This study investigates the origins and early development of the Mahāyāna Buddhist movement by examining the Daoxing jing, the earliest known Perfection of Wisdom scripture. Gil Fronsdal, drawing on his expertise in Buddhist studies, analyzes this second-century Chinese translation to challenge prevailing scholarly assumptions about the movement's genesis. The book scrutinizes concepts such as the aspiration for buddhahood and the definition of a bodhisattva, offering a nuanced perspective on the foundational texts that shaped Mahāyāna Buddhism.

This scholarly work is recognized for its in-depth examination of early Mahāyāna Buddhism, specifically through the lens of the Daoxing jing. The book is noted for its critical engagement with established academic theories on the movement's origins, offering alternative interpretations of key concepts like the bodhisattva path. Scholars likely appreciate its detailed textual analysis and its contribution to understanding the historical development of Buddhist thought. The study provides a valuable resource for those interested in the foundational texts and early formation of Mahāyāna Buddhism.