"Because Buddhism is not a revealed religion, it does not include the concept of prophets, per se, but rather great beings (mahasattvas).
Great beings are people who embody compassion and wisdom in action. They appear throughout history in all cultures and religious traditions as saints, mystics, philosophers, poets, and humanitarians; such as: Hillel the Elder (Jewish), Rumi (Muslim), Albert Schweitzer (Christian), Black Elk (Native American), Bodhidharma (Buddhist), Mirabai (Hindu female mendicant and poet), and Pete Seeger (folk singer/environmental activist).
There have been amazing connections between some great beings. The American Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau, influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, writes Civil Disobedience. The Hindu Mahatma Gandhi influenced by Civil Disobedience brings about the independence of India from Great Britain through the practice of satyagraha (nonviolence, literally "the firmness of truth"). The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. influenced by Gandhi advances civil rights in America.
Current Buddhist mahasattvas might include the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Henepola Gunaratana, and westerners like Pema Chodren, Jack Kornfield, and Joanna Macy — all of whom have written wonderful books.
The Buddha teaches that we are all innately empowered to be moral and enlightened. We should not base our conduct simply on tradition, scripture, logic, philosophy, common sense, our existing opinions, authorities or experts (prophets), our teachers, or even the Buddha. But what is skillful, non-harming, and conducive to the liberation and happiness of ourselves and others, that we should do.
May the merits of our diverse spiritual practices benefit all beings and bring peace."
