Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an 8th century Indian Buddhist master and tantric practitioner who played a crucial role in the establishment of Tibetan Buddhism. He is considered to be the founder of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is revered as a great teacher and spiritual guide.

Padmasambhava was born in the kingdom of Uddiyana, in present-day Pakistan, and was known for his extraordinary spiritual abilities from a young age. He studied under various Buddhist masters and became a master himself, mastering both Buddhist philosophy and tantric practices.

He was invited to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen to help establish Buddhism in the region, which was facing resistance from the local Bon religion. Padmasambhava accepted the invitation and arrived in Tibet in 747 CE.

He is credited with subduing the local deities and spirits through his tantric powers, and converting them to protectors of the Buddhist teachings. He also established the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, Samye, and introduced the practice of Vajrayana Buddhism, which emphasized the use of ritual and meditation to attain enlightenment.

Padmasambhava's teachings and practices had a profound impact on the development of Tibetan Buddhism. He is considered to be the founder of the Nyingma school, which is the oldest and largest school of Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings also influenced other schools of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug.

He is also known for his famous text, "The Tibetan Book of the Dead," which provides guidance for the deceased in the intermediate state between death and rebirth. This text is still widely studied and practiced in Tibetan Buddhism.

Padmasambhava is revered as a great teacher and spiritual guide in Tibetan Buddhism. He is often depicted in art and sculptures as a peaceful, yet powerful, figure, adorned with jewels and holding various symbolic objects. He is seen as a manifestation of the enlightened mind, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment.

In conclusion, Padmasambhava is an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism due to his role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet and his profound teachings and practices. His legacy continues to live on, and he is revered as a great master and spiritual guide by Buddhists around the world.