Kamalasila

born circa 710

Kamalasila is best known for (allegedly) winning the debate during the council at Samye-monastery (792-94), where he, as speaker for the Tantric Mahayana teachings, defeated Hwa shang, the representative of Chinese Ch'an Buddhism; at least according to the prevalent view among Tibetan (Buddhist) historians. This is believed to have led to the general acceptance of these teachings in Tibet.

Not only are there conflicting views concerning the outcome of this debate, but most interesting is the fact that the great Kamalasila seems to have been taught and prepared for this contest by female adepts, although they are rarely credited for this.