Shantarakshita, an eighth-century Indian prince, became abbot of the great Indian monastic university of Nalanda, was expert in philosophical disputation, and was universally admired for his intelligence and learning. He was invited by the king of Tibet, Trisongdetsen, to come and spread the Buddhist teachings in Tibet. He established the first monastery in Tibet, ordained the first monks, and inaugurated the tradition of translation of Indian texts.