Who are the spirital leaders of Buddhism?

Answer 1

Just as in many other religions, there are different sects of Buddhism. Within some of theses sects there are masters who are authorities on the religion that people recognize as a leader. For example, the Dalai Lama, who is generally thought of as the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, but is really the leader of only the Gelug branch of Tibetan Buddhism.

But in Buddhism, any one who has attained a high enough state of learning and understanding can teach others and be counted as a master. When someone attains this state it is called that they have been given transmission. Anyone given transmission can teach and be considered a master (or Guru).

So the answer is that there are many masters

Answer 2

Its an interesting question.

Buddhism teaches you to look within yourself, so no leaders are necessary, or even possible.

However, humans are rather fallible at being self-sufficient so some exceptional people have emerged as revered Buddhists. Their teachings do inform other Buddhists.

That said, there are multiple versions of Buddhism, each believing different things. All somewhat in contradiction to the teachings of Buddha, who emphasised logic not faith.

Buddhism has also merged into the teachings of other religions and in this diluted form can include articles of faith and the worship of assorted gods. There are leaders of these religions, but they are not mainstream buddhists.

Answer 3

It depends on what branch of Buddhism you're referring to. In the Theravada, the religious authority is the Tipitika, and next, the Sangha Councils.

The Mahayana is divided into subbranches, and these subbranches are divided into sub-subbranches, etc., so the question is more complex. But generally each school has a head teacher. In the Mahayana, some people assert that one's own experience is the ultimate religious authority.

Answer 4

Buddhism is made up of a wide range of different traditions and schools, each of which has its own spirtual leader.

However the Dalai Lama is seen by many as being the 'public face' of Buddhism.

Answer 5

our holiness the Dali Lama

Buddha was probably the most important leader. HE was born in the 500 or 400s and was born in a rich and powerful family. Soon, abonded his parents.