Vasubandhu is one of the most influential figures in the development of Yogachara Buddhism, also known as the Yogacara or "Yoga Practice" school of Buddhism. He is considered to be the co-founder of this school along with his half-brother Asanga. However, despite his significant contributions, there are some common misconceptions about Vasubandhu and his teachings in Yogachara Buddhism.

One of the most common misconceptions about Vasubandhu is that he was solely responsible for the development of Yogachara Buddhism. While he did play a crucial role in its development, it is important to recognize that he worked closely with his half-brother Asanga, and their teachings were built upon the earlier works of other Buddhist philosophers such as Nagarjuna and Aryadeva. Therefore, Vasubandhu's teachings should not be viewed in isolation but rather as part of a larger tradition of Buddhist thought.

Another misconception about Vasubandhu is that he rejected the concept of emptiness, which is a central tenet of Mahayana Buddhism. Some critics have argued that Vasubandhu's emphasis on the mind and consciousness in his teachings goes against the concept of emptiness. However, this is a misinterpretation of Vasubandhu's teachings. In fact, he believed that the ultimate reality is empty of inherent existence and that the mind and consciousness are also empty in nature.

There is also a misconception that Vasubandhu's teachings are purely idealistic, meaning that he believed that the external world is merely a projection of the mind. While it is true that Vasubandhu emphasized the role of the mind in shaping our perception of reality, he did not deny the existence of the external world. Instead, he argued that our perception of the external world is influenced by our own minds and that we can attain a deeper understanding of reality by examining our own consciousness.

Another common misconception about Vasubandhu is that he rejected the concept of karma and rebirth. In reality, he believed in the concept of karma and its role in shaping our future lives. However, he also emphasized the importance of understanding the true nature of karma and how it operates, rather than blindly accepting it as a deterministic force.

In conclusion, Vasubandhu's teachings in Yogachara Buddhism have been subject to various misconceptions. It is important to understand his teachings in the context of the larger Buddhist tradition and to avoid oversimplifying or misinterpreting his ideas. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of this influential figure and his contributions to Buddhist philosophy.