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What are some criticisms of Vasubandhu's ideas within the Yogachara tradition?

Vasubandhu, also known as the co-founder of Yogachara Buddhism, was a prominent Buddhist philosopher and scholar who made significant contributions to the development of this tradition. However, like any other philosophical system, his ideas and teachings have also faced criticisms within the Yogachara tradition.

One of the main criticisms of Vasubandhu's ideas is the concept of "storehouse consciousness" or alayavijnana. According to Vasubandhu, this is the fundamental consciousness that stores all the karmic imprints and experiences from past lives. However, many Yogachara scholars have questioned the existence of this consciousness and have argued that it is not supported by empirical evidence or logical reasoning.

Another criticism of Vasubandhu's ideas is his emphasis on the subjective nature of reality. Yogachara Buddhism teaches that the external world is a mere projection of one's own mind, and therefore, reality is ultimately subjective. This idea has been challenged by other Buddhist schools, such as Madhyamaka, which argue that reality is ultimately empty of any inherent existence, rather than being purely subjective.

Furthermore, some critics have raised concerns about the practicality of Vasubandhu's teachings. While Yogachara Buddhism emphasizes the importance of meditation and introspection, some have argued that it neglects the role of ethical conduct and social engagement in achieving enlightenment. This criticism is based on the belief that merely focusing on one's own mind and experiences may lead to a self-centered and detached approach to life.

In addition, there have been debates within the Yogachara tradition about the validity of Vasubandhu's teachings on the nature of consciousness. Some have argued that his ideas are too abstract and difficult to understand, while others have questioned the reliability of his sources and interpretations of Buddhist texts.

Lastly, Vasubandhu's ideas have also been criticized for being too influenced by Hindu philosophy. Some have argued that his concept of "mind-only" (cittamatra) is derived from the Hindu concept of Brahman, and therefore, it is not truly Buddhist in nature.

In conclusion, while Vasubandhu's ideas have played a significant role in shaping the Yogachara tradition, they have also faced criticisms from within the same tradition. These criticisms range from questioning the existence of key concepts to concerns about practicality and influences from other philosophies. However, despite these criticisms, Vasubandhu's contributions to Yogachara Buddhism cannot be denied, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated by Buddhist scholars and practitioners.