The Most Famous Monk, Ranked

Choose the monk you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 21, 2024 07:12
Monks have long played a significant role in shaping thoughts and communities through their profound wisdom and serene dedication. With countless figures who have made lasting impacts, identifying the most influential can be a complex but enriching task. This ranking seeks to highlight those whose teachings, insight, and actions have resonated the most across various cultures and generations. By participating in our live voting system, users contribute to a dynamic list that reflects collective perspectives and preferences. Your votes help illuminate which monks have left the deepest imprints on societal values and spiritual growth. This interactive process not only educates but also connects a wide audience with the rich histories and profound legacies of these remarkable individuals.

Who Is the Most Famous Monk?

  1. 1
    67
    votes

    Dalai Lama

    The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, currently the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
    • Real Name: Lhamo Thondup
    • Birthdate: 6 July 1935
  2. 2
    21
    votes

    Thich Nhat Hanh

    Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, and founder of the Plum Village Tradition.
    • Birthdate: 11 October 1926
    • Deathdate: 22 January 2022
  3. 3
    20
    votes

    Thomas Merton

    American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion.
    • Birthdate: 31 January 1915
    • Deathdate: 10 December 1968
  4. 4
    11
    votes

    Ajahn Chah

    Influential teacher of the Theravada Buddhist tradition, he founded two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition.
    • Birthdate: 17 June 1918
    • Deathdate: 16 January 1992
  5. 5
    0
    votes

    Bodhidharma

    A Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th or 6th century and is traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chan Buddhism to China.
    • Origin: Possibly from India
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Francis of Assisi

    Italian Catholic friar, deacon, mystic, and preacher. Founder of the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of Saint Clare.
    • Born: 1181/1182
    • Died: 3 October 1226
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Padmasambhava

    Indian Buddhist master who is said to have transmitted Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan in the 8th century.
    • Also Known As: Guru Rinpoche
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Saint Benedict of Nursia

    Christian saint venerated in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, founder of the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino and father of Western monasticism.
    • Born: Around 480 AD
    • Died: 21 March 547 AD
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Gregory the Great

    Pope from 590 to 604 AD, he is famous for instigating the first recorded large-scale mission from Rome, the Gregorian Mission, to convert the then-pagan Anglo-Saxons in England to Christianity.
    • Born: Around 540 AD
    • Died: 12 March 604 AD
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Hui-neng

    The Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, he is regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of this school of Buddhism.
    • Born: 638 AD
    • Died: 713 AD

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous monk. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or monk is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3452 views
  • 119 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each monk once every 24 hours. The rank of each monk is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Monk

Dalai Lama
Rank #1 for the most famous monk: Dalai Lama (Source)
Monks have shaped history in many ways. They live simple lives, often in secluded places. Their days consist of prayer, study, and work. Monks seek spiritual growth and inner peace. They often renounce worldly possessions to focus on their faith.

Monks follow strict rules. These rules guide their daily routines. They wake up early, sometimes before dawn. They pray several times a day. This helps them stay connected to their beliefs. They also meditate. Meditation calms the mind and helps them focus.

Monks often live in communities called monasteries. These places are quiet and peaceful. Monks share tasks like cooking and cleaning. This fosters a sense of unity. They also work on the land, growing their own food. This self-sufficiency is important to them.

Monks value education. Many spend hours studying religious texts. This deepens their understanding of their faith. Some also learn skills like calligraphy or medicine. They pass this knowledge on to others. This way, they contribute to society.

Monks often take vows. These vows are serious commitments. Common vows include poverty, chastity, and obedience. Poverty means they own little. Chastity means they remain celibate. Obedience means they follow their leaders and rules strictly.

Monks have played key roles in preserving history. They have copied and kept ancient texts. This work has saved many important documents from being lost. Monks have also been involved in education. They have founded schools and universities. These institutions have educated many people over the centuries.

Monks have also been involved in healthcare. They have run hospitals and cared for the sick. Their knowledge of herbs and medicine has helped many people. Monks have also provided shelter and food to those in need.

Monks often wear simple clothing. This usually consists of a robe. The color and style can vary. This depends on their tradition and region. The simple attire reflects their humble lifestyle.

Monks often eat simple meals. Their diet is usually vegetarian. This aligns with their principles of non-violence and compassion. They often grow their own food. This ensures they have fresh and healthy meals.

Monks have influenced art and culture. They have created beautiful manuscripts and paintings. Their work often reflects their deep spirituality. Monks have also composed music. This music is often used in their rituals and ceremonies.

Monks have inspired many people. Their dedication to their faith and simple lifestyle is admirable. They show that it is possible to live a meaningful life without material wealth. Their focus on inner peace and spiritual growth is a lesson for everyone.

Monks continue to be an important part of society. They offer a different perspective on life. They remind us of the importance of spirituality and simplicity. In a fast-paced world, their way of life offers a sense of calm and balance. Monks have left a lasting legacy. Their contributions to history, education, and healthcare are significant. They continue to inspire and guide people on their spiritual journeys.

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