ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Śāntarakṣita

Śāntarakṣita was a very old and wise man who lived a long, long time ago in a faraway land called India. He was very smart and knew a lot about something called Buddhism. Buddhism is a way of thinking and living that teaches people to be kind, loving, and peaceful.

Śāntarakṣita was so smart that many people came to listen to him speak and teach about Buddhism. He talked a lot about how to be happy and how to make the world a better place. He also helped make Buddhism stronger by writing really important books about it.

One of the things that was special about Śāntarakṣita was that he was very good at understanding different ideas and beliefs. He believed that everyone was different and that everyone had their own beliefs and ways of thinking. He respected other people's beliefs and tried to find common ground with them.

Śāntarakṣita was also very brave. He traveled all around India teaching people about Buddhism, even though it was sometimes dangerous. He believed so strongly in what he was teaching that he was willing to risk his own safety to help others understand it.

Even though Śāntarakṣita lived a very long time ago, his teachings and writings are still remembered and studied today by people all over the world. He was a very important person who helped spread kindness, love, and peace.