List of notable historical figures in Buddhism
(Redirected from List of Buddhists)
This is a list of notable historical figures in Buddhism. This list should not be considered to be complete.
The Buddha and his disciples
- See also: Disciples of Gautama Buddha and Family of Gautama Buddha
The Buddha of the present age
The sangha of monks and nuns
The Buddha's direct disciples who were ordained as monks or nuns:
- Ananda, Siddhartha's cousin, personal attendant of the Buddha
- Angulimala, a murderous bandit converted by the Buddha
- Aniruddha, the Buddha's cousin and disciple
- Aśvajit, one of the group of five ascetics
- Chandaka, Siddhartha's charioteer, and later disciple
- Devadatta, a cousin of Siddhartha who became a jealous rival
- Katyayana, foremost in explaining brief discourses
- Khema, female disciple foremost in wisdom
- Kisa Gotami, became a disciple after the death of her child
- Kaundinya, one of the group of five; the first disciple to become an arhat
- Mahākāśyapa, foremost in ascetic practice
- Maudgalyayana, one of two chief disciples of the Buddha
- Nanda, Buddha's half-brother; foremost in practice of self-control
- Mahapajapati Gotami, Buddha's aunt and foster mother
- Pindola Bharadvaja, known for his extra large alms bowl and for his supernatural powers
- Punna, foremost in teaching the dharma
- Rāhula, the Buddha's only son
- Sariputta, one of the two chief disciples of the Buddha
- Subhuti, foremost in being "worthy of gifts" (in the Pali tradition) and foremost in understanding emptiness (in the Sanskrit tradition).
- Sundari, female disciple foremost in the practice of meditative absorption
- Upali, foremost disciple in knowledge of the Vinaya
- Uppalavanna, female disciple foremost in psychic powers
- Yaśas, the sixth disciple of the Buddha to achieve arhathood
- Yasodharā, Siddhartha's wife before he renounced
The lay followers
Direct disciples of the Buddha who were lay followers (upasaka):
- Amrapali - a female patron of the Buddha who donated a mango grove called Āmrapālīvana
- Anathapindika - a generous patron of the Buddha who donated Jetavana to the sangha
- Ajatasattu - son of Bimbisara, and his successor as king of Magadha
- Bimbisara - a king of Magadha and patron of the Buddha
- Citta - a lay disciple foremost in teaching the dharma
- Cunda - a metal worker who served the Buddha his last meal
- Hatthaka of Alavi - a lay disciple foremost in gathering followers
- Khujjuttara - a female lay disciple who had excellent recollection of the Buddha's teachings, and servant of Queen Samavati
- Māyā - the Buddha's mother (who he taught in a heavenly realm)
- Pasenadi - a king of Kosala
- Samavati - a queen of Kosambi
- Śuddhodana - the Buddha's father
- Sujātā - a woman from a farming family who offered a bowl of rice-milk to Siddhartha; one of the first female disciples
- Velukandakiya - a lay female disciple praised by the Buddha
- Visakha - a female patron of the Buddha
Notable thinkers, etc., who lived after the time of the Buddha
Individuals are grouped by nationality, except in cases where their influence was felt elsewhere.
Sri Lanka and Southern India
- Devānaṃpiyatissa (r. 247-207 BCE), a king of Sri Lanka who converted to Buddhism and established the first Buddhist monastery in Sri Lanka
- Mahinda (c. 280 – 200 BCE), the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka who is credited with converting the Sinhalese king Devānaṃpiyatissa, and establishing the male monastic lineage in Sri Lanka
- Saṅghamittā (282 – 203 BCE), a daughter of Emperor Ashoka and the sister of Mahinda, credited with establishing the female monastic lineage in Sri Lanka
- Upatissa (1st century CE – 2nd century CE), a Sri Lankan monk and the author of The Path to Freedom (Vimuttimagga)
- Buddhaghosa (5th century CE), an Indian-born scholar, he traveled to Sri Lanka, where he wrote the Path to Purification (Visuddhimagga) and other influential texts
- Dhammapāla (5th century CE), a prominent Pali scholar, likely from Southern India; he wrote the Paramatthamañjūsā and other commentaries
- Buddhadatta (5th century CE), a prominent Pali scholar from South India, best known as the author of the Abhidhammāvatāra
- Acariya Anuruddha (between the 5th and 12th centuries), author of the Abhidhammattha-sangaha and other texts
Central and Northern India
Mahayana proponents
Scholars whose writings were translated into Chinese and Tibetan, and had a great influence on Buddhism in East Asia and Tibet:
- Nagarjuna (c. 150-250) one of the most important Mahayana philosophers, along with Asanga
- Aryadeva (fl. 3rd century CE), foremost disciple of Nagarjuna, continued the philosophical school of Madhyamaka
- Asanga (fl. 4th century CE.), one of the most important Mahayana scholars along with Nagarjuna
- Vasubandhu (fl. 4th to 5th century CE), author of the Abhidharmakōśa and other treatises
- Buddhapālita (c. 470—540), early expositor of the Prasaṅgika branch of the Madhyamaka school
- Dignāga (c. 480–540), a scholar whose writings laid the groundwork for the first system of Buddhist logic and epistemology
- Bhāviveka (c. 500-570), early expositor of the Svatantrika branch of the Madhyamaka school
Scholars whose writings were influential in Tibetan Buddhism:
- Chandragomin (5th or 7th century), renowned scholar and poet
- Candrakīrti (c. 600–650), considered the greatest exponent of Prasaṅgika
- Dharmakirti (6th or 7th century), an important figure in Buddhist philosophy; author of the Pramāṇavārttika (Commentary on Epistemology)
- Shantideva (8th century), author of the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra
- Haribhadra (late 8th C.), wrote commentaries on the prajnaparamita sutras
Indian teachers who traveled to Tibet:
- Śāntarakṣita (725–788), an abbot of Nalanda who traveled to Tibet at the invitation of Tibetan king Trisong Detsen
- Kamalaśīla (740-795), traveled to Tibet with Śāntarakṣita, and wrote important texts on meditation
- Atiśa (982 - 1054), brought the "mind training" teachings to Tibet, founder of the Kadampa school
- Śākyaśrībhadra (1127–1225), abbot of Nalanda and Vikramashila; among the last of the Indian panditas who traveled to Tibet to give teachings.
Indian teacher/translators who traveled to China:
Tantric adepts
The teachings of these tantric adepts were primarily transmitted to Tibet:
- Garab Dorje (fl. 55 CE), Indian adept and first master of the Dzogchen tradition
- Padmasambhava (c. 8th - 9th centuries), brought the Vajrayana teachings to Tibet; key figure in the Nyingma lineage of Tibet
- Saraha (c. 8th century), famed mahasiddha, forefather of the Kagyu lineage of Tibet
- Virupa (8th–9th century), the source for the Lamdre teachings of the Sakya lineage
- Tilopa (988–1069), originator of the Kagyu lineage and the teacher of Naropa.
- Naropa (1016-1100?), Tilopa's primary disciple, teacher of Marpa Lotsawa of the Karma Kagyu lineage
- Niguma (10th-11th centuries), teacher of Khungpo Nyaljor of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage
- Luipa (c. 10th century), one of the eighty-four Mahasiddhas. Studied and practiced the teachings of Saraha.
Indo-Greek region
- Dharmarakṣita (3rd century BCE), Greek Buddhist missionary and teacher of Nagasena
- Mahadharmaraksita (2nd century BCE), Greek Buddhist master during the time of Menander
- Menander [alt. Milinda] (c. 165–130 BC), an Indo-Greek king who became a great patron of Buddhism
- Nāgasena (2nd century BCE), Buddhist sage who engaged in a famous dialog with king Milinda/Menander, as recorded in the Milindapañha
Central Asia
These Central Asian Buddhists were early translators of Indian Buddhist texts into the Chinese language.
- An Shigao (c. 148-180 CE), Parthian monk and the first known translator of Indian texts into Chinese
- An Xuan (fl. 168-189), Parthian layman who translated texts along with An Shigao
- Lokaksema, (fl. 147-189), Kushan monk, first known translator of Mahayana sutras into Chinese
- Dharmarakṣa (c. 233-310), of Yuezhi origin, an important early translator of Mahayana sutras into Chinese.
- Kumārajīva (344–413 CE), from the kingdom of Kucha, one the most significant translators of Indian texts into the Chinese language
- Jñānagupta (561-592), monk and translator from Gandhara
China
Sanskrit-to-Chinese translators
See also #Central Asia (for translators from that region)
- Dao'an (312–385), Chinese monk and translator, compiled important early catalogues
- Lushan Huiyuan (334–416), teacher and translator, early advocate of pure land practices
- Faxian (337 – c. 422), a Chinese pilgrim and translator
- Buddhabhadra (359–429), an Indian monk who translated texts into Chinese
- Sengzhao (384–414), student of the translator Kumārajīva; proponent of Madhyamaka teachings
- Sanghapala (466–524 CE), a Khmer monk who translated texts into Chinese
- Jnanayasas (fl. 564-572), Indian monk and translator
- Bodhiruci (6th century CE), Indian monk and translator; patriarch of the Di lun zong
- Xuanzang (602 – 664), Chinese pilgrim and translator; brought Yogacara teachings to China
- Yijing (635–713 CE), Chinese pilgrim and translator
- Prajñā (c. 810), a scholar from Kashmir who translated the Gandavyuha and other works
- Dānapāla (?–1017 ᴄᴇ), Indian monk and translator
Pure Land proponents
- Lushan Huiyuan (334–416), teacher and translator, early advocate of pure land practices
- Tanluan (476–554), his writings were influential in the development of Pure Land Buddhism
- Daochuo (562–645), a Pure Land teacher who emphasized the superiority of the Pure Land path and other power.
- Shandao (613–681) a Pure Land teacher who emphasized the recitation of Amitābha's name (C. nianfo).
Chan zong
The six patriarchs of the Chan zong:
- Bodhidharma (c. late-fourth to early-fifth centuries), Indian monk known as the founder and first patriarch of the Chan school
- Dazu Huike (c. 487–593), second patriarch; scholar and student of Bodhidharma
- Sengcan (496? - 606), third patriarch; author of the Xinxin ming
- Dayi Daoxin (580–651), fourth patriarch; the teachings of Daoxin (and his successor, Hongren) are known as the East Mountain Teachings
- Daman Hongren (601–674), fifth patriarch; student of Dayi Daoxin
- Huineng (638–713), sixth patriarch; associated with "sudden awakening"
Other Chan teachers and scholars:
- Batuo (fl. 464 - 495 CE), founding abbot of Shaolin Monastery
- Yuquan Shenxiu (606?–706), Tang dynasty, patriarch of "Northern School" of Chan Buddhism
- Guishan Lingyou (771–853), co-founder of the Guiyang zong
- Mazu Daoyi (709–788), founder of the Hongzhou zong
- Baizhang Huaihai (720–814), dharma heir of Mazu Daoyi
- Moheyan (8th-century), advocate of “sudden awakening"
- Dongshan Liangjie (807–869), founder of the Caodong zong
- Huangbo Xiyun (9th-century), master of the Hongzhou zong and teacher of Linji Yixuan
- Linji Yixuan (9th-century), founder of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism
- Zhaozhou Congshen (9th-century), master of the Hongzhou zong; often cited in gong'an collections
- Yunmen Wenyan (864–949), founder of the Yunmen zong
- Dahui Zonggao (1089–1163), a master of the Linji zong; introduced the practice of kan huatou
- Ji Gong (1130 – 1209), known for supernatural powers and eccentric behavior
- Wumen Huikai (1183–1260), author of the Gateless Gate (Wumen guan)
- Yinyuan Longxi (17th-century), founder of the Japanese Ōbaku school
Huayan zong
Five patriarchs of the Huayan zong:
- Dushun (c. 557–640), first patriarch the Huayan zong
- Zhiyan (c. 602–668), a student of Dushun who established the main doctrines of Huayan thought
- Fazang (c. 643–712), a teacher of the Empress Wu Zetian (684–705) and is often considered the real founder of the Huayan school.
- Chengguan (c. 738–839), further developed the Huayan teachings through his various commentaries and treatises.
- Guifeng Zongmi (780–841), considered as a patriarch of both the Huayan zong and the Chan zong
Tiantai zong
- Nanyue Huisi (515-577), authority on the Lotus Sutra; third patriarch of Tiantai
- Tiantai Zhiyi (538–597), founder of the Tiantai school; fourth patriarch
- Guanding (561–632), main disciple of Zhiyi
- Jingxi Zhanran (711–782), revitalized the Tiantai tradition during the Tang dynasty
- Daosui (806–820), known for transmitting the Tiantai teachings to Saichō, the founder of the Japanese Tendai school
- Siming Zhili (960–1028), revitalized the tradition during the Song dynasty
- Youxi Chuandeng (1554–1628), played a central role in revitalized the tradition during the Ming dynasty
Other schools
- Jizang (549–623), founder of the San lun zong ("Three treatises school")
- Kuiji (632–682), an exponent of East Asian Yogacara; disciple of the translator Xuanzang (602 – 664)
- Yi Xing (683–727), wrote a commentary on the Mahavairocana Tantra
Tibet and the Himalayas
Nyingma school
Early transmission period:
- Songtsen Gampo (c. 605-650), Tibetan ruler who established the first Buddhist temples in Tibet
- Trisong Detsen (ruled c. 755 - 804), Tibetan ruler who helped Buddhism become firmly established in Tibet
- Śāntarakṣita (725–788), an Indian master who established Samye, the first monastery in Tibet
- Padmasambhava (c. 8th - 9th centuries), tantric Buddhist master from India who brought the Vajrayana teachings to Tibet
- Yeshe Tsogyal (757–817), female student and consort of Padmasambhava
- Mandarava, female student and consort of Padmasambhava
- Vimalamitra (8th century), an Indian master known for transmitting Dzogchen teachings to Tibet
- Vairotsana (c. 8th - 9th centuries), translator who helped bring the Dzogchen teachings to Tibet
Later scholars:
- Longchenpa (1308–1364), a great scholar-yogi of the Nyingma school
- Mipam Gyatso (1846–1912), an influential scholar and teacher of the Nyingma school
Sarma schools
The Sarma ("new") schools follow the later transmission of Buddhist texts from India to Tibet, made from the time of the great translator Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055) onwards.
Kadampa school:
- Atiśa (982 - 1054), brought the "mind training" teachings to Tibet, which became basic teachings of the Kadampa school
- Dromton Gyelwa Jungne, (c. 1004–1064), main disciple of Atiśa, founded Radreng Monastery
- Ngok Legpe Sherab (u.d.), founded Sangphu Neuthok in 1071
- Potowa Rinchen Sel (1027-1105), served as abbot of Radreng Monastery
- Langri Tangpa (1054–1123), wrote the Eight Verses of Training the Mind
- Chekawa Yeshe Dorje (1102–1176), wrote the Seven Points of Mind Training
Kagyu school:
- Marpa Lotsawa (1012–1097), student of Naropa and a founder of the Kagyu lineage
- Milarepa (c. 1052 – 1135) , foremost student of Marpa Lotsawa
- Gampopa (1079-1153/9), student of Milarepa and founder of the Karma Kagyu lineage
- Taklung Thangpa Tashi Pal (1142–1210), founder of the Taklung Kagyu lineage
- Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217), founder of Drikung Kagyu Lineage
- Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje (1161–1211), one of the founders of the Drukpa Lineage
- Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339), the third Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu lineage
Sakya school:
- Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158), known for his writings on the Lamdre system
- Sakya Pandita (1182 – 1251), one of the greatest Sakya scholars
Jonang school:
- Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (1292–1361), founder of the Jonang school
- Taranatha (1575–1634), Jonang scholar
Gelug school:
- Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), founder of the Gelug school
- 5th Dalai Lama (1617–1682), established temporal control over all of Tibet
Rimé tradition:
- Jamgon Kongtrul (1813–1899), one of the founders of the Rimé movement
- Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892), a renowned teacher, scholar and tertön
- Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870), a major tertön of the Kagyu and Nyingma schools.
Korea
- Jajang (590–658), helped introduce Buddhism to the Silla kingdom
- Woncheuk (c. 613–696), Korean scholar whose works were influential in China, Korea and Tibet
- Wonhyo (617–668), one of the most important philosophers and commentators in East Asian Buddhism
- Kim Hwasang (684–762), Korean born master of Chan
- Uisang (7th century), founder of Hwaeom school, based upon the Chinese Huayan zong
- Pojo Chinul (1158–1210), Korean Seon master; one of the two most influential monks in the history of Korean Buddhism (along with Wonhyo)
- Kihwa (1376–1433), Korean Seon monk; wrote commentaries on the Diamond Sutra and Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment
Japan
Earlier schools:
- Ryōben (689–773), one of the founders the Kegon school
- Saichō (767–822), founder of the Tendai school
- 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
Pure Land schools:
- Hōnen (1133–1212), founder of the Jōdo-shū school of Pure Land Buddhism
- Shinran (1173–1263), founder of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Pure Land Buddhism and disciple of Hōnen
- Ippen (1234–1289), founder of the Ji-shū sect of Pure Land Buddhism
Rinzai Zen:
- Eisai (1141–1215), traveled to China and returned to found the Rinzai school of Zen
- Ikkyū Sōjun (1374–1481), Rinzai Zen master and poet
- Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769), Rinzai master credited with reviving the school
Soto Zen:
- Dōgen Zenji (1200–1253), founder of the Soto Zen school
- Keizan Jōkin (1268–1325), the "second patriarch" of the Soto Zen school
Nichiren school:
- Nichiren (1222–1282), founder of Nichiren Buddhism
Burma
- Shin Arahan (1034–1115), leader of the Buddhist sangha of the Pagan Kingdom from 1056 to 1115
- Ledi Sayadaw (1846–1923), scholarly monk and propagator of Vipassanā meditation
- Mingun Jetawun Sayādaw (1868–1955), one of the key figures in the revival of Vipassanā meditation
- Webu Sayadaw (1896–1977), renowned Vipassanā meditation master
- Mogok Sayadaw (1899–1962), renowned Vipassanā meditation master
- Sayagyi U Ba Khin (1899–1971), propagator of Vipassanā meditation in the Ledi tradition and founder of the International Meditation Centre
- Mahasi Sayadaw (1904–1982), who had significant impact on the Vipassana movement in the West and throughout Asia
- Mingun Sayadaw (1911–1993), best known for his memory skills and his important role in the Sixth Buddhist Council, awarded the title of Tipitakadhara, meaning Keeper and Guardian of the Tipitaka
- Panditarama Sayadaw (1921–2016), renowned Vipassanā meditation master who taught many Western meditation teachers and students
- Chanmyay Sayadaw (born 1928), well-known monk and editor of the Buddhist scriptures in Pali for the Sixth Buddhist Council
Thailand
- Somdej Toh (1788–1872), monk who was the preceptor and teacher of King Rama IV
- Mongkut (1804 – 1868), King Rama IV of Thailand, and founder of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya
- Pavares Variyalongkorn (1809 –1892), 8th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
- Ariyavangsagatayana (Sa Pussadeva) (1812–1899), the 9th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand from 1893 to 1899
- Ajahn Sao Kantasīlo (1859–1942), one of the pioneers of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya, mentor of Ajahn Mun
- Vajirananavarorasa (1860–1921), the 10th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand from 1910 to 1921, who helped to institutionalize Thai Buddhism
- 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
- Phra Phimontham (1901–1992), well-known monk and proponent of vipassana meditation
- Phra Ajaan Thate Desaransi (1902–1994), first-generation student of the Thai Forest Tradition and one of the founding teachers of the lineage
- Buddhadasa (1906–1993), famous and influential Thai ascetic-philosopher of the 20th century
- Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo (1907–1961), regarded as one of the great teachers and meditation masters of the Thai Forest Tradition
- Ajahn Maha Bua (1913–2011), well-known monk in the Thai Forest Tradition
- 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
External links
List_of_Buddhists, Wikipedia
