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Did Asanga face any challenges or opposition in spreading his teachings?
Asanga, the founder of Yogachara Buddhism, faced numerous challenges and opposition in spreading his teachings. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and played a crucial role in the development and spread of Yogachara Buddhism.
One of the main challenges that Asanga faced was the strong opposition from the traditional Buddhists, who were followers of the Theravada and Mahayana schools of Buddhism. These traditionalists believed in the existence of a permanent self and the reality of external objects, which was in direct conflict with Asanga's teachings of emptiness and the non-existence of a permanent self. Asanga's teachings were seen as a threat to the traditional beliefs and practices of Buddhism, and he faced criticism and rejection from these groups.
Moreover, Asanga's teachings also faced opposition from other religious groups, such as the Hindu Brahmins and the Jains, who saw his ideas as a challenge to their own beliefs and practices. They tried to discredit Asanga and his teachings, making it difficult for him to gain followers and spread his ideas.
Additionally, Asanga faced personal challenges in his own life, which made it difficult for him to fully dedicate himself to spreading his teachings. He suffered from a severe illness and was bedridden for many years, which limited his ability to travel and teach. Despite this, Asanga continued to write and disseminate his teachings through his disciples and students.
Despite these challenges, Asanga's perseverance and determination to spread his teachings were unwavering. He traveled extensively, giving lectures and teachings to anyone who was willing to listen. He also wrote numerous texts, including the famous Yogachara-bhumi-sastra, which became a key text in the Yogachara school of Buddhism.
Asanga's teachings eventually gained popularity and acceptance, and he was able to establish a strong following. His disciples and students, such as Vasubandhu and Dharmapala, played a crucial role in spreading Yogachara Buddhism to other parts of Asia, including China and Japan.
In conclusion, Asanga faced many challenges and opposition in spreading his teachings of Yogachara Buddhism. However, his perseverance, determination, and the support of his disciples and students helped him overcome these obstacles and establish a strong following for his teachings. He remains a revered figure in the history of Buddhism and continues to inspire many with his teachings of emptiness and non-self.