Net Worth: $1.6 million While he “only” had a net worth of $1.6 million at the time of his death in 2007, Sri Chinmoy was widely known during his time, having created the first meditation center in Queens, New York. You can’t swing a yoga mat in Queens without hitting a meditation center these days.
Sri advocated a path to God through prayer and meditation, influenced by Hinduism, though not within the bounds of the religion—some even considered Sri’s religion a cult. Chinmoy also advocated athleticism along with his spiritual beliefs, and was an avid distance runner, swimmer, and weightlifter even in his old age.
Kanye West
Net Worth: $240 million Kanye West, once known only for his music and outrageous antics, seems to have turned a new leaf beginning in 2019. The change proved controversial (bet you didn't expect that when you saw Kanye on this list, did you?) but the once-secular recording artist has begun holding “Sunday Services.” The services have no preaching, but are full of worship music. They are, as his wife Kim Kardashian West describes, “honestly more like a healing experience for my husband.”
West has an estimated net worth of around $240 million, and recently released a gospel hip-hop album, Jesus is King.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
Net Worth: Unknown This member of our list is somewhat of a mystery. “Supreme Master Ching Hai” is said to be a multimillionaire, but her net worth is unknown. As the creator of the vegan chain restaurant Loving Hut, even though she seems to be about nothing but yummy spring rolls and “Supreme Master TV,” you might be surprised to find SMCH is seen as something of a cult leader.
Espousing the Quan Ying method, a pseudo-religious philosophy, the community around SMCH has been described by cult expert Margaret Singer: “It appears to be one of the most well-organized and fastest-growing cults in the United States and the world.”
Mark Driscoll
Net Worth: $2.5 million Born in North Dakota in 1970, Mark Driscoll founded the incredibly popular Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, which at one time boasted fourteen thousand members in five states and fifteen locations. He's also founded or co-founded numerous religious organizations, such as The Gospel Coalition, which seeks to educate the next generation of christian leaders.
However, in 2014, Driscoll faced criticism from Mars Hill Church staffers and congregants due to perceived abusive behavior. He resigned in October of that year, and went on to found The Trinity Church in 2016. He currently has a net worth of $2.5 million.
Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji Maharaj
Net Worth: $6 million Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji Maharaj (who we'll refer to as Avdhoot from here on out) is a spiritual leader in India popular for sharing ancient stories, and is the founder and leader of ShivYog, a non-profit organization that offers meditation programs. He's also received various honors from communities for his social activism and work at community development.
Avdhoot's net worth is around forty crore INR, or about $6 million. Avdhoot is a self-realized master, and is continually engaged in spiritual and social activities on his mission to improve the spiritual health and welfare of humanity and the common man.