Buddhism Figures
Five figures who shaped Buddhist origins, philosophy, monastic learning, and later schools.
5 profilesBuddhism Figures
Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is the central figure of Buddhist tradition.
- Birth
- c. 5th century BCE
- Region
- North India and Nepal
Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna is one of the most important philosophers in Mahayana Buddhism.
- Birth
- c. 150 CE
- Region
- South Asia
Asanga
Asanga is a major Buddhist philosopher associated with the Yogacara school.
- Birth
- c. 4th century CE
- Region
- South Asia
Buddhaghosa
Buddhaghosa became a defining commentator for Theravada Buddhist learning.
- Birth
- c. 5th century CE
- Region
- South Asia and Sri Lanka
Dogen
Dogen is a central figure in Japanese Zen thought and practice.
- Birth
- 1200 CE
- Region
- Japan