This work investigates the complex intersection of traditional Buddhist practice and the shifting paradigms of modern secular society. Richard Cohen examines how the historical development of Buddhism has been reinterpreted through the lens of modernity, questioning whether contemporary iterations of the faith maintain their original ontological foundations or have been fundamentally altered by Western intellectual frameworks. The author utilizes historical analysis and sociological inquiry to map the transformation of Buddhist identity in a globalized context.

Scholars frequently cite this text for its rigorous approach to the sociology of religion and its nuanced critique of modern religious adaptation. Experts highlight the book as a significant contribution to the study of how ancient traditions navigate contemporary intellectual landscapes.