11 celebrities who practice Buddhism
<span lang=“VI” ”>“Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest religions, originating around 500 BC in India. It offers a spiritual journey that focuses onpersonal spiritual development<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life,” Steven Barr<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>writes in his article based on Buddhism in western society<span lang=“VI” ”>, Hollywood<span lang=“VI” ”>. The allure of “insight into the true nature of life,” may have many in the West turning to it for guidance, either in combination with their western religion or entirely in its place. It was not until the second half of the twentieth century that Buddhist ideas reached a wider section of the American society<span lang=“VI” ”>. American servicemen returning from East Asia after the Second World War and Korean War, brought with them an interest in Asian culture which included Nichiren Shoshu and Zen Buddhism. As the population of new<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>practitioners grew in the West there is also an increase in westerners raised with the practice of this Eastern religious philosophy. Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in our country.<o:p></o:p>
<span lang=“VI” “>It is considered a “moral philosophy<span lang=“VI” ”>,” and this could be the draw that is has on western society. There is no form of redemption, heavenly hope, or final judgement; one lives within the circle of Karma where your deed reflects the world you live. In Buddhism, karma specifically refers to actions of body, speech, and mind that spring from mental intent and bring about a consequence or fruit, or result.<o:p></o:p>
<span lang=“VI” “>According to cultural theorist and staff writer from Unbound Magazine at the College of New Jersey Anna Argasinski, “Buddhism may be alluring to celebrities because it confronts egotism and challenges the notion of individuality. It is also firmly bound in the disciplines of the imagination, so celebrities interested in exploring their creativity may find Buddhism more appealing than the traditional Western forms of religion.”<o:p></o:p>
<span lang=“VI” “>These are celebrities who practice buddhism or incorporate it into their religious practices.<o:p></o:p>
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<span line-height: 15.3333px;“>3. Bill Clinton
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<span lang=“VI” “>Encouraged by his health issues Bill Clinton has taken a vegan diet and hired a personal buddhist monk to teach him how to meditate<span lang=“VI” ”>. He has undergone two heart surgeries in a span of five years. This scare has brought the former president to understand the way he handles stress is not effective for his health and he hopes Buddhism may be the answer.
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<span lang=“VI” line-height: 15.3333px;“>4. Herbie Hancock<o:p></o:p>
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<span lang=“VI” line-height: 15.3333px;“>5. George Lucas<o:p></o:p>
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<span lang=“VI” “>Referring to himself as a “Buddhist Methodist<span lang=“VI” ”>” Lucas adopted the Buddhist practices later in life. He was raised methodist and would be introduced to the eastern philosophies as he researched the many belief/religious systems he incorporated in his Star Wars films. The creation of the force is actually inspired<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>by Eastern religious philosophies.<o:p></o:p>
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<span lang=“VI” line-height: 15.3333px;“>6. Oliver Stone<o:p></o:p>
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<span line-height: 15.3333px;“>7. Jet Li
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<span lang=“VI” “>A devoted Tibetan buddhist, Jet Li has written<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>many essays on Buddhism and religion. His website houses these essays and he even answers questions from fans about religion and many spiritual issues. The martial artist was on the verge of quitting acting to become a buddhist monk but was advised to continue with his acting career by his spiritual advisor.<o:p></o:p>
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<span lang=“VI” line-height: 15.3333px;“>9. Orlando Bloom<o:p></o:p>
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<span lang=“VI” “>Along with former beau, Kate Bosworth, Bloom is known<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>to practice the teachings of Buddhism. In an interview<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>with a German magazine Bloom says,”Yes. Buddhism really helps me. I’m learning to handle the insanity around me through this philosophy. The teachings of buddhism show me to differentiate the semblance of the show-biz<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>from real life. I want to continue being a human being. I believe that you can only grow as a human through spirituality.”<o:p></o:p>
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<span line-height: 15.3333px;“>10. Steven Seagal
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<span lang=“VI” line-height: 15.3333px;“>11. Tina Turner<o:p></o:p>
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<span lang=“VI” “>One of the more well known Buddhists Buddhist of Hollywood<span lang=“VI” ”>, accredited her biopic depicting the strength she gained from the practice to leave her infamous, abusive relationship. She has also been public<span lang=“VI” ”> <span lang=“VI” “>about her belief and has performed chanting<span lang=“VI” “>on air of Larry King, among other interviews.<o:p></o:p>










