Bhadantacariya Buddhaghosa was a 5th-century Indian Theravadin Buddhist commentator and scholar. His best-known work is the Visuddhimagga, or Path of Purification, a comprehensive summary and analysis of the Theravada understanding of the Buddha's path to liberation. The interpretations provided by Buddhaghosa have generally constituted the orthodox understanding of Theravada scriptures since at least the 12th century CE. He is generally recognized by both Western scholars and Theravadins as the most important commentator of the Theravada. The Buddhaghosuppatti is a medieval text in Pali describing the life and adventures of Buddhaghosa and one of the earliest biographies of this venerated Buddhist philosopher.