This book investigates the complex relationship between identity and interpretation within the historical and philosophical frameworks of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist thought. Matthew T. Kapstein, a distinguished scholar in Buddhist studies, utilizes a rigorous analytical approach to examine how classical Buddhist thinkers addressed the nature of the self and the hermeneutics of their own traditions. By synthesizing primary source materials and historical context, the author constructs a framework for understanding how these philosophical systems evolved and interacted across cultural boundaries.

Scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the nuances of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and its Indian roots. The prose is noted for its high academic density, making it a primary resource for advanced students and researchers in the field of comparative religion.