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List of converts to Buddhism from Christianity

Last updated

This is a list of notable converts to Buddhism from Christianity.

Contents

List

NameFormer denominationNationalityNotesRefs.
Cher Armenian Apostolic Church Americanone of the greatest musician and actress [1] [2] [3]
Nyanatiloka Mahathera (Anton Walther Florus Gueth) Catholic Church Germanone of the earliest western Buddhist monks and founder of Island Hermitage [4]
Penélope Cruz Spanishactress and model [5]
Eileen Gu Anglicism Chinese-American freestyle skier [6] [7]
Anthony Lee Baptist Americanactor and activist [8]
Ananda Metteya (Charles Henry Allan Bennett) Catholic Church Britishone of the earliest western Buddhist monk and established the first Buddhist Mission in the United Kingdom [9]
Chris Evans Americanactor and producer [10] [11]
Thomas William Rhys Davids Congregationalism Britishscholar of the Pāli language and founder of Pali Text Society [12]
Colonel Henry Steel Olcott Presbyterianism Americanmilitary officer, lawyer and first well-known American to make a formal conversion to Buddhism [13]
Lokanatha (Salvatore Cioffi) Catholic Church ItalianTheravadin Buddhist missionary monk [14]
Roberto Baggio Catholic Church Italianfootballer [15] [16]
Kotahene Soma Maha Thera Sri LankanTheravadin Buddhist monk, translator and missionary [17]
Aliana Lohan Americanactress, singer and fashion model [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]
Alanis Morissette Americansinger-songwriter and musician [23]
Sophia Abrahão Brazilianmodel and actress [24]
Gotamī Italianbhikkuni and author [25]
Solomon Bandaranaike Anglicanism Sri Lankanformer Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and founder of Sri Lanka Freedom Party [26]
Melody Gardot Dutch Reformed Church Americansinger and model [27]
Catherine Spaak Protestantism Frenchactress and singer [28]
Dewi Lestari Catholic Church Indonesianwriter, singer-songwriter [29]
Dayenne Mesquita Brazilianactress and model [30]
Prince Esper Esperovich Ukhtomsky Russian Orthodox Church Russianpoet, publisher and Oriental enthusiast [31]
Helena Blavatsky Russian Orthodox Church Russianphilosopher, occultist, founder of the Theosophical Society [32]
Richard Tiffany Gere Methodism AmericanFamous actor and producer, co-founder of Tibet House US [33]
Jimmy Barnes Protestantism AustralianSinger and rapper [34]
Orlando Bloom Church of England EnglishFamous actor and leading man in Hollywood films [35] [36]
Ajahn Sumedho (Robert Karr Jackman) Episcopal Church (United States) Americanthe one who introduced Thai Forest Tradition to the West and most senior western disciple of Ajahn Chah [37]
Ajahn Viradhammo (Vitauts Akers) Lutheranism Canadiansenior western disciple of Ajahn Chah, founder & abbot of Tisarana Buddhist Monastery [38]
Ajahn Brahm Not specificEnglishsenior western disciple of Ajahn Chah and abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery [39]
Ajahn Candasiri Not specificScottish Theravada Buddhist nun of Thai Forest Tradition and one of the senior monastics in western Buddhist circle [40] [41]
Ayya Nirodha (Elizabeth Gorski) Catholic Church Austrian, later Australian Theravada Buddhist nun of Thai Forest Tradition, former Abbess of Santi Forest Monastery [42]
Tara Brach Unitarianism Americanpsychologist and founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D.C. (IMCW) [43]
Belinda Carlisle Southern Baptist Convention Americansinger (the Go-Go's), songwriter [44] [45]
Houn Jiyu-Kennett Church of England EnglishSoto Zen rōshi and founder of Shasta Abbey [46]
John Daido Loori Catholic Church AmericanZen Buddhist rōshi, abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery [47]
Ananda Claude Dalenberg Dutch Reformed Church AmericanZen priest ordained by Shunryū Suzuki [48]
Michael D. ("Mugaku") Zimmerman Episcopal Church (United States) Americanprominent attorney and former justice of the Utah Supreme Court [49]
William Oliver Stone Episcopal Church (United States) Americanfilm director, producer, and screenwriter [50]
Pema Chödrön Catholic Church American Tibetan Buddhist nun [51]
Fabian Fucan Catholic Church (Society of Jesus)Japanesewriter of tracts, at first supporting Christianity and then criticizing it [52]
Ko Ye Lwin Not specificBurmeseprominent musician, guitarist and peace activist [53]
Alfred Bloom Evangelicalism Americanprofessor and dean of the Institute of Buddhist Studies [54]
Seungsahn Haengwon Presbyterianism Korean Seon master and the founder of Kwan Um School of Zen [55]
Junius Richard Jayewardene Not specificSri Lankanfirst President of Sri Lanka and former Prime minister [56]
Steve Jobs Lutheranism Americanco-founder of Apple Computer, Inc. [57] [58]
Charles R. Johnson African Methodist Episcopal Church Americanpolitical cartoonist, novelist and Buddhist writer [59]
Dewi Lestari Pentecostalism Indonesiansinger and writer [60] [61]
Tsai Chih Chung Catholic Church Taiwanesefamous cartoonist, well-known in both Taiwan and mainland China [62]
Leung Man-tao Chinesewriter, critic and host [63]
Christine Rankin New Zealanderpolitician and former civil servant who served as head of the Ministry of Social Development [64]
Seta Manoukian Armenian Apostolic Church ArmenianArmenian painter [65]
Tina Turner Baptist Swisssinger and actress [66]
Herman Vetterling Swedenborgianism Americanmystic but he retained elements of Swedenborg thought after his conversion [67] [68]
Michael Imperioli Catholicism Americanactor, writer, director, and musician. [69] [70]
Sam Lao Church of the East ChineseRishi, Dalit Buddhist and New Age Scientist. [71] [72]
Theodor Schultze Protestantism GermanCivil servant, religious writer [73]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Schube, Will (2021-11-01). "Cher Announces Streaming Event To Benefit Buddhist Monastery And Nunnery In Nepal". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
  2. ↑ "Cher says she's now a Buddhist". www.sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
  3. ↑ Collins, Nancy (2010-07-01). "Cher's Los Angeles High-Rise Features Decor from Around the World". Architectural Digest. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
  4. ↑ Bhikkhu Nyanatusita and Hellmuth Hecker (2008). The Life of Nyanatiloka: The Biography of a Western Buddhist Pioneer. Buddhist Publication Society. p. 17. ISBN   9789552402906.
  5. ↑ Galloway, Stephen (2017-03-22). "New Again: Penélope Cruz". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  6. ↑ "5 Winter Olympians Who Rely On Faith In The Quest For Gold". Religion Unplugged. 2026-02-04. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  7. ↑ "谷爱凌：我已信仰佛教 摆脱外界舆论与声誉的影响 - 国际 - 即时国际 | 星洲网 Sin Chew Daily Malaysia Latest News and Headlines". www.sinchew.com.my. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  8. ↑ "Archives". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  9. ↑ "Bennett, (Charles Henry) Allan (1872-1923)". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  10. ↑ Sachs, Adam (May 2012). "The Avengers' Chris Evans: Just Your Average Beer-Swilling, Babe-Loving Buddhist". Details . Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  11. ↑ Eels, Josh (May 4, 2016). "'Captain America: Civil War': Why Chris Evans Is the Anxious Avenger". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Buddhist India, by T.W. Rhys Davids". Fsnow.com. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  13. ↑ Janet Kerschner, The Olcott Family Archived 2008-12-18 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ↑ "From Catholic to Chemist to Buddhist Missionary". tricycle.org. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Planet Sport: Roberto Baggio returns ponytail for Italian federation". The Guardian. August 8, 2010.
  16. ↑ "Buddisti Soka Gakkai. Una Sabina vi convertirà" (in Italian). Chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  17. ↑ The Path Of Freedom (Vimuttimagga) of Arahant Upatissa Translated from the Chinese by Rev. N. R. M. Ehara, Soma Thera, Kheminda Thera. Buddhist Publication Society. Kandy, Ceylon, page IX
  18. ↑ "9 Celebrities who publicly changed their religion". India.com. May 27, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Lindsay Lohan Is Reportedly Converting to Islam". Complex.com. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  20. ↑ "From Richard Gere to Katie Holmes: When celebs left their religion". dna. May 22, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Lindsay Lohan confirms she's studying Islam after being seen with a Koran". The Washington Times . Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Ali Lohan". TV Guide . Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Alanis Morissette". InsideNoVA. September 16, 2021. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2021. 'Ironic' singer Alanis Morissette has been practicing Buddhism many years.
  24. ↑ "Sophia Abrahão: Quem ria de mim no começo, passou a me imitar". CLAUDIA (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2026-02-08.
  25. ↑ Bassani, Venerable Gotami, Erica; Gotami, Venerable (2026-02-24). "Why I Became a Nun at 23". Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Retrieved 2026-03-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ↑ Melkonian, Neery. "Lebanon in the Armenian Imaginary: So Close with a Distance". Seismopolite: Journal of Art and Politics. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  27. ↑ "BBC - Ouch! (disability) - Interviews - 13 Questions: Melody Gardot". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  28. ↑ TG24, Sky (2018-04-03). "Catherine Spaak compie 73 anni". tg24.sky.it (in Italian). Retrieved 2026-01-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ↑ CINEMA 21. "CINEMA 21 - We Are The Largest Cinema Chain In Indonesia". CINEMA 21. Retrieved 2024-04-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  30. ↑ "Terraço Paulistano". VEJA SÃO PAULO (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  31. ↑ Johnson, K. Paul. Initiates of theosophical masters.(SUNY series in Western esoteric traditions/Suny Series in Political Party Development). SUNY Press, 1995. ISBN   0-7914-2555-X, 978-0-7914-2555-8 page 125
  32. ↑ Cranston, Sylvia (1993). HPB: The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky, Founder of the Modern Theosophical Movement. London: G.P. Putnam's Sons. p. 9. ISBN   978-0-87477-688-1.
  33. ↑ "Richard Gere: On guard". BBC News. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  34. ↑ McCarthy, Danielle. "Why Jimmy Barnes abandoned son David Campbell as a baby OverSixty". Oversixty.com.au. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  35. ↑ Orlando Bloom 'converts to Buddhism'
  36. ↑ Interview with Orlando Bloom Archived March 22, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  37. ↑ "Buddha, by Ajahn Sumedho". Buddhism Now. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  38. ↑ Mauro Peressini (2016). Choosing Buddhism: The Life Stories of Eight Canadians. Ottawa University Press; 1st edition. pp. 69–101. ISBN   9780776623337.
  39. ↑ "I Kidnapped a Monk!". Buddhistdoor International. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  40. ↑ BBC
  41. ↑ Ajahn Candasiri's website Archived July 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  42. ↑ Trebilcock, Freeman (2016-09-01), Buddhist Life Stories of Australia - Venerable Nirodha Bhikkhuni , retrieved 2021-10-02
  43. ↑ ""Allow life to be as it is"" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  44. ↑ "Allez-allez - a Go-Go decides to turn French". The Sydney Morning Herald. March 5, 2007.
  45. ↑ Carlisle, Belinda (2011). Lips Unsealed: A Memoir. Crown Publishing Group. p. 222. ISBN   978-0-307-46350-0.
  46. ↑ Kay, David N. (2007). Tibetan and Zen Buddhism in Britain: Transplantation, Development and Adaptation. Routledge. pp. 120–121.
  47. ↑ Magida, Arthur J. (2006). Opening the Doors of Wonder: Reflections on Religious Rites of Passage. University of California Press. p. 203. ISBN   0520245458.
  48. ↑ "Ananda Claude Dalenberg Biographical Notes". Cuke.com. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  49. ↑ Jarvik, Elaine (December 16, 2006). "Utah justice now Zen teacher". Deseret News. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012.
  50. ↑ "The religion of director Oliver Stone". Adherents.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2010. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  51. ↑ PBS
  52. ↑ De Bary, William Theodore (2008). Sources of East Asian Tradition: The modern period. Columbia University Press. pp. 184–185. ISBN   978-0-231-14323-3.
  53. ↑ Zon Pann Pwint (20 July 2018). "Ko Ye Lwin: a great musician and a late Buddhist samaritan". The Myanmar Times . Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  54. ↑ Gee, Pat (2017-08-29). "Former UH professor shared compassion of Shin Buddhism". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
  55. ↑ Ford, James Ishmael (2006). Zen Master Who?. Wisdom Publications. pp.  99, 100, 101. ISBN   0-86171-509-8.
  56. ↑ de Silva, K. M.; William Howard Wriggins (1988). J.R. Jayewardene of Sri Lanka. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii Press. p. 133. ISBN   0-8248-1183-6.
  57. ↑ What do Steve Jobs’s final words mean?
  58. ↑ The spiritual side of Steve Jobs
  59. ↑ Charles R. Johnson interview at Monsters&Critics Archived 2007-11-08 at the Wayback Machine : "Buddhism has been my refuge (as it was intended to be for practitioners) since I was 14-years-old, and first sat in formal meditation."
  60. ↑ Dewi 'Dee' Lestari: Love, spirituality and ecology [ permanent dead link ]
  61. ↑ "Sensasi Pernikahan Kedua Dewi Lestari". Archived from the original on 2015-11-21. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  62. ↑ "漫畫大師蔡志忠 少林寺落髮出家". cna.com.tw. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  63. ↑ 凤凰网：梁文道在佛教中寻找人生方向 (in Chinese)
  64. ↑ Claire Harvey (2005-12-31). "Free-range soul searching replacing organised religion in NZ". New Zealand Herald.
  65. ↑ New York Times
  66. ↑ Orth, Maureen (2004). "Proud Tina: Tina Turner". The Importance of Being Famous . Henry Holt and Company. p.  42. ISBN   9780805075458 . Retrieved July 21, 2012. buddhist.
  67. ↑ The Dharma of Emanuel Swedenborg: A Buddhist Perspective
  68. ↑ Imagining Tibet : Perceptions, Projections, and Fantasies by Thierry Dodin
  69. ↑ "Buddhist Channel | Personality".
  70. ↑ "Inside the Zen Mind of Michael Imperioli". 3 September 2020.
  71. ↑ The Dharma of Emanuel Swedenborg: A Buddhist Perspective
  72. ↑ Imagining Tibet : Perceptions, Projections, and Fantasies by Thierry Dodin
  73. ↑ Myers, Perry (2013). German Visions of India, 1871– 1918: Commandeering the Holy Ganges during the Kaiserreich. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 86–96. ISBN   9781137299710.
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