 | |
 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c.320 million (4.1% of the global population)  (Worldwide, 2025 est.)[1] | |
| Founder | |
| The Buddha[2] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Thailand | 67,000,000[3] |
 China | 53,000,000[4] |
 Myanmar | 47,000,000[5] |
 Japan | 46,000,000[6] |
 Vietnam | 22,000,000[7] |
 Cambodia | 16,000,000[8] |
 Sri Lanka | 15,000,000[9] |
 South Korea | 9,850,000[10] |
 India | 9,550,000[11] |
 Malaysia | 6,400,000[12] |
| Religions | |
| Mahayana Buddhism (≈55%) Theravāda Buddhism (≈35%) Vajrayana Buddhism (≈10%) | |
| Scriptures | |
| Tripiṭaka (Pāli Canon),Mahayana sutras,Vajrayana texts | |
| Languages | |
| |
| Part ofa series on |
| Buddhism |
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Buddhists (listenⓘ) are people who adhere toBuddhism, a religious and philosophical tradition founded bySiddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th–4th century BCE inIndia. Buddhist identity can be religious, cultural, or secular, encompassingmonastic practitioners, lay followers, and individuals who adopt meditation and ethical practices without formal rituals.[13]
The term originates from the Sanskrit word Bauddha (बौद्ध), meaning "follower of the Buddha", which itself is derived fromBuddha (बुद्ध), meaning "the Awakened One."[14] In ancient India, followers of the Buddha identified themselves asSakyans (Sakyabhiksu), derived from the name of the Buddha's clan, the Sakyas.[15] The English termBuddhist emerged in the early 19th century, combiningBuddha with the suffix "-ist," denoting a follower or adherent. The first recorded use of Buddhist inEnglish was in 1810.[16] In descending order, the percentage of people who identify as Buddhists on each continental landmass stands at: the vast majority (about 98%) inAsia and thePacific, around 1% inEurope, and less than 1% inAfrica,Oceania, and theAmericas collectively.[17]
Additionally, in subdivided geographical regions, the figure stands at approximately 93% inEast Asia, 67% inSoutheast Asia, and 29% inSouth Asia.[17] While there are severalBuddhist schools and traditions, as well asnon-denominational Buddhists, the two largest traditions areTheravāda Buddhism (predominantly inSri Lanka,Thailand,Myanmar,Cambodia, andLaos) andMahayana Buddhism (predominantly inChina,Japan,Korea, andVietnam).[18]
There are about 320 million Buddhists, who comprise 4.1% of the global population.[1] It is the only major religion to have declined massively in the last decade, particularly due to growing irreligion in East Asia.[19] However, it has grown in influence inWestern countries due to increasing interest inmeditation andmindfulness practices.[20] By sheer numbers,Thailand accounts for the largest portion of the global Buddhist population,[21] followed byChina andMyanmar.[22] Outside of Buddhist-majority countries, significant populations are found inIndia and theUnited States.[19][23][24]
The word "Buddhist" is derived from "Buddha", meaning "the awakened one", and was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe followers of the Buddha. In local contexts, early Indian practitioners were calledSramanas (ascetics) orShramaneras (novice monks), emphasizing renunciation and ethical practice.[13] With the spread of Buddhism across Asia, terms likeFo-zu (China),Bukkyōsha (Japan), andChos-pa (Tibet) came into use, reflecting local languages and cultural adaptations.[25]
Monks, even if bandits were to carve you up savagely into pieces with a two-handled saw, he among you who let his heart get angered even at that would not be [a Buddhist].
The term "Buddhist" is used broadly to describe anyone who follows the teachings of theBuddha, regardless of specific school or region. While the umbrella term "Buddhist" is widely recognized inEnglish language and otherEuropean languages, historical and regional variations exist. In earlyIndian texts, practitioners were often calledSramanas, meaning ascetics, orShramanas (novice monks), highlighting their focus onethical conduct,meditation, andrenunciation.[13]
With the spread ofBuddhism acrossAsia, different terms emerged to reflect local languages and traditions. InChina, followers were known asFo-zu (Buddha followers) orFanfo (foreign Buddha).[25] InJapan, they were calledBukkyōsha (practitioners of the Buddha's teachings).[27]Tibetan andHimalayan communities use the termChos-pa to denote those following theDharma.[28]
Additionally, within Buddhist schools, specific identifiers exist:Theravada Buddhists follow thePāli Canon andVinaya (monastic discipline) primarily inSoutheast Asia;Mahayana Buddhists follow a diverse set ofMahayana sutras and emphasize theBodhisattva path, particularly inEast Asia; andVajrayana Buddhists engage inesoteric practices and rituals found mainly inTibet,Bhutan, andMongolia.[29]
Modern usage of the term "Buddhist" encompasses both traditional religious practitioners and secular individuals who adopt aspects ofBuddhist philosophy,meditation, andethical teachings without necessarily adhering torituals ormonastic life.[30]
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Buddhist identity has evolved over more than twomillennia, shaped by religious, cultural, and political contexts. In its earliest stages inIndia, followers were identified primarily asSramanas—ascetics committed tomeditation,ethical living, and renunciation—rather than as "Buddhists."[13] After theBuddha's death,Buddhist communities organized aroundviharas, and identity was often tied to adherence to theVinaya (monastic code) and thePāli Canon orSanskrit scriptures.[31]
AsBuddhism spread beyond India alongtrade routes toCentral Asia,East Asia, andSoutheast Asia, regional and cultural adaptations influenced the formation of distinct Buddhist identities. InChina, Buddhism integrated withConfucianism andDaoism, leading to the emergence ofMahayana traditions, while inTibet,Vajrayana practices became central, creating aTibetan Buddhist identity that combined religious, cultural, and political elements.[28] InSoutheast Asia,Theravada Buddhism became closely linked with national identity in countries such asThailand,Myanmar, andSri Lanka, where kings and governments historically patronizedmonasteries and promotedmoral and social values.[32]
Duringcolonial periods, European scholars and administrators began to categorize followers of Buddhism as "Buddhists," standardizing the term in global discourse. This classification sometimes contrasted with local identities, which were often based onethnicity,region, or monastic affiliation rather than the broad religious label.[25] In the modern era, Buddhist identity can bereligious, cultural, or even secular, encompassing traditionalmonastic practitioners, lay devotees, and individuals who adoptmeditation andethical practices without participating in formalrituals.[30]
The origins of Buddhists as a distinct community can be traced to the northeasternIndian subcontinent during the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, a period marked by social transformation, urbanisation, and philosophical inquiry. Early followers of theBuddha formed both monastic and lay communities, embracing his teachings on theMiddle Way,Four Noble Truths, andNoble Eightfold Path.[33]
Early Buddhists included members of theShakya clan, merchants, peasants, and other ascetic seekers, who were drawn to the Buddha's teachings as an alternative to ritualistic and hierarchicalPali canon traditions. The monastic community, orSangha, became central to Buddhist identity. Monks and nuns observed theVinaya (monastic code) and acted as custodians of the teachings, while lay Buddhists supported the Sangha through donations and practiced ethical precepts and meditation.[34]
Royal patronage, particularly by theMauryan emperorAshoka (c. 268–232 BCE), facilitated the growth of Buddhists beyond India. Ashoka sponsored the construction ofstupas, monasteries, and educational institutions, and dispatched missionaries toSri Lanka,Central Asia, andSoutheast Asia. His edicts promoted non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and religious tolerance, which helped solidify a communal Buddhist identity.[35]
As Buddhism spread, distinct regional traditions and schools of thought developed, influencing the cultural and religious identity of Buddhists.Theravāda Buddhism became established inSri Lanka and Southeast Asia, emphasizing Pāli Canon study and monastic discipline, whileMahayana Buddhism flourished inChina,Korea,Japan, andTibet, incorporating local practices, devotional rituals, and philosophical innovations.[36]
Buddhist identity has historically been expressed through ethical conduct, meditation, communal rituals, art, and architecture. Monasteries functioned as centers of learning, cultural preservation, and social welfare. Over time, Buddhist identity adapted to local cultures while retaining core teachings, allowing communities to survive periods of persecution, political change, and migration.[37]
Buddhists began to influenceWestern thought during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly through the translation ofBuddhist texts, scholarly study, and the interest of philosophers, psychologists, and writers. Western adherents often emphasize meditation, mindfulness, and ethical principles over ritual practice, reflecting a philosophical or secular approach to Buddhist identity.[38]
In the 20th century, the establishment of Buddhist centers and monasteries in Europe andNorth America helped form new Buddhist communities. Figures such asDalai Lama,Thich Nhat Hanh andChögyam Trungpa contributed to the adaptation of Buddhist teachings in Western cultural contexts, emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and sociallyengaged Buddhism.[39] Western Buddhists often integrate Buddhist practices with psychology, health, and well-being initiatives, includingMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and related programs. This modern interpretation has led to a pluralistic and globalized Buddhist identity, combining traditional spiritual teachings with secular ethical and meditative practices.[40]
As of 2025, there are approximately 320 million Buddhist worldwide, representing about 4.1% of the global population.[41] The majority of Buddhists reside inAsia, with significant populations inChina,[42]Thailand,Japan,[43]Myanmar,[44]Sri Lanka,[45] andVietnam.[46] Thailand is home to the largest number of Buddhists, estimated at 67 million,[21] including both practicingmonks and lay followers who observe Buddhist customs andBuddhist rituals.[47]
Southeast Asia has substantial Buddhist populations, withThailand accounting for approximately 67 million,Myanmar 38 million,Sri Lanka 15 million,[48] andVietnam 14 million.[32]East Asia also has significant Buddhist communities, includingJapan with around 45 million followers andSouth Korea with about 11 million adherents.[27][49]
Buddhism is practiced by people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.[50] InSouth Asia, Buddhists are predominantly found among theSinhalese inSri Lanka, theBamar inMyanmar, and various minority groups inIndia andNepal.[51][52] InEast Asia andSoutheast Asia,Chinese,Japanese,Vietnamese,Thai, and other ethnic groups maintain Buddhist traditions.[53] OutsideAsia, the global Buddhist population includes converts and practitioners inEurope,North America,Australia, and other regions, reflecting a growing secular or meditation-oriented form of Buddhist identity.[54]
Buddhist culture encompasses a wide range of practices, beliefs, artistic expressions, and social institutions that have developed over more than two millennia. Central toBuddhist culture aremonastic communities,meditation practices,ethical conduct, andritual observances.[55][56]Monasteries serve as centers of learning, spiritual guidance, and community service, often playing an important role inEducation,Healthcare, and social welfare inBuddhist-majority countries.[57]
Buddhist literature includes canonical texts such as thePāli Canon,Mahayana sutras, and commentaries, which provide guidance on philosophy, ethics, meditation, and ritual. Local traditions have produced extensive literature inSanskrit,Tibetan,Chinese,Japanese, and other languages.[25]Meditation practices, includingmindfulness (sati),concentration (samadhi), andVipassana (insight), form an essential part of daily life for many Buddhists, whether monastic or lay, and have influenced global secularmindfulness movements.[58]
Buddhist culture also emphasizesCompassion,nonviolence, and ethical living, often reflected in social and charitable activities.[59] In many countries, Buddhist organizations provide humanitarian aid, educational programs, and disaster relief, integrating spiritual teachings with practical service to society.[32]
Buddhist festivals are spiritual and cultural celebrations that commemorate important events in the life of theBuddha, honor his teachings (Dharma), and strengthen the Buddhist community (Sangha). While the dates and customs vary among different traditions—Theravāda,Mahāyāna, andVajrayāna—all share a spirit of mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude.[60] Most are observed according to the lunar calendar and combine religious devotion with social harmony and acts of generosity.
The most widely observed Buddhist festival isVesak (also known as Buddha Day or Buddha Purnima). It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, andpassing into Nirvana ofSiddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.[61] Observed on the full moon of the month ofVaisakha (April–May), Vesak is marked by visits totemples, offering flowers and lamps, chanting, meditation, and acts of compassion and generosity.[62]
In theTheravāda tradition, several full-moon festivals commemorate major events in the Buddha's life and teachings, as well as milestones in the monastic year.Magha Puja (Sangha Day), held on the full moon ofMagha (February–March), commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250arahants to hear the Buddha's sermon on harmony and discipline.[63] Devotees light candles, chant, and participate in meditation.
Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day), observed on the full moon of Asalha (July), marks theBuddha's first sermon at Deer Park inSarnath, known as the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.” It is a time for reflection on theFour Noble Truths and for making merit.[64]
Vassa, or the Rains Retreat, is a three-month monastic retreat beginning in July, during whichmonks remain inmonasteries for meditation and study. At the end of the retreat, onPavarana Day, monks seek mutual forgiveness, and lay followers participate in theKathina Ceremony, offering new robes and requisites to theSangha.[65]
Regional Theravāda observances includePoson Poya inSri Lanka, marking the introduction of Buddhism to the island byArahant Mahinda Thera, and theThadingyut Festival of Lights inMyanmar, which celebrates the Buddha's descent fromTavatimsa Heaven.[66]
Mahāyāna Buddhism celebrates a number of festivals that emphasize the Buddha's spiritual milestones and the practice of compassion for all beings.Bodhi Day, held on 8 December, commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment under theBodhi Tree inBodh Gaya. Devotees meditate, studysutras, and make offerings of tea, candles, and simple food.[67]
Parinirvana Day (Nirvana Day), observed on 15 February, marks the Buddha's final passing intoNirvana. It is a time for meditation onimpermanence and for reading theMahāparinirvana Sūtra.[68]Ullambana, also known asYulanpen in China andObon in Japan, is held in July or August to honor ancestors and relieve the suffering of spirits. Inspired by the legend ofMaudgalyayana saving his mother, people make offerings, light lanterns, and chant sutras.[69]
In Japan, theHana Matsuri or “Flower Festival” on 8 April celebrates the Buddha's birth, when images of the infant Buddha are bathed in sweet tea. In China, theLaba Festival, observed on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month (December–January), commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment with the preparation ofLaba porridge and temple offerings.[70]
InVajrayāna, especially inTibet and the Himalayan regions, festivals blend spiritual practice with rich cultural traditions.Losar, the Tibetan New Year celebrated in February–March, marks a period of purification, renewal, and joy. Families clean their homes, perform rituals, and participate in community dances and celebrations.[71]
Saga Dawa Duchen, observed on the full moon of the fourth Tibetan month (May–June), commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, andparinirvana.[72] It is regarded as the holiest month in the Tibetan calendar, during which people undertakepilgrimages, recite mantras, and engage in acts of generosity.[73] Chökhor Düchen, celebrated on the fourth day of the sixth Tibetan month (July–August), honors the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,” the Buddha's first teaching of theFour Noble Truths. Devotees engage in meditation, rituals, and Dharma recitations.[73]
Buddhists have faced persecution at various points in history, often due to political, religious, or ethnic conflicts. InIndia, Buddhism declined after the 12th century, partly due to invasions byMuslim rulers and the destruction ofmonasteries anduniversities such asNalanda andVikramashila.[75] InTibet, theChinese invasion of 1950 led to the suppression of religious institutions, imprisonment of monks, and destruction of monasteries, causing a large-scale diaspora ofTibetan Buddhists.[76]
During theKhmer Rouge regime inCambodia (1975–1979),Buddhism was targeted as a symbol of the old society; monks were defrocked, temples destroyed, and religious practice banned, resulting in the deaths of thousands of monks.[77]
In modern times, Buddhists in countries likeBangladesh,Pakistan, and parts ofCentral Asia face discrimination and threats as minority communities.[78] Despite these challenges, Buddhist communities have often emphasizednonviolence, resilience, and dialogue, reflecting core teachings ofCompassion and tolerance while seeking protection of religious freedom and cultural heritage.[79]
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