BUDDHAGHOSA

Buddhaghosa, whose name means 'The Buddha's Voice' was a South-Indian scholar-monk living in the 5th century CE who came to Sri Lanka to study the ancient commentaries to Tipiṭaka. Later, he was invited by the monks of the Mahavihara to render the commentaries into Pali. In doing so he systemised and fixed the Theravāda interpretation of the Buddha's teachings. He also wrote a guide to Theravāda doctrine and practice called the Visuddhimagga. After his literary labours Buddhaghosa returned to India and nothing is known of the rest of his life. His commentaries continue to be considered authoritative and are still widely read and studied today.