This volume deals with the complex interrelationship between theories of scriptural interpretation and Buddhist notions of tradition and authority with respect to the Saṃdhinirmocana-sūtra, the main scriptural source of the Yogacara school of Indian Buddhism. Of particular concern is the political dimension of Buddhist thought as reflected in this text, speculation on how the sutra might have been written in order to influence power relations in the Buddhist community, and how its arguments are structured in accordance with Buddhist ideas of tradition and authority.
This study looks at the text from a number of perspectives, including several current methodological models, philological analysis, and historical considerations. The purpose of this approach is to provide a multi-faceted analysis of this complex work.