As Jason Momoa continues to take on more roles on television and film, he continues to grow in popularity. This leaves many new fans curious about him, some have even wondered what religion Jason Momoa practices.
Though he does not discuss it publicly, Jason Momoa is thought to be Buddhist. As Momoa is always on the go and typically acting in violent movies or shows, he needed an outlet to relax. To do this, he practices Buddhism and meditates every day.
Continue reading to find out more about Buddhism and how it plays a part in Jason Momoa’s life.
Jason Momoa in Tibet
Buddhism is the world’s fourth-largest religion, following Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. This means that 7% of the world follows Buddhism. While this may seem like a small number, that is still 520 million people.
The religion was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who is now known as the Buddha, more than 2,500 years ago in India.
Unlike some religions, like Christianity, Buddhism does not focus on a supreme god or deity. The focus of Buddhism is instead to achieve enlightenment within your lifetime.
Many people see Buddhism more as a way of life or a way to be spiritual rather than seeing it as an organized religion.
There are three main types of Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism.
When Momoa was younger, he traveled to Tibet to study Buddhism firsthand. This makes it likely that Momoa follows Tibetan Buddhism.
He may also practice a subsect of Buddhism called Zen Buddhism. The main focus of Zen Buddhism is: “to stop the mind rushing about in an aimless (or even a purposeful) stream of thoughts.”
This is mostly achieved through either group or single meditation. Jason Momoa has said that he mediates daily to: “revert back to a calm mental state after spending his days intimidating people.”
He typically plays fierce or violent characters in his television or movie roles. Notably, his role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones where he ripped out another character’s throat.
Thus, meditation and Buddhism in general helps Momoa settle his mind and separate himself from his various roles.
Other Buddhist Celebrities
While it may be surprising that Jason Momoa is Buddhist as followers tend to be from Asia, he is not the only celebrity that practices Buddhism.
Actor Orlando Bloom, known for his role in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, is also a Buddhist. He has said that he practices the religion to find peace and keep him from being self-destructive.
On a similar note, Orlando Bloom’s ex-girlfriend, Superman Returns actress Kate Bosworth, is also a Buddhist. She started practicing while she was dating Orlando, but since their break up, she has continued. She says the religion is amazing and allows you to be in an incredible state of mind.
Not an actor, but a celebrity no less, is Tiger Woods the famous golfer. He is also a Buddhist. He is not a devout Buddhist, however, as he says he only believes in parts of Buddhism and only practices when he feels like it.
Another Buddhist actor is Richard Gere, well-known for his starring role in the movie Pretty Woman. Like Momoa, Richard Gere has been to Tibet to study Buddhism. Gere also meditates daily like Momoa as he says it helps him set his motivation for the day.
Gere is a devout Buddhist and supporter for human rights in Tibet. He is such a strong supporter that he is actually banned from China for being vocal about his support for Tibet.
Another actor with a similar background as Gere’s is Steven Seagal. Seagal has been a practicing Buddhist for over 30 years. He spent time in Japan studying martial arts and Buddhism. Since his return to the United States, he continues to meditate every day.
While a little surprising that Momoa is a Buddhist since he is Hawaiian and grew up in the United States, he is not the only celebrity that is.