David R. Loy, offers a new dimension to the Buddhist social theory in which he puts forth the origins of the theory and its presence in the twenty-first century. He argues that 2500 years ago, Buddha would not have had much idea of the dynamics of microbiology, Newton's law and the structure of the solar system. Unlike some other more aggressive religions, Buddhism has been as successful as a missionary religion because of its adaptability and flexibility consistent with its own emphasis on the “selflessness” of everything. The book offers a bold new solution to alleviating the world's major suffering and engages Buddhism in a more holistic policy-making platform. Written by a leading social activist and author of many other Buddhism-related books, The Great Awakening is path breaking in its depth of analysis and understanding of social needs of the future.