Originally a Hindu scholar who converted to Mahāyāna Buddhism under the influence of Āryadeva. He is sometimes identified with the master Śūra (dpa' bo). A great poet, as important in the history of Sanskrit literature as in the history of Buddhism, he is celebrated as the author of a celebrated account of the Buddha's life, the Buddhacharita. [TPQ, 2010]

An important Indian Buddhist writer of the 1st–2nd century, also known as Aryashura. [TLWF, 2011]

“He whose voice is a horse’s neigh.” An important Indian Buddhist writer of the first–second century.[NS]