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How does Vasubandhu's understanding of the self and the nature of reality differ from other Buddhist schools?

Vasubandhu, the co-founder of Yogachara Buddhism, had a unique understanding of the self and the nature of reality that differed from other Buddhist schools. This can be seen in his teachings on the concept of the self and the understanding of reality as a whole.

One of the key differences in Vasubandhu's understanding of the self is his rejection of the concept of a permanent, unchanging self. In contrast to other Buddhist schools, which believe in the existence of a permanent self or soul, Vasubandhu argued that the self is merely a collection of constantly changing mental and physical elements. He believed that the concept of a permanent self is an illusion created by our attachment to our thoughts and perceptions.

In addition, Vasubandhu's understanding of the self was closely tied to his concept of consciousness. He argued that consciousness is not a fixed entity, but rather a constantly changing stream of thoughts and perceptions. This concept is known as the "storehouse consciousness," which holds the imprints of all our past experiences and influences our present thoughts and actions.

Furthermore, Vasubandhu's understanding of reality differed from other Buddhist schools in that he rejected the idea of an external, objective reality. Instead, he believed that reality is a subjective experience created by our minds. This is in line with the Yogachara belief that the mind is the ultimate reality and that everything else is a mere projection of it.

Another key difference in Vasubandhu's understanding of reality is his rejection of the concept of emptiness. While other Buddhist schools view emptiness as the ultimate nature of reality, Vasubandhu argued that emptiness is merely a mental construct and does not represent the true nature of reality. He believed that clinging to the concept of emptiness can lead to a nihilistic view of the world, and instead emphasized the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all things.

In conclusion, Vasubandhu's understanding of the self and the nature of reality differed from other Buddhist schools in several key ways. He rejected the concept of a permanent self, emphasized the role of consciousness in shaping our experiences, and viewed reality as a subjective construct rather than an objective truth. His teachings have had a significant impact on the development of Yogachara Buddhism and continue to shape the understanding of the self and reality in this school of thought.