People of Buddhism
The list of people in Buddhism provides a list of people who are important to Buddhism .
Historical figures and founders of schools
- Siddhartha Gautama (also Gautama Buddha , Buddha Shakyamuni ), the historical Buddha .
- Ananda , Siddhartha's cousin and one of his high school students.
- To Shih Kao , a Parthian monk and the first known missionary in China, A.D. 148
- Asanga
- Atisha , indirectly the founder of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism
- Baizhang Huaihai
- Bankei Eitaku
- Bodhidharma , legendary first patriarch of the Chan in China .
- Buddhaghosa ( Theravada commentator)
- Chandrakirti
- Dharmakirti
- Dharmaraksa , a Yueh-Chih Buddhist monk, the first known translator of the Lotus Sutra into Chinese.
- Dharmaraksita , a Greek Buddhist missionary to Emperor Ashoka and teacher from Nagasena .
- Dogen Zenji , founder of Soto Zen , based on the Chinese Caodong tradition.
- Dragpa Gyeltshen (1147–1216), one of the "Five Venerable Masters" who founded the Sakyapa tradition
- Eisai (12th century), Japanese monk who traveled to China and returned to found the Japanese Rinzai sect of Zen .
- Fazang
- Faxian , translator and pilgrim.
- Garab Dorje , the first human teacher of the Dzogchen of the Nyingma tradition
- Gampopa Dagpo Lhaje , a student of Jetsün Milarepa and founder of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism .
- Gendün Drub (1391–1475), the first Dalai Lama
- Gendün Gyatsho (1475–1542), the second Dalai Lama
- Gihwa (1376-1433), Korean Seon monk; wrote commentaries on the Diamond Sutra and the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment .
- Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769), Rinzai Zen .
- Honen , founder of the Japanese Jōdo-shū sect (Pure Land) .
- Huangbo Xiyun
- Huineng , 6th Patriarch of Zen in China .
- Ingen (17th century), Chinese Zen monk, founder of the Obaku sect of Zen.
- Ippen , founder of the Japanese school of amidism Ji-shū .
- Jampel Gyatsho (1758–1804), the eighth Dalai Lama
- Jinul , Korean Seon monk (1158-1210); Founder of the modern Korean gong'an meditation system.
- Jnanagupta , translator.
- Jnanayasas , translator.
- Joshu, Japanese name of the well-known Chinese Chan monk Zhaozhou Congshen from the 9th century
- Karma Pakshi (1204–1283), the 2nd Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu school
- Kelsang Gyatsho (Dalai Lama) (1708–1757), the seventh Dalai Lama.
- Khandro Kalpa Sangmo
- Khedrub Gyatsho (1838-1856), the eleventh Dalai Lama.
- Khön Könchog Gyelpo (1034–1102), founder of the Sakyapa tradition
- Khungpo Nyaljor , founder of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage.
- Kūkai (9th century), Japanese monk, founder of Shingon .
- Linji (9th century), Chinese monk, founder of the Linji Zong of Zen.
- Lokaksema , a monk from Kushan , the first translator of Mahayana scriptures into Chinese, 180 n. Chr.
- Longchen Rabjam ( Longchenpa ) (1308-1363), scholar and realized master of the Nyingma tradition
- Luipa
- Lungtog Gyatsho (1805–1815), the ninth Dalai Lama
- Mahakashyapa , a disciple of the Buddha.
- Mahadharmaraksita , a Buddhist master in the time of Menander .
- Manjushrimitra , a great Mahayana scholar from Nalanda , later a Dzogchen master and student of Garab Dorje
- Marpa Lotsawa , (Marpa the translator, Marpa of Lhobrag), a student of Naropa and the first Tibetan founder of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism .
- Jetsün Milarepa , a student of Marpa Lotsawa and one of the most famous Tibetan yogis.
- Moggallana , one of the two main disciples of the Buddha.
- Nagarjuna , influential Buddhist philosopher.
- Nāgasena (2nd century BC), Buddhist sage who was asked about Buddhism by the Bactrian king Milinda in the Milinda Panha .
- Nagpopa
- Naropa , Tilopa secondary school students, teachers of Marpa the translator and Khungpo Nyaljor .
- Ngawang Lobsang Gyatsho (1617–1682), the fifth Dalai Lama
- Nichiren Founder of Nichiren Buddhism .
- Nikko
- Obaku Kiun († 850), Chan master and teacher of Rinzai Gigen
- Padmasambhava , semi-legendary founder of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism .
- Chögyel Phagpa (1235–1279 / 80), one of the "Five Venerable Masters" who founded the Sakyapa tradition
- Rechungpa (1084–1161), student of Milarepa
- Rigdzin Gödem (1337–1409), Lama of the Nyingma tradition
- Rinzai († 866), founder of the Chan school named after him
- Rōben (8th century), Japanese monk, invited Simsang to Japan and founded the Kegon tradition, based on the Korean Hwaeom School
- Ryokan (18th century), Japanese Zen monk and poet
- Things Künga Nyingpo (1092–1158), one of the “Five Venerable Masters” who founded the Sakyapa tradition
- Saichō (9th century), Japanese monk, founder of the Tendai tradition, based on the Chinese Tiantai school
- Sakya Pandita (1182–1251), one of the "Five Venerable Masters" who founded the Sakyapa tradition
- Senge († 1291), student of Phagspa , first religious head, later Vice-Minister of the Yuan Empire
- Sanghapala (6th century), monk (Mon-Khmer?) Who translated many texts into the Chinese language
- Sariputta ( Pali ), Shariputra Sanskrit , one of the two main disciples of the Buddha.
- Shantideva (8th century), Indian.
- Shinran , founder of the Japanese Pure Land Jōdo Shinshū sect
- Simsang (8th century), Korean monk who, at the request of Rōben, helped bring Hwaeom to Japan and founded the Japanese Kegon tradition.
- Sonam Gyatsho (1543–1588), the third Dalai Lama
- Sönam Tsemo (1142–1182), one of the "Five Venerable Masters" who founded the Sakyapa tradition
- Sri Singha (7th century), transmitter of the Dzogchen teachings, master of Padmasambhava , Vimalamitra and Vairocana
- Takuan Sōhō , Zen teacher and, according to legend, mentor of the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi .
- Thubten Gyatsho (1876–1933), the 13th Dalai Lama
- Tilopa , recipient of the four separate transmissions from Nagarjuna , Nagpopa , Luipa , and Khandro Kalpa Sangmo ; Naropa's teacher.
- Thrinle Gyatsho (Dalai Lama) (1857–1875), the twelfth Dalai Lama
- Tshangyang Gyatsho (1683–1706), the sixth Dalai Lama
- Tsongkhapa (14th century), Tibetan monk, founder of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, based on the Kadam tradition.
- Tshälthrim Gyatsho (1816–1837), the tenth Dalai Lama
- Uisang (7th century), Korean monk, founder of the Hwaeom tradition, are based on the Chinese Huayan school.
- Vairocana (8th century), translator of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan, Dzogchen and Nyingma teacher
- Vasubandhu
- Vimalamitra (7th / 8th century), one of the transmitters of Buddhism to Tibet
- Weonhyo (617–668), Korean monk; distinguished commentator on Mahayana Sutras .
- Wonchuk
- Xuanzang , brought Yogacara to China to establish Faxiang School, important pilgrim, translator.
- Yì Jìng , pilgrim and translator.
- Yönten Gyatsho (1589-1617), fourth Dalai Lama; Born in Mongolia, the only non-Tibetan among the Dalai Lamas
- Zhaozhou Congshen , famous Chan master of the 9th century (see Koan Mu).
- Zhiyi , founder of the Tiantai School
- Zongmi , Tsung-mi; 5. Patriarch of the Huayan Chinese School .
Historical rulers and political figures
- Ashoka the Great, Emperor of the Maurya Empire of Ancient India.
- Brhadrata , the last ruler of the Maurya dynasty.
- Agvan Dorzhiev / Agwan Dorjieff
- Menander (Pali: Milinda; 2nd century AD), an Indo-Greek king of northwestern India, who asked the Buddhist monk Nāgasena about Buddhism in Milindapanha .
- Kanishka , ruler of Kushana .
- Shotoku (574–622), Crown Prince and Regent of Japan.
- Harshavardhana (590–647), Indian emperor who converted to Buddhism.
- Wu Zetian
- Jayavarman VII (1181–1219), King of Angkor ( Cambodia )
- Mongkut , King of Thailand and founder of the Thammayut Nikaya .
Modern teachers
Theravada / Vipassana teacher
- Ananda Maitreya (1896-1998)
- Ayya Khema (1923-1997)
- Ajahn Maha Bua Nyanasampanno (1913-2011)
- Ajahn Brahm (* 1951)
- Ajahn Buddhadasa (1906-1993)
- Ajahn Chah (1918–1992)
- Henepola Gunaratana (* 1927) Bhante (Ven.) Or Mahathera
- Dipa Ma (1911-1989)
- Satya Narayan Goenka (1924-2013)
- Joseph Goldstein (* 1944)
- Jack Kornfield (* 1945)
- Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta ( Ajahn Man , 1870–1949)
- Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana (1913-2013), the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
- Ledi Sayadaw (1846-1923)
- Mahasi Sayadaw (1904-1982)
- Sharon Salzberg
- Sayadaw U Pandita (* 1921)
- Ajahn Sumedho (* 1934)
- U Ba Khin (1899–1971)
Tibetan Buddhist teacher
- Kalu Rinpoche (1905-1989)
- Chagdud Trülku (1930-2002)
- Chhimed Rigdzin Rinpoche (1922-2002)
- Chögyam Trungpa (1939–1987)
- Loden Sherab Dagyab Rinpoche
- Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991)
- Erdini Qoigyijabu (* 1990), 11th Panchen Lama
- Geshe Rabten (1920–1986)
- Gendün Chöphel (1903 or 1905–1951). A Tibetan monk and scholar who tried to reform old Tibet, but failed because of conservative circles.
- Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1896-1959)
- Jigdal Dachen Sakya (* 1929), co-founder of the Sakya Monastery, 41st generation Sakya, head of the Sakya School in the USA
- Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924–1981)
- Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche (1918-2003)
- Dhardo Rimpoche (1917–1990)
- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (1938-2018)
- Pema Chödrön (* 1936)
- Reginald Ray
- Tarthang Trülku
- Tendzin Gyatsho , the 14th Dalai Lama
- Thrangu Rinpoche (* 1933)
- Geshe Thubten Ngawang (1932-2003)
- Orgyen Thrinle Dorje (* 1985), enthroned as the 17th Karmapa .
- Trinley Thaye Dorje (* 1983), enthroned as the 17th Karmapa .
- Peltrül Rinpoche (1808-1887)
- Phabongkha Dechen Nyingpo (1878–1941)
- Kyabje Thrijang Dorjechang (1901–1981)
- Ling Rinpoche (1903-1983)
Zen teacher
- Charlotte Joko Beck
- Dainin Katagiri
- Daiun Harada , Roshi (1871–1961)
- Dennis Genpo Merzel , Roshi (* 1944)
- Dorin Genpo
- Eido Shimano , Roshi
- François-Albert Viallet , Soji Enku Roshi (1908–1977)
- Fumon Shōju Nakagawa, Roshi (* 1947)
- Geri Larkin
- Genro Koudela
- Haku'un Yasutani , Roshi (1885–1973)
- Hsing Yun (* 1927)
- Hsuan Hua (1918–1995)
- Hsu Yun (1840-1959)
- Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi , Roshi (1931–1995)
- Hugo Makibi Enomiya-Lassalle
- Jakusho Kwong , Roshi (* 1935)
- Jan Chozen Bays , Roshi
- Jiyu Kennett , Roshi (1924-1996)
- Joan Halifax , Roshi
- John Crook (1930-2011)
- John Daido Loori , Roshi
- Kodo Sawaki (1880-1965)
- Kobun Chino , Roshi (1938–2002)
- Kyozan Joshu Sasaki , Roshi (1907-2014)
- Marcel Geisser
- Nyogen Senzaki , Roshi (1876-1958)
- Paul Haller , Roshi
- Philip Kapleau , Roshi (1912-2004)
- Robert Aitken , Roshi (1917-2010)
- Sandra Jishu Holmes
- Seung Sahn , Soen Sa (1927-2004)
- Sheng-yen (* 1931)
- Shunryu Suzuki , Roshi (1904–1971)
- Soyen Shaku , Roshi (1859-1919)
- Tenshin Reb Anderson
- Taisen Deshimaru (1914–1982)
- Tetsugen Bernard Glassman , Roshi (1939-2018)
- Thich Thien-An (1926–1980)
- Zentatsu Richard Baker , Roshi
- Zoketsu Norman Fischer
Various
- Jack Austin (1917–1993), editor of Western Buddhist and a pioneer of Buddhism in England
- Armin Gottmann , head of the Arya Maitreya Mandala since 1999
- Karl-Heinz Gottmann , called Advayavajra (1919–2007), successor to Anagarika Govinda as head of the Arya Maitreya Mandala until 1999
- Suma Ching Hai
- Paul Dahlke (1865-1928)
- Anagarika Dharmapala (1864–1933)
- Wilhelm Müller (1912–1990), Buddhist social activist
- Natalie Goldberg
- Li Hongzhi (* 1951), founder of Falun Gong
- Daisaku Ikeda (* 1928), President of Soka Gakkai International.
- Willigis Jäger , also Ko-un Roshi, German Benedictine monk and Zen master .
- Ching Kung (* 1927)
- Nyanaponika Mahathera (Siegmund Feniger) (1901–1994), German monk in the Theravada tradition
- Nyanatiloka (1878–1957), German monk in the Theravada tradition
- Rudolf Petri (1915–1980), Provincial of the Arya Maitreya Mandala in South Vietnam
- Lu Sheng-yen (* 1945)
- Karl Schmied (1933–2006), Buddhist meditation teacher and honorary councilor of the DBU
- Alfred Weil (* 1951), Chairman of the German Buddhist Union from 1993 to 2001
- Sylvia Wetzel (* 1949), Buddhist and feminist .
- Jan Willis
- Cheng Yen (* 1937)
Modern scholars and authors
- Masao Abe (1915-2006)
- Bhikkhu Bodhi (* 1944)
- Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956)
- Stephen Batchelor
- Susan Blackmore
- Thomas Cleary
- Edward Conze (1904–1979)
- Lama Anagarika Govinda (1898–1985)
- Manhae (1879-1944)
- Edward Salim Michael (1921-2006)
- Michael von Brück (* 1949)
- Nakamura Hajime (1911-1999)
- Ernö Hetényi (1912–1999)
- Nishida Kitaro (1870-1945)
- Nishitani Keiji (1900–1990)
- Karl Eugen Neumann (1865–1915)
- Henry Steel Olcott (1832-1907)
- Caroline Augusta Foley Rhys Davids (1857-1942)
- Thomas William Rhys Davids (1843-1922)
- Matthieu Ricard , * 1946, monk, meditation researcher, writer and wisdom teacher
- Scott Shaw
- Gary Snyder
- Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki (1870–1966)
- Robert Thurman
- Yin Shun (1906-2005)
- Alan Watts (1915-1973)
- Friedrich Zimmermann (Subhadra Bhikschu; 1852-1917)
- Volker Zotz (* 1956)
Founder of new movements
- Max Glashoff , long-time chairman of the German Buddhist Union
- Anagarika Govinda , founder of the Arya Maitreya Mandala ( AMM ) order.
- Georg Grimm , with Karl Seidenstücker the founder of the ancient Buddhist community
- Geshe Kelsang Gyatsho , Founder of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT)
- Ole Nydahl , founder of Diamantweg
- Sangharakshita Founder of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order ( FWBO )
- Karl Seidenstücker , founder of the Buddhist Mission Association for Germany and with Georg Grimm of the ancient Buddhist community
- Thich Nhat Hanh founded the Order of Interbeing (Order of Interbeing)
See also
Web links
- Buddhist celebrities (Engl.)
Commons : People of Buddhism - collection of pictures, videos and audio files
