Although she was never a formal or confessional Buddhist, there is ample evidence that Iris Murdoch was attracted to and heavily influenced by Buddhist theory and practice, and that such influences are evident throughout her novels and philosophical work. The principal aims of this article are to examine the evidence for the Buddhist influences on Murdoch and, further, to explore the Buddhist elements in her novels and philosophy. In particular, the Buddhist concepts of anatta (not-self), karuna (compassion), dukkha (suffering), and sati (mindful attention/awareness) will be explored and analysed as key drivers of the narratives in some of her most famous novels. This analysis will be supplemented and supported by references to Murdoch’s ethical and metaphysical writings, to biographies, her recently discovered poetry, and to commentaries on her life and work.