One common misconception about Mahāyāna is that it is a separate and distinct school of Buddhism, when in fact it is considered a branch or movement within Buddhism. Mahāyāna emerged alongside other early Buddhist schools such as Theravāda and eventually became the dominant form of Buddhism in East Asia.

Another misconception is that Mahāyāna is solely focused on the concept of emptiness (śūnyatā). While emptiness is a central concept in Mahāyāna, it is not the only one. Mahāyāna also emphasizes the importance of compassion and the bodhisattva path, which involves striving for enlightenment not just for oneself but for the benefit of all beings.

Some may also mistakenly believe that Mahāyāna is only practiced in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. In reality, Mahāyāna has spread to many different parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Tibet, and parts of the Western world.

There is also a misconception that Mahāyāna is a more "liberal" or "modern" form of Buddhism compared to other schools. While Mahāyāna does have a more diverse range of practices and beliefs compared to other schools, it is still rooted in traditional Buddhist teachings and principles.

Another misconception is that Mahāyāna is solely focused on the worship of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. While Mahāyāna does place a strong emphasis on devotion to these enlightened beings, it also stresses the importance of personal practice and self-cultivation in achieving enlightenment.

Lastly, some may mistakenly believe that Mahāyāna is a monolithic and uniform tradition, when in fact it encompasses a wide range of practices, beliefs, and schools of thought. Mahāyāna is a dynamic and diverse tradition, and there is no single "correct" way to practice it.

In conclusion, Mahāyāna is a rich and multifaceted tradition that is often misunderstood. It is important to recognize and dispel these misconceptions in order to gain a more accurate understanding of this influential branch of Buddhism.