)

Buddhist practitioners notable in other fields

• Kate Bosworth, American actress (Soka Gakkai International)
• John Cage, American composer (Zen Buddhism)
• Jennifer Aniston (1965- ), American actress and producer. She famous for Freinds. (Zen)
• Robert Wright (1957–) American journalist and author.(Zen)
• Belinda Carlisle, American singer (Soka Gakkai International)
• Anne Louise Hassing – Danish actress(Soka Gakkai International)
• Tisca Chopra, Indian actress (Soka Gakkai International)
• Chow Yun-fat, Chinese actor
• Leonard Cohen, Canadian singer-songwriter/poet (Zen)
• Penélope Cruz, Spanish actress and model
• Shraddha Das, is an Indian actress and model who predominantly appears in Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada language films.(Theravada)
• George Dvorsky, Transhumanist, Futurist and one of directors of Humanity+ (Secular Buddhism)
• Allen Ginsberg, poet (Tibetan Buddhism)
• Philip Glass, American composer (Tibetan Buddhist)
• Herbie Hancock, American pianist and composer (Soka Gakkai International)
• Kate Hudson (1979- ), is an American actress and businesswoman.(Zen)
• Claudia Jessie, is a British actress(Soka Gakkai International)
• Jack Kerouac, American novelist (Zen and Tibetan Buddhism; also the Catholic Church)
• Jet Li, Chinese martial artist, Hollywood actor (Tibetan Buddhist)
• Courtney Love, American singer-songwriter (Soka Gakkai International)
• Naima Mora, fashion model, winner of America's Next Top Model (Soka Gakkai International)
• Hansika Motwani, is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Tamil and Telugu films. She is Buddhist. She said in an interview, “The best way to effectively de-stress for me is to chant- Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo, as I strongly follow Buddhism.” (Tibetan Buddhism)
• Thandiwe Newton (1972- ), is an English actress. She has received various awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a British Academy Film Award, in addition to nominations for two Golden Globe Awards.(Theravada)
• Kenneth Pai, Chinese-American writer
• Maya Soetoro-Ng, Indonesian American writer, university instructor and maternal half-sister of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States
• Oliver Stone, American film director
• Sharon Stone, American actress, producer, and former fashion model
• Earl Sweatshirt, American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. (Nichiren Buddhism)
• Napapa Tantrakul (1986- ) – Thai actress
• Tina Turner, American singer-songwriter (Soka Gakkai International)
• Marcia Wallace, American actress, voice artist, comedian (Soka Gakkai International)
• Naomi Watts, British-Australian actress and film producer
• Michelle Yeoh, Malaysian actress
• Priscilla Chan, pediatrician and philanthropist, wife of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg

Fictional Buddhists

Anime and Manga

• Gautama Buddha, protagonist from Saint Young Men
• The cast from Ah My Buddha
• Ikkyū, protagonist from Ikkyū-san
• The cast from Oseam
• Seishin Muroi, character from Shiki
• Yoh Asakura, protagonist of the anime/manga Shaman King
• Hanamaru Kunikida, character from Love Live! Sunshine!!
• Miroku, character from Japanese Anime Inuyasha
• Krillin, character from the Dragonball series
• Kaname Asahina, Chiaki and Yūsei, characters from Brothers Conflict
• Chichiri, character from Fushigi Yūgi
• Yakumo Kokonoe, character from The Irregular at Magic High School
• Mayura Sōda, Miyuki Sagara, and Yukimasa Sagara, characters from RDG: Red Data Girl
• Keisei Tagami and Akasha Shishidō, characters from the Corpse Princess series
• Anji Yūkyūzan, character from Rurouni Kenshin
• Enkai, character from Requiem from the Darkness

Graphic novels

• Enigma, a Marvel Comics superheroine
• Xorn, Marvel Comics character and member of the X-Men
• Green Lama, an American pulp magazine hero
• Green Arrow (Connor Hawke), DC Comics superhero

Literature

• Sun Wukong, Monkey King in Chinese epic novel Journey to the West, and a fictional pupil of historical Chinese monk Xuanzang
• Mary Elizabeth, character from the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Film and television

• Steve Jinks, a character from Warehouse 13, (Season 3, Episode 1) "The New Guy"
• Daryl Dixon, character from The Walking Dead, Episode 8 (Season 2, Episode 2) "Bloodletting"
• Kahn Souphanousinphone, character from the cartoon King of the Hill
• Connie Souphanousinphone, character from the cartoon King of the Hill
• Dale Cooper, protagonist of the television series Twin Peaks
• Kyle Valenti, character from the television series Roswell
• Lisa Simpson, feminist and daughter of Homer and Marge Simpson, character from the cartoon The Simpsons Episode 275 (Season 13 Episode 6) "She of Little Faith"
  • Lenny and Carl and Carl Carlson, and Lenny Leonard
• Trini Kwan, original Yellow Ranger of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
• Wendy Wu, protagonist of the Disney Channel Original Movie Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
• Master Splinter, a Zen sensei/teacher to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Hiro Nakamura, protagonist character in TV series Heroes
• Gi, the Planeteer able to wield the element water
• Edina Monsoon (Eddy) from the Absolutely Fabulous TV sitcom
• The God character in South Park, episode "Probably"
• Charlie Crews, Zen Buddhist, protagonist of television series Life
• Buddha, character from Air Buddies
• Satomi Ito, Alpha Werewolf and leader of Buddhist werewolf pack in the television series Teen Wolf (2011 TV series)

Video Games

• Liu Kang, character from the video game and later movie, Mortal Kombat
• Sage, a class of trainer from the Pokémon series

Misc

• 2D, lead singer and keyboardist of the British virtual band Gorillaz
• Jeremy, from the popular web series Pure Pwnage

See also

• Awgatha
• Three Refuges
• Five precepts
• Dalit Buddhist movement
• Jewish Buddhists
• List of American Buddhists
• List of Marathi Buddhists
• List of converts to Buddhism
• List of converts to Buddhism from Christianity
• List of converts to Buddhism from Hinduism
• Outline of Buddhism