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

Philosophers and founders of schools

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

Buddha's disciples and early Buddhists

Later Indian Buddhists (after Buddha)

From Gandhara

Indo-Greek

Central Asian

Chinese

Tibetan

Japanese

Korean

Burmese

Thai

Rulers and monarchs

Modern teachers

Theravada teachers

Tibetan Buddhist teachers

Dzogchen and Bon teachers

Zen teachers

Austrian British Danish Dutch German Italian Irish Polish Spanish Swedish Swiss Indian

Writers

Politicians and activists

Indian

Malaysian

Japanese

Burmese

American

English

South Korean

Vietnamese

Sri Lankan

Film and television

American

Brazilian

British

Chinese

Danish

Indian

Italian

Malaysian

Spanish

Thai

Billionaire

American

British

Chinese

Sri Lankan

Music

American

Australian

British

Canadian

Chinese

Hong Konger

Indian

Italian

South Korean

Sport

Football

Cricket

Basketball

Swimming

Rugby

Golf

Boxing

Wrestlers

Sumo wrestling

Military

American

British

Buddhist practitioners notable in other fields

Fictional Buddhists

Anime and manga

Graphic novels

Literature

Film and television

Video games

Misc