Celebrity Buddhists
(Tsem Rinpoche)
Buddhism has been around for over 2,600 years… one of the oldest religions in the world… However, it is only in the past 20 years that Buddhism has really taken off into mainstream traditionally non-Buddhist countries and is embraced by many people all over the world from all walks of life…
In Asian countries, where Buddhism is much more prevalent, and has existed peacefully for thousands of years is now finally spreading. But it is kept alive by the monastic educated, who spread their influence by teaching and example. Similarly, in America, with the difference that the equivalent ‘celebrity’ class there comprises of movie stars, celebrities, personalities and rock musicians, who promote the message of Buddhism in their movies, music and lifestyles.
These days, we can find Dharma centers, temples and monasteries coming up across the globe. We can even find a Dharma center in your neighbourhood at this day and age. What is really surprising these days, is that you will probably not find as many monks, but lay people in these centers. It is really encouraging to see that many people are realizing that there is more to life than parties, shopping, fun, movies, holidays, etc.
All thanks to the His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and great masters like Gaden Tripas, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Geshe Wangyal, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin, Geshe Rabten, etc etc etc… more and more people are becoming more aware of Buddhism and finding it a suitable way of life and religion. In this way, more and more people will benefit from Buddhist teachings.
Some of the more famous Hollywood Buddhists are as follows:
Keanu Reeves
In 1993, Reeves played Siddhartha in “Little Buddha”, it is rumoured that this role may have turned the actor onto Buddhism. Being one quarter Chinese in ancestry, it also connects back to his heritage of Buddhism also.
In a video series called, “Discovering Buddhism”, Reeves said: “There is a profound power that is awakened in us by contemplating impermanence and death. We are inspired to practice the dharma in everything we do and not to waste another moment of our precious lives.”
President Bill Clinton
Former American president Bill Clinton has taken his exercise regime to spiritual heights – by learning the art of Buddhist meditation to help him relax.
The politician, 65, has recently taken up a healthier life-style including becoming vegan after a string of heart problems over the years.
And in his latest bid to improve his well-being, the Democrat has hired his own personal Buddhist monk to help him learn how to meditate properly.
Radaronline quoted a source as saying: ‘Ever since his heart scare, Bill has looked for ways to help him relax.
‘He has a hectic life, he travels a lot on business as an ambassador for the U.S. and needs something to keep him sane.’
Meditation offers him that, he has a *mantra that he likes to chant and after every session he feels transformed and full of positive energy.
‘It’s definitely doing him the world of good – he feels fitter and stronger than ever.’
In February 2004, Clinton was rushed to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City after complaining of chest pains.
He needed to have two coronary stents implanted in his heart and a few months later in September underwent quadruple bypass surgery.
In 2010 he then had a clogged artery reopened – his second heart op in just five years – and announced he was giving up his diet of American fast food such as burgers, fries and deep-fried chicken to go vegan.
His strict diet consists of lots of fresh vegetables and fruit but he admits he still occasionally eats fish.
Note: Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States.
*Mantras are sacred words as spoken by the Buddha which has vast benefits for the mind and body when chanted consistently. See here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=28029
K.D. Lang
Nearly a decade ago, k.d. lang began studying the Nyingma tradition of Buddhism, but the 48-year-old singer says she has been drawn to the practice since childhood. “From a very early age I have considered myself to be a Buddhist. I don’t even know where that came from, it was just an innate feeling,” she said in an interview with the Shambala Sun. “Then the older I got and the more I learned about Buddhism, the more I felt at home with its principles and philosophy.”
Richard Gere
Among the most famous Buddhists in Hollywood, Richard Gere has been a very vocal supporter of human rights in Tibet and is often seen in the company of the Dalai Lama. Their first meeting even included a vital acting lesson for Gere: “‘So when you do this acting and you’re angry, are you really angry?’” Gere recalled His Holiness asking. “ ‘When you’re acting sad, are you really sad? When you cry, are you really crying?’ I gave him some kind of actor answer, like it was more effective if you really believed in the emotion that you were portraying. He looked very deeply into my eyes and just started laughing. Hysterically. He was laughing at the idea that I would believe emotions are real, that I would work very hard to believe in anger and hatred and sadness and pain and suffering.”
Richard Gere makes his admiration for the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader in exile, well known. Gere periodically retreats to Tibet to brush up on his Buddhism. While there, the actor enjoys a very different existence than he does in Hollywood. According to Gere, he has a simple room and has to share a bathroom. There is a limited supply of water and no television, air conditioning or newspapers. As Gere, explains it, this is his time to relax, to meditate, to release.
Uma Thurman
In 1964, Uma Thurman’s father, Robert Thurman, became the first Westerner to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Though she is named after “dbuma chenpo” (“the great middle way”) she considers herself to be agnostic and regrets that her father didn’t give her a more formal religious upbringing: “My father didn’t impose his religion on us as children,” the actress has said. “To the point that maybe it would have been nice to have a little more—something to rebel against.”
Kate Hudson
After trying on Kabbalah with Madonna, Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez was reportedly ‘flirting’ with Buddhism when he was dating Kate Hudson. Though Hudson was raised Jewish—the faith of her mother, Goldie Hawn—the family also practiced Buddhism. Hudson would even bring Buddhist prayer beads to Yankee games, and perhaps it worked: The team won the World Series in 2009.
Oliver Stone
In a commencement speech to the UC-Berkeley class of 1994, filmmaker Oliver Stone spoke of the importance of his faith in the world. “Buddhism in this country is not really understood; it’s regarded as sort of quaint, it seems to be an old-fashioned religion,” the then 63-year old Stone said. “But it isn’t, really. It’s a very active one and has a place in the modern world.”
Kate Bosworth
Kate Bostworth was introduced to Nicherin Buddhism when she began dating actor Orlando Bloom in 2002. While the couple has since broken up, the 27-year-old Bosworth has described the faith as “just a really incredible state of mind…It’s basically about constantly growing and making yourself a better person and focusing on what you want for yourself and the world and really putting it out there.”
Leonard Cohen
Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has practiced Buddhism since the 1970’s, but it was only after he finished touring for his 1992 album, “The Future”, that he decided to devote himself completely into the faith. The man who wrote “Hallelujah” lived for five years in a Zen Buddhist monastery in Los Angeles.
Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal has been studying Buddhism since he was a boy, and in 1997, the action star was declared to be a reincarnated lama, or tulku (a sacred vessel of Tibetan Buddhism). Seagal also served as the American protector of the daughter of the tenth Panchen Lama while she was in college. Seagal had heard she was in danger, so he contacted people in Tibet. “I spoke with my friends there, and they said I was one of the few people who could protect and take care of her…be her father figure, her guardian,” Seagal said. “Try to guide her so that she kept her heritage in the dharma…You’re born naked, you die naked…In between, you should find a spiritual guide.”
Herbie Hancock
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock has been practicing Buddhism, since the early 1970s. He discovered it one night on stage when his bassist started playing something innovative, even ‘magical’. “People were freaking out,” Hancock said of his satori, “it was so incredible what he was playing.” The bass player said he’d been chanting. Hancock was intrigued, and discovered the Buddhist faith lined up with what he’d already believed. “I said, this sounds like what I always believed in anyway. I thought I was the only one.”
Philip Glass
Composer Philip Glass was first drawn to Buddhism in the late 1960s. when he travelled to India. In 1972, he met the Dalai Lama and eventually scored the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese’s film about His Holiness, “Kundun”. Scorsese said of Glass, “His Buddhist faith and deep understanding of Tibetan culture combine with the subtlety of his composition to play an essential role in our movie on the life of the Dalai Lama.”
Steve Jobs
In 1974, as soon as Steve Jobs earned enough money working for videogame-maker Atari, he travelled to India where a Buddhist monk shaved his head and he began practicing the faith. A few years later, Jobs began studying Zen Buddhism under Kobin Chino who would later officiate at his wedding. While being a billionaire may seem to go against Jobs’ faith, his Zen-like business attitude has certainly paid off when it comes to the religion Jobs founded in 1976: Apple.
Update (19/2/2011):
All the money in the world, being a powerful CEO, and creating Apple will do nothing to help him at his death now. He is well known and a celebrity will not help him one bit now. Whatever good karma he has will help him take a good rebirth.Many ppl get into the trap like him… experiencing money and challenges for a while, then it’s over. If he had seriously practices dharma even become a zen monk, it would have been more beneficial for him. Om Mani Peme Hung
George Lucas
George Lucas was born and raised in a strongly Methodist family. After inserting religious themes into Star Wars, he eventually come to identify strongly with the Eastern religious philosophies that he studied and incorporated into his movies, which were the major inspiration for the “Force”. Lucas often states that his religion is “Buddhist Methodist”.
Tina Turner
Tina Turner often said that Buddhism gave her the strength to leave her abusive husband. She said, “I tested it and it worked.”
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn calls herself Jew-Bu – meaning she was born a Jew, but is practicing Buddhist.
Alanis Morrisette
Alanis Morrisette is said to be extremely into Buddhism and has visited India twice.
Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr said that Buddhism is “very grounding and really centering”. She was introduced to Buddhism by boyfriend, Orlando Bloom.
Tiger Woods
Born to a Thai-Chinese-Dutch mother and African-American-Asian father, Tiger Woods has been raised a Buddhist. His family would go to the temple once a year and meditate regularly.
“People probably don’t realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood…” he says.
Woods has long been connected to Buddhism through his Thai mother and has said that his recent actions are extremely regretted, “I felt entitled, which I had never felt before. Consequently, I hurt so many people by my own reckless attitude and behavior. I quit doing all the things that my mum and dad had taught me. And as I said earlier in my statement, I felt entitled, and that is not how I was raised”.
“Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught”.
George Takei
Many people will recognize him as ‘Sulu’ from the television series Star Trek. George was born in Los Angeles, California to Japanese American parents. He is one of the first regular roles of Asian Americans on American TV. As a young child, he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 379 of the Koyasan Buddhist Temple. George is both a practicing Buddhist and a proponent of gay rights. In 2008, George married his long-time partner in a Buddhist ceremony in Los Angeles.
Boy George
Boy George says Buddhism has helped him stay sober.
The ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’ hitmaker has struggled with drug addiction throughout his life but he claims his recent commitment to the Eastern religion – which aims to end followers’ suffering through the elimination of ignorance and desire – has stopped him from relapsing.
”I went back to Buddhism last year. I messed around with it in the 80s – it was cosmetic then – but I’m really into it now. Chanting is all about polishing your mirror. What do you want to be? I feel like I’m out of chances; people have forgiven me so much, I can’t let them down again.”
Naima Mora
“I’m a Buddhist and I am always working everyday bringing forth the best part of myself” – Naima Mora
Naima Mora is a multi-talented performing artist; Musician Vocalist, Author, Model and Public Speaker. Born into a family with strong spiritual values, Naima have been a Buddhist and chanted mantras her whole life.
Naima Mora shared how winning the hit TV show America’s Next Top Model brought on a dark period in her life and how she used her Buddhist practice to recognize the beauty within her life and overcome this difficult period.
Orlando Bloom
The dashing star of The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean turned to Buddhist practice because “The philosophies behind it are very current today and are a way of finding some sort of peace,” but also because it helped keep him from the self-destructive path he was always in danger of carving out for himself.
Bloom stresses that his Nichiren practice is very practical: “The philosophy that I’ve embraced isn’t about sitting under a tree and studying my navel, it’s about studying what is going on in my daily life and using that as fuel to go and live a bigger life.”
We wish Orlando well as he swashbuckles his way to Full and Perfect Enlightenment.
H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama
His Holiness is a Buddhist first and celebrity second. He may not croon into a mike or emote on a sound-set, but the Dalai Lama can certainly pack (and wow) an auditorium, and stars like Richard Gere and Keanu Reeves are eager to share the stage with the supreme head of Tibetan Buddhism, leader of the Tibetan Government in Exile, and incarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
And top marks for length of practice: His Holiness is currently in his 14th documented incarnation as a lama, easily beating our other celebs who have at best only one lifetime of practice each — although admittedly in His Holiness’s sixth incarnation he refused to become a monk and spent much of his time chasing the ladies (ah, those youthful indiscretions!). The Dalai Lama also gets top marks for modesty: His Holiness describes himself as being “a simple Buddhist monk.”
His Holiness says, “Many of our problems stem from attitudes like putting ourselves first at all costs. I know from my own experience that it is possible to change these attitudes and improve the human mind.”
Aung San Suu Kyi
With impeccably non-frivolous credentials we start with nonviolent pro-democracy activist, leader of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar (Burma), and noted prisoner of conscience, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, Suu Kyi campaigned for the democratization of Burma, which was (and is) under a military dictatorship, and in 1989 she was placed under house arrest. In 1991 Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her peaceful and non-violent struggle under a military dictatorship. She has been in and out of house arrest since then and has been sustained in her long confinement, during which she was not allowed to meet her dying husband, by her vipassana meditation practice. Commenting on her long isolation, she said “Isolation is not difficult for me. Maybe it’s because of my Buddhist upbringing.”
Oliver Stone
Born to a Jewish, stockbroker father and a french catholic mother and raised episcopalian, Stone converted to Buddhism in his adulthood. He considers himself a student of Tibetan Buddhism. His conversion began when he volunteered to fight in the Vietnam war and was moved by the practices of the people.
Jet Li
A devoted Tibetan buddhist, Jet Li has written many essays on Buddhism and religion. His website houses these essays and he even answers questions from fans about religion and many spiritual issues. The martial artist was on the verge of quitting acting to become a buddhist monk but was advised to continue with his acting career by his spiritual advisor.
Phil Jackson
Arguably, the greatest coach of all time, Phil Jackson is a practicing buddhist and uses the teachings in his coaching system. Jackson’s coaching system contains a mixture of American Indian philosophy and Zen Buddhism. His style and approach keeps disparate elements of a team working in harmony. He has taught his players the power of calming the chaotic mind to make better decisions.
Sarah Jessica Parker
The obvious reason why people, especially celebs are drawn to Buddhism is for its simple philosophy and focus on spirituality – and Jewish-raised Sarah Jessica Parker has apparently also gone the spiritual way. She had made many headlines for being a Jew-Bu – a term used for people who combine Buddhist philosophy with Hebrew teachings.
Jonathan Peter “Jonny” Wilkinson
Jonny Wilkinson is an English rugby player. Acknowledged as one of the world’s best rugby union player, he has several career highlights in the rugby sport. Until today, Wilkinson holds the Rugby World Cup points record at 277 points.
Due to the nature of his career, Wilkinson has suffered various injuries throughout his career as a professional Rugby player. With a deep fear of failure and death, Wilkinson began to find solace in Buddhism after relating it to his readings on quantum physics.
“Failing at something is one thing, but Buddhism tells us that it is up to us how we interpret that failure… [Buddhism] a philosophy and way of life that resonates with me… I identify with it. I agree with so much of the sentiment behind it. I enjoy the liberating effect it’s had on me to get back into the game… Buddhism, with its concepts of karma and rebirth, have freed me from the twin fears of death and life without rugby, like life, will also come to an end.” – Jonny Wilkinson
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is a Canadian American actor, comedian and producer, he have been described as one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood. Despite being well known as ‘the funny man’ on-screen, Jim Carrey has had many personal struggles including battling his bouts of depression. On the quest to heal himself, Jim Carrey decided to stop his anti-depression medication and searched for the ultimate meaning of life. His search for spirituality is largely inspired by Eckhart Tolle, who’s teachings helped the actor to understand how his suffering came from fixating on thoughts.
In 2009, Jim Carrey shared the spiritual spot light with Eckhart Tolle at the first Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment (GATE) meeting in Los Angeles, where he shared his moment of enlightenment. Now a spiritual man, Jim Carrey shares his spiritual breakthrough with as many people as he can, with the motivation “I want to take as many people with me as I can”.
Jim Carrey (left) met with H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama recently in 2014
Other famous Buddhists are:-
- Naomi Watts – British-Australian actress and film producer
- Sting – English singer-songwriter, lead vocalist of The Police
- Harrison Ford
- Steve Wynn – CEO of Wynn Resorts Limited, Las Vegas
- Sharon Stone – Actress
- Hermann Hesse – Noble Prize winning author
- Dennis Weaver – Actor
- Alice Walker – Author (Color Purple and others)
- Adam Yauch – Lead Singer of Beastie Boys
- Joanna Lumley
- Kylie Kwong
- William Ford, Jr. – Chairman of Ford Motor Company
- Belinda Carlisle – Pop Singer
- Cher – Singer
- Faye Wong – Chinese singer
- Patrick Duffy – Actor
- Courtney Love – American singer-songwriter
- Angelina Jolie – American actress, humanist activist, Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency
- Brad Pitt – Actor
- Jennifer Lopez – Singer, Actress
- Jackie Chan – Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer, and stunt performer.
- Jeff Bridges – American actor
- Leonard Cohen – Canadian singer/songwriter/poet
- Allen Ginsberg – Poet
- Ron Reagan – Talk show host, son of former US president (Ronald Reagan)
- Russell Simmons – Entertainment and fashion mogul
- Chow Yun-fat – Chinese actor
- Penelope Cruz – Spanish actress and model
- Annie Lennox – Singer
- Michelle Yeoh – Malaysian Actress
Sources:
1) http://www.wildmind.org/blogs/on-practice/top-10-celebrity-buddhists
2) http://www.newser.com/story/81483/surprising-celebrity-buddhists.html
3) http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-tiger-woods-and-other-surprise-celebrity-buddhists/
4) http://www.dhammawiki.com/index.php?title=Category:Celebrity_Buddhists
5) http://www.buddhismaustralia.org/fambud.htm
6) http://www.contactmusic.com/story/boy-george-buddhism-has-kept-me-sober_3854991
Related link:
Boy George is Buddhist and proud!
The Russian Princess Buddhist Nun
Aung San Suu Kyi: Buddhism has influenced my worldview
Apple’s Steve Jobs the Buddhist
Tina Turner the powerful Buddhist
K.D. Lang’s a committed Buddhist
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Buddhism one of the oldest religions in the world has been around for over 2,600 years. Many people all over the world from all walks of life have embraced Buddhism. Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in the west and have spreading further , all thanks to those highly lamas such as Gaden Tripas, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Geshe Wangyal, Kensur Lobsang Tharchin, Geshe Rabten, and so forth. Many people more people are becoming more aware of Buddhism and finding it a suitable way of life and religion. With the great spread of Buddhism, many people had benefitted with the practice as it emphasized individuals’ path to enlightenment and salvation, which could be attained in this life.
As in this blog, we see many famous Buddhist celebrities from the west such as Keanu Reeves, former American president Bill Clinton , Richard Gere, Steve Jobs and many more celebrities had been connected to Buddhism.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting sharing, how Buddhism had changed their life .
Fame and wealth is not the answer to our life calling. Buddhism is a way of life hat can resonates with people from any walk of life. Budda’s teaching and practices can be applied to relief stress and be healed, deal with the negativity that comes with stardom as well as be infused with spirituality that helps them overcome their problem and go live a bigger life. I hope more people in general will embrace Buddhism and be benefitted from it.
Interesting to know that there are so many westerner celebrities are Buddhist.These celebrities show us that fame, wealth and power has greater significance when infused with spiritual motivation. I am very happy that these celebrities are Buddhism practitioners as well despite their busy schedule.It is just good to know that more Westerners are now interested in Buddhism and also practising it. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful article.
Interesting to know that there are so many westerner celebrities are Buddhist. This will surely help more people to know about Buddhism in the West and because they are famous, they will also influence people to learn and find out about Buddhism.
May more people learn and be benefited from Buddha’s teaching.
What a prolific group of people to be Buddhist. What never ceases to amaze me is the universality of Buddha’s teachings.
(1) that when applied on a very superficial level, Buddhist techniques assist us to realise our full secular potential. People talk about how meditation helps them to harness their awareness, develop their attention span, calm their minds and help them make better decisions. Can you imagine if you tweaked your motivation to apply the same technique for spiritual purposes?
(2) it just goes to show that people from all walks of life can benefit from the wisdom of Buddha’s teachings. You don’t even have to be Buddhist to benefit from Buddhist techniques. It is another reason why I love Buddhism – it doesn’t seek to convert nor force its doctrine on you. You get to be fully responsible for how much or how little of the Dharma you want to apply in your life.
(3) given that the techniques can benefit anyone from all walks of life, what is the common theme here? I mean, you have male/female, old/young, Caucasian/Asian, gay/straight, political/artistic…the only thing everyone here has in common is their mind. Since Buddha’s teachings focus on developing the mind, that is how and why Buddhism is universally applicable (because everyone has a mind!).
And that obviously translates into a huge potential for the monetisation of the Dharma (Eckhart Tolle!) because it means EVERYONE can benefit from the Dharma. You can look at that two ways. Although the idea of Dharma Lite makes me uncomfortable at times, what it does reflect is a demand for techniques to alleviate the suffering in our minds and the skilful means to convey those techniques. After all, if people didn’t want or need it, then no one would think to repackage the Dharma in commercial terms…
These celebrities show us that fame, wealth and power has greater significance when infused with spiritual motivation. In this day and age when logic is crucial for people to choose a spiritual path, Buddhism is very suitable because this is a teaching on ways of living and interacting with all sentient beings that creates harmony and sustainability.
http://e5.pudelek.pl/62d6b2e33c42348ef8fd2636bca8f726b4f62896.jpg Builded in 1988 Jeff Bridges(Actor) 2015 selling own house.In room Bhuddas statuettes.
Jeff Bridges with wife Sussan Bridges had been bought This!house in 1994 from Kenny’ego Loggins,and she remembering that thay lived nice there.So s.o. used to use Room’Bhudas Stattuettes.#All change #all time,as “owners”.May be Bhudda will stay.Here is link to more pics:http://www.pudelek.pl/artykul/81214/jeff_bridges_sprzedaje_dom_za_ponad_110_milionow_zdjecia_s/foto_1?utm_source=o2_SG&utm_medium=Hotspot&utm_campaign=o2#s14
Aw surprised to see some of Hollywood’s female stars make it to the list!
這個博客帖子很有意思！讓我们知道有許多名人是佛教徒。擁這麼多的追隨者和愛好者的名人，我相信他們將能夠吸引更多的人学习佛法.感谢仁波切用心收集出那么多的资料与我们分享！
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing on celebrity buddhist.It is great to know that westerners are starting to understand and appreciate the philosophy and the practice of buddhism.
May their dharma knowledge grow together with their fame.We know that attachment to fame is not good in buddhism .But through their fame it could be way to spread their dharma knowledge and in turn buddhism to their fans or associates.
It is nice to know that Buddhism is practice by many even famous celebrities and by learning dharma their life changed better.
Hope they can use their fame to influence more people to know more about Buddhism and more people can be benefited by learning and practising dharma.
Now I know why I was so drawn to Star Wars as a child. Thank you for this wonderful post. It reaffirms that Buddhism is beneficial for everyone and can be easily assimilated into one’s life.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all this information with us! Its so kind that Rinpoche has taken the time to find all this information and share it with us 🙂
Firstly i would like to say, I too have realised Buddhism has been spreading. When i go to different places around the world, even Europe, i can see that Buddhism is present in those countries as there are temples and many other things. Its nice to know that everybody can experience Buddhism and that people all around the world are studying it. Hopefully the number of Buddhist around the world would keep on increasing.
Secondly, I would like to comment on the affect celebrities have on the spreading of Buddhism. Celebrities tend to stand out in the public, as everybody knows who they are, and admire them. Some people even look up to them. So when a celebrity has a certain view or, in this case follows a certain religion, it comes out to the public and is spread throughout the world faster (this is due the the internet as well). And i think this is fantastic! Its almost as though they are advertising Buddhism xD but of course they are not.
Lastly, I learnt that many famous actors which i like are Buddhist. For example, Angelina Jolie, Orlando Bloom and Kate Hudson. Some of these actors being Buddhist came to me as a surprise. I never thought they would have followed the same religion as me. Its really cool to know that the actors we all love follow the same religion, it makes us in some way related to them.
Dear Rinpoche, thank you for the sharing. Some people may like to shop, go on holidays, travels or watch movies and etc. However, this satisfaction and happiness is only short term. They may find internally, they are not happy. Buddhadharma helps us to find our inner and outer happiness.
Thank you Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and all the great masters for perpetuating, teaching and sharing the Buddhadharma.
Hi Rimpoche, may I respectfully point out that there were many ordained Westerm Buddhist monks before Robert Thurman, including: Jiyu-Kennett Roshi (My Master’s Master; British, 1962); Venerable Sumangalo (American 1950’s), Venerable Lustig (1920’s, Latvian,) & his Master, Venerable Tennissons, (Lithuanian 1890’s; an emissary to Imperial Russia of HH The 13th Dalai Lama). There were others as well.
I m proud to be a true Buddhist after take refuge to my root Guru, Tsem Rinpoche…
Through Rinpoche advice, we can be a better person so to our next generation…
Dharma never wrong, may we able to receive more teaching from Rinpoche hence able to share and benefit peoples around us…
Thanks Rinpoche, this list really do surprised me, didn’t really know that there are so many celebrities from European country practice Buddhism, i always thought that they are Christian…
Its amazing to see a lot of people being buddhist! I was amazed that my favorite VS Model is a buddhist! Wow, this is simply amazing. Keep on chanting!!!
It is nice to read that Buddhism is growing fast in the west especially in America. More and more celebrities are embracing buddhism now. Celebrities and the rich and famous are very influential people, they can help to spread Buddhadharma through their own experiences easily to benefit and inspire others like Tina Turner and Boy George for examples. Their words and actions carry weight after they became better and happier persons. Thank you for sharing this interesting post.
Not to forget the person who strived hard to bring Buddhism back to THE GREAT MOTHER INDIA , Dr. Ambedhkar and the nearly 200000 indians who converted into Buddhism at the withness of the Great SANCHI stupa build by the GREAT ASHOKA DHARMA RAJA . The amount of struggle Dr. Ambedhkar underwent to bring BUDDHA back to INDIA was tremendous but fruitful. After nearly a millenium of Loosing the BUDDHA DHARMA from its mother land thanks to Dr. Ambedhkar and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama MOTHER INDIA got back What SHe lost ! NAMO BUDDHYA !
they are buddhist..it doesnt mean that they practice the faith and some of them lead tehir life astray even though they pray and practice buddhism. PATHECTIC!!
I’m really surprised to find out that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are Buddhists, I’ve never thought of that before. Actually, I don’t think it really matters if you’re a Buddhist or a Christian, all sorts of religions teach us about being good, and not committing sins. None of the religions teach us to be bad.
Many has applied the dharma, and it is proven effectively. Story from ancient Buddha, 84 great mahasiddhas, even the modern world of actor and actress, that’s the medicine we need most to consume. If not now, when?
Steve Jobs wanted to pursue spirituality full time but his Guru told him that stay in business. Because of his Guru’s advice, we have iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Pixar studio today. I often wonder if his meditation has anything to do with all these incredible gadgets Apple created under his leadership.
It is very clear in this case that his guru has the foresight that Steve Jobs will benefit more people by remaining in secular world. That’s why it is so important for one to be guided by a qualified spiritual guide.
I’m very surprised that Cher and Steve Jobs are Buddhists, I never knew about that. The most important is that, I didn’t know Buddhism has benefited so many celebrities. I’m very interested in Tina Turner’s story about her being a Buddhist, I shall google that up. Thank You for sharing Rinpoche.
看完了这篇文章，突然觉得心里好安慰，因为佛法已经慢慢的被越来越多人相信着，学习着。看着这些名人对佛法的认同心里暖呼呼，而且他们是名人往往会有广告效应。就是这种效应，佛法在无形中被‘推销‘出去。在这个末法期，‘推销‘是必须的。
It is just great to know that Buddhism is practiced by many. I am very happy that these celebrities are Buddhism practitioners as well despite their busy schedule. It is just good to know that more Westerners are now interested in Buddhism and also practising it.
Dear Rinpoche, I was very surprised when I saw Steve Jobs and Cher’s name. Because I never thought even for one second that their are Buddhists. I know that Steven Seagal is a Lama, but which I didn’t is that he is a Reincarnated Lama. I hope Buddhism will spread far and wide through out the world and may Buddhism bring peace to the world.
Respectfully, the presentation of the Steve Jobs entry should be rethought. The update added after his death seems disrespectful and inappropriate. It comes across as an opportunistic and surprisingly negative exposition of Buddhadharma. As the list of celebrity Buddhists was undoubtedly included here with a positive and inspirational intention, please consider revising the update.
I think that this is a sign that Buddhism is not a religion that is only practiced by a minority of mankind. Buddhism is practiced by a large fraction. Many celebrities decide the choose the Buddhist path. I rejoice. They will be able to influence more people to learn Buddhism and that means they are being beneficial by being famous. I knew George Lucas was Buddhist prior to this article because he based a lot of scenes from Star Wars off Buddhism. Heck, the Ewoks also speak Tibetan!
wow i did not know that we had sony celebrity buddhists, it is nice to know that these people have more to them and even Harrison Ford and he is very famous. these are cool facts. 😀
Famous people who have embraced Buddhism in their lives are leading by example to show us how the influence on them has been for the better. While most have not taken the spiritual path further (e.g. Prof Robert Thurman who became a monk), their acceptance of Buddhism has helped to shed the mysticism of the faith.
I am too proud to know about the all Buddhist celebrate
I think it is great that there are so many Buddhist celebrities out there and its great to be a celebrity and Buddhist because celebrities have a heavy weight drawing of the masses so fundraising and raising awareness of a particular Kechara project. I think that it would be good for Buddhism as each star will have his/her following…
Celebrities can spread Buddhism to many of their fans and followers. Buddhism can make them to succeed in their career and their success can link back to Buddhist’s teachings. Let’s introduce Buddhism to other celebrities as well.
It’s great to see so many celebrities who are Buddhists but except for Richard Gere’s public relationship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, i don’t hear much about the gurus of the other celebrities. I wonder why. If i was a celebrity with a guru, i would shout it from the rooftops!
Other Hollywood Asian celebrities who are Buddhist are Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
阅读这这篇文章让人有种“哇！哇！”的感觉。原来很多从电视英荧幕上所认识的演员或成功人士都是佛教徒。这也显示出佛教真的在美国迅速的在发扬着。这也真的印证佛法依然是适合现代人，要不这么多的成功的领导者、演员、音乐人也可不是我们现在所看到的他们啦！真的是谢谢仁波切的用心收集出那么多的资料与我们分享！
As celebrities they have very challenging career to become successful. Hardwork and willingness to learn and constantly improvement are some of the important traits in them. They are not afraid to try out new ideas and expose to new experience. When it comes to spirituality some of them are open to the teachings of Buddha which they have find it useful and practical, bringing meanings to their life. Whichever religions we belief in, as long as it brings you closer to humanity and compassion, you are on the right track.
通过这一则的blog commend， 再一次的证明了佛法的生活方式，是适合现代人所需要的，要不然世界这么多的成功人士，例如 演员，运动员，歌星，甚至于国家领导人都能接受佛法，并且透过佛教的教导方式来改善他们的生活方式，这不就证明了佛法的确是现代人所需要的吗？如果，你到现在还在怀疑佛法在现代的可行性，你不妨试试来了解佛法，尝试佛法的好处，我相信你一定会感觉到佛法所带给你喜悦。
Thanks for the info.it is good to know how the buddhism change their life and thinking like Bill Clinton and Tiger Woods.Steven Seagal was a Tulku, i like his say ” you born naked, you die naked, in between you should choose a spiritual guide.
In the last ten years in Malaysia, Buddhist (mostly Tibetan) centers and temples have sprung up like mushrooms after a downpour of rain. Malaysians, including me, who call ourselves Buddhists benefited a lot after learning and understanding Buddhism. We, at Kechara, are so fortunate to have our Spiritual Guide, His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche among us teaching us the dharma.
As said in the blog, Buddhism has been around for over 2,600 years – one of the oldest religion in the World. Most importantly is that Buddhism has existed peacefully for thousands of years, kept alive by the Monastic educated and finally
said to have been taken off into the main-stream, traditionally into non-buddhist countries and embraced by many people all the world over, from all walks of live. Many much more people are becoming more aware of buddhism and finding it a suitable way of life and religion. So do many more of the famous Hollywood buddhist celebrities too, including the politically rich, famous, powerful and influential. Rinpoche has once said, “we are all going to live on this planet together. Whatever religion others are, we must respect. Their belief is what makes them who they are… everyone has the right to be who they are… no one religion can cover the minds of all beings on this planet. Having a variety is useful. Religion can be used to create so much peace when we practice each religion and develop the inner peace it is meant for. Inner peace wll lead to outer peace.” Thank you so much Rinpoche for sharing with us such inspiring words of wisom and guidance. May it work immediately to fulfil all Dharmic hopes of all living beings.
Nice to know some of the celebrities who changed their thinking and life after learning and knowing Buddhism. I like what Kate Bosworth said
“just a really incredible state of mind…It’s basically about constantly growing and making yourself a better person and focusing on what you want for yourself and the world and really putting it out there.”
Like her, I am constantly growing and being better with what I am learning and doing. Its the transformation at the end of the day that makes me feel good about everything around me.
In LamRin told us that everyone got the opportunity to be Buddha, so no matter who u are, where u from, u may be enjoy and benefited by being a Buddhists.
Thanks Rinpoche for the sharing to let us eye open…
It’s great to know that celebrities have become Buddhists.They’ll change people’s perception of Buddhism as being either too mystical or being too sombre and ritualistic that only people in robes engage in it.
I like what Keanu Reeves says about Buddhism -(B)y contemplating on impermanence and death…(w)e are inspired to practice the dharma in everything we do and not waste another moment of our precious lives”.
I did not know that so many famous figures in the West had turned to buddhism!
Bu then it is not surprising neither as buddhism is enunciated and clarified in a way that is suitable to the western modern mind, that very mind that turned against religions of the “revelation”.
And so it also fills a vacuum in the western world too.
This is just my personal opinion. As a celebrity and public figure, an artist also holds a social responsibility in the spreading of good values. By choosing openly the Buddhist path, this will surely bring about great positive changes in the world. _/\_
Not surprise to see so many great and famous people took refuge in Three Jewels. I believe there are many more influential people in the world adopted Buddhism into their lives.
They are highly intelligent people who have tremendous busy schedule and complicated lifestyle. Why they choose Buddhism? When we listen to what they said, Dharma had touched their hearts deeply and enlightened them in one way or another, helped them gone through difficulties and released pain and sufferings in their lives. They meditation, chant holy Mantra and study Dharma. They put Dharma into all aspects of their lives. Dharma made them stronger and helped them re-bounce back quickly. I like the idea of Gere having a very simple and basic living style that let him relax, meditate and release from his heavy and complicated samsaric world.
I thought celebrity become Buddhist like a modern trend for celebrity which may be can upgrade their celebrity status…?? That is not right or wrong! But I think it is good for celebrity be a Buddhist because they are spread a good message to public that Buddhism is good and can change your life without you knowing. Let’s get more and more celebrity be a Buddhist, let’s them to influence more and more people join Buddhism, make this lineage growing and benefits more!
The other Celebrity Buddhists are Leonardo DiCaprio (of the movie “Titanic”), Jennifer Lopez(who starred against Richard Gere in the movie “Shall We Dance”), Harrison Ford (of the movie “Indiana Jones”)and Orlando Bloom (star of “Lord Of The Rings”.
There are so many celebrities who are Buddhist and it is good as they are creating more and more awareness that Buddhism is not only an asian religion but a global religion. There are many aspects of Buddhism one can practice and there are many schools where you can choose to follow or practice. Whichever suits you better, just like Bill Clinton who only practices Buddhist meditation which helps him to relax. And TIna Turner who is a member of the Soka Gakkai group which practices Japanese Buddhism.
I think the message is that no matter whether you are famous or not, no matter the colour of your skin or anywhere you are located, you can practice Buddhism. It is a way of life which can be adopted into your lifestyle.
Very happy to knew about this, the celebrity is a good example for us ,also can spread dharma more fast.
Dharma is for everyone.
Didn’t know that there were so many of the celebrities who are actually Buddhist. Thank you for sharing this Rinpoche.
It’s so fascinating to know whose in Hollywood that is buddhist. Buddhism is not just a religious but is a way of life that is so much logical and practical to transform ones mind to become a better person.
I once read about Koo Stark has claimed the real reason she will not appear in this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is because she is a Buddhist.
Miss Stark, former girlfriend of Prince Andrew, has claimed she could never eat bugs due to her religious beliefs so could not take part.She told Hello! magazine: “I am a Buddhist and I couldn’t kill anything.
Great practitioners and i believe they will be more and more celebrities were to promote the value of Buddhism.
Buddhism is predominantly practiced in the eastern countries and now so many in the west want to learn it too . Hollywood superstars embracing the BUddha’s teachings ! Like Goldie Hawn , born a Jew but practices Buddhism and calls herself a Jew-Bu . That’s so liberal . Very cool too . She must have found Buddhism very flexible to incorporate into her Jew roots . That is just so true of Buddhism . Though it is an ancient teaching , it is so relevant , so current .
I can just imagine what a great impact and influence it would be to many , when Keanu Reeves shares a teaching on Impermanence and Death …. Not wasting another moment of our precious human life !
Rejoice for all that have met the Dharma ! Their life’s will be transformed and many more will benefit from that .
What is exactly id Buddhism?
hehe, i wish all of them read Rinpoche’s blog and fall in love with Kechara instantly, cos there is nothing like Kechara out there! and life would be boring without Kecharian around!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this information here. This blog may have taken up quite a bit of your precious time.
It seems to me that for all these people who have trusts in Buddhism derive this belief from a couple of reasons: That Buddhism helps provide meanings and reliefs for their lives; That Buddhism is a pass-down from their family tradition. For some, it is purely because of chance, such as in the case of George Lucas.
I have never been a religious person, but interesting and gradually I come to accept it….and never did I expect myself to hold a mala in my hand, something that I couldnt imagine at all.
In buddhism, we can this as seeds, that they have ripened.
How beautiful, that in this life I have this chance to meet dharma and to learn and practice dharma.
For me, Buddhism has such a rich amount of wisdom. I feel protected and blessed to come to know Buddhism. For me, Buddhism provides me a good wealth of knowledge and explaination to life events.
It’s good to know that these famous celebrities embraced Buddhism. They will give a breath of fresh air to Buddhism by their representation.
I am sure all these celebrities who have chosen Buddhism now have good seeds from their previous lives to enable them continue the same path. There is no co-incidence but good karma accumulated from previous lives to meet with Dharma again this life and future lives.
Buddhism’s universal values are a draw for many people and beings. And especially people who are in high profile positions and it lets them retreat into something that really takes them out of their normal reality and that helps them not only to relax but to see things better. Of course buddhist practices help us to gain wisdom and penetrate into ideas and concepts much much more.
This is another celebrity Buddhist list we can add on: http://www.dhammawiki.com/index.php?title=Category:Celebrity_Buddhists, to include Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Goldie Hawn and Sting.
It’s wonderful for celebrities to believe in Buddlism. They can use their fame to influence more people to know more about Buddlism. It’s more persuadsive than other ordinary people. Also, they can use their wealth to help the needy. They can help the government to solve some problems of the society such as hungers and crimes.
What a interesting post!! Thank You Rinpoche ^^,
Before reading this post, I really dint know there is so many famous celebrity is a Buddhists!! Interesting ~~~~ ^^, I am sure they will be able to attract more people into Buddhism! As they have a lots of follower and fans! In this way, there will be more and more and more people will benefit from Buddhist teachings as Rinpoche said. Wonderful people ……….
Thank you so much Dearest Rinpoche.
Wow! that’s an impressive list!
Before reading this post, i think i can only name like 5 celebrities whom are Buddhist! lol!
Yeah, i’m surprised Orlando Bloom is not on the list… but there was a description that says ‘he introduced his girlfriend to Buddhism’. In fact, I heard he goes for retreats on a yearly basis.
Also, i thought Brad Pitt is Buddhist too… haha… could be an influence he got when he acted in ‘7 years in Tibet’.
Thank you for sharing this – the post features so many of my favourite people. Buddhism aside, they are people who are making big strides in being of benefit to the world. These are stars are give back, do charities and speak up for a lot of marginalised people (gay rights, feminism etc). It is empowering to see how they are already being of such benefit to the world and using their status to help others, rather to get more into themselves.
Like Sandy said, there are people who are cynical about the fact that celebrities talk about being Buddhist (or whatever religion or cause that they are a part of). There really isn’t anything to be cynical about – I think their actions speaks quite clearly for themselves. If they are being beneficial by who they are, promoting a good cause for the welfare of others, then why not? Outward appearances are everything in this day and age – so we work with it for now because that’s what people are looking for and desire, at first. Celebrity status does pull in a crowd – if you can turn that “fan base” around for someone’s benefit – then why not?
I love this… I’ve been wanting to put the rich and famous Buddhists together to form a list but I only knew that few famous ones who I’ve came across on paper. Knowing that there are more. One reason I want to know and do that is to see how one evolves through their practices, as stars are public figure. So it is interesting to see how they speak, how they think, act after the practices from before and after. It is wonderful to see one change for the better regardless what method they seek.
yeah, im also surprise that Oralando Bloom is not on the list. Angelina Jolie is a Buddhist too isn’t it? so I always wondered if Brad Pitt is too. And recently I came across many interviews of rock n roll indie bands. So many of them rock n roll boys are Buddhists too like Brian Molko of Placebo; they even played at the Angkor Wat.
It is really nice to see people put their religion close to their hearts regardless they are a star or not. And the most beautiful thing of all, they share it publicly so that many can get benefited too…
Please send in pics, short write ups of other Buddhist stars so I can include on this list. This list is not final and not conclusive at all. Thanks.
this blog post is very interesting! It is good to know that there are many celebrities who are Buddhists. Good in a way that they can attract more people to this beautiful religion.
Unlike when I try to talk to my friends about Buddhism, they just conveniently brush me off. But celebrities having so many followers and fans, I am sure they will be able to attract more people into Buddhism!
Great post indeed!
A few media cynics have labelled Buddhism as “the new celebrity fashion accessory”. They say it’s the in-thing for celebrities (and even “ordinary” Westerners)to be seen to be Buddhist.
The normal reaction might be to say “that’s just nonsense”, but I think even if in some cases Buddhism is initially nothing more than a status symbol, it sure beats a lot of other things people can attach themselves to that will no doubt bring them harm.
Some friends of mine have read my Dharma books and dabbled in meditation after some conversations with me (which they instigated). They find Buddhism intriguing, partly because (as they say) “there are no rules”, but mostly because “it really makes sense”. A lot of my friends love the idea that Buddhism is an applied, realised religion, as opposed to falling on your knees and always praying for forgiveness while attending the odd church service now and again.
Those who have read the Dharma books and meditated have found little changes happening within themselves. One friend used to have such a short fuse at work and would become stressed very easily, but now she is much more calm and accepting and feels much happier at work, her mind “much clearer”. Another friend called me after his girlfriend was feeling quite down about things in her life. He had read “The Art of Happiness” by HH Dalai Lama and asked if he could borrow it again, feeling sure it would help.
It just goes to show that even scratching the surface of Buddhism can provide one with so much benefit and it seems in so many cases those who “dabble” in Buddhism actually begin to take a much deeper interest with time and become practitioners – that’s exactly how I became a Buddhist!
It’s so wonderful that many famous people embrace the Dharma. They provide a great example of what’s really important in life. Who has more fame or wealth than a Hollywood star? And yet, they all see value in the Dharma, placing it high above money and wealth.
As for the media cynics, in the few cases where celebrity Buddhism may well be superficial, I can’t see how promoting compassion, understanding and loving kindness can ever be a negative thing, whatever one’s motivation. There are many examples of people who benefit greatly from the Dharma, regardless of their level of knowledge or commitment. Of course, the greater the commitment and the more consistent the effort of one’s practice is, the more benefit one receives.
Celebrity or not, everyone seeks happiness, everyone wants to be free from suffering and there’s no better way to achieve these things than by practicing the Dharma.
Kind regards,
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
I like what you have written and I like most these two para:
“The normal reaction might be to say “that’s just nonsense”, but I think even if in some cases Buddhism is initially nothing more than a status symbol, it sure beats a lot of other things people can attach themselves to that will no doubt bring them harm.”
“As for the media cynics, in the few cases where celebrity Buddhism may well be superficial, I can’t see how promoting compassion, understanding and loving kindness can ever be a negative thing, whatever one’s motivation. There are many examples of people who benefit greatly from the Dharma, regardless of their level of knowledge or commitment. Of course, the greater the commitment and the more consistent the effort of one’s practice is, the more benefit one receives.”
Personally, even the trend for celebrities to embrace Buddhism is a “sign” and to me designed. Why? Majority of the world believe that celebrities “have it all”, some even see that a celebrity status is a significant result for success and accomplishment. I myself believe this because we all know behind the scenes it is never that pretty picture. This is why when they embrace Buddhism it makes a loud bang for people to notice and explore Buddhism.
In doing this, it is good that Dharma seed gets planted into many heads. Dharma here I am addressing overall general wholesome goodness of being a benefit to others.
Much care,
Li Kim
Hehehe I’m surprised Orlando Bloom wasn’t on the list, given he introduced Kate Bosworth and Miranda Kerr to Buddhism 🙂
But seriously speaking, it’s people like them (and Kecharians!) who will change the public’s misunderstanding of Buddhism as a mystical Eastern religion that tells people not to be successful / famous / wealthy, all in the name of non-attachment.
They will also change people’s belief that you only turn to religion when you’re a loser, and cannot succeed in life. These guys have definitely succeeded, and the whole world loves them!
It seems that Elena has got a good sense in dealing with universal minds. Yes, she is very correct on the fact that most western people think Buddhism is a hysterical myth, which does not provide happiness in life. But as a typical SriLankan Buddhist,it all about actual sense of life. Buddhism teaches not only how to get rid of sorrow, but also the way of living an practically excellent lives.
Having seen some rude comments on Buddhism, it appears to me that those critics are furiously terrified over the loss of own religons. Buddhism is very much parallel with the new science theories and innovations. If someone says that Buddhism doesn’t have proper rules for its followers, well then that man has been hoodwinked. It does not contain rules because it is a liberal philosophy which provides the follower a chance of deciding his mind stamina. It is very visible that Buddhism leapfrogs every other religons,those restrict their followers from liberal thinking. And of course,if these celebrities have actual faith in Buddhism, please welcome my Standing ovation.
Elena, you are a sensible person!