Celebrity Buddhists
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: http://blog.tsemtulku.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.
Other famous Buddhists are:-
- Naomi Watts
- Sting
- Harrison Ford
- Russell Simmons
- Phil Jackson – NBA Coach
- Steve Wynn
- Sharon Stone
- Hernann Hesse
- Dennis Weaver
- Alice Walker
- Adam Yauch – Lead Singer of Beastie Boys
- Jet Li
- Joanna Lumley
- Kylie Kwong
- William Ford, Jr. – Chairman of Ford Motor Company
- Belinda Carlisle – Pop Singer
- Cher – Singer
- Faye Wong
- Patrick Duffy
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
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!
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
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!
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.
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?
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 so much Dearest Rinpoche.
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 ……….
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s good to know that these famous celebrities embraced Buddhism. They will give a breath of fresh air to Buddhism by their representation.
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.
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!
As someone new to Buddhism all I can say is that it offered me something no other religion offered me. A sense of belonging, a sense of giving.. And it still does….and now that I know a little better I can say this….if the philosophy intrigues you…take it and use it to inspire others around you, as these celebrities have….if its the Dharma you are looking for….it will transform the way you think, act and live. I hope I am able to live up to these words for as long as this body is able….and long after the mind chooses a newer ‘garment’.
What is exactly id 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 .
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.
Didn’t know that there were so many of the celebrities who are actually Buddhist. Thank you for sharing this Rinpoche.
Very happy to knew about this, the celebrity is a good example for us ,also can spread dharma more fast.
Dharma is for everyone.
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.
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”.
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!
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.
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. _/\_
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.
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”.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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。
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.
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！
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.
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.
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…
I am too proud to know about the all Buddhist celebrate
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.