In Yogācāra, consciousness is seen as the ultimate reality and the foundation of all existence. This concept is known as "mind-only" or "mind-only school" because it posits that everything we experience is a projection of our consciousness.

According to Yogācāra, consciousness is not just limited to our thoughts and perceptions, but it also includes the underlying awareness that allows us to experience the world. This awareness is known as the "storehouse consciousness" or "ālaya-vijñāna." It is seen as a continuous stream of consciousness that holds all of our past experiences, thoughts, and impressions.

The concept of consciousness in Yogācāra is closely tied to the idea of "dependent origination." This is the belief that all phenomena arise from causes and conditions, and that our consciousness is constantly creating and projecting our reality based on these causes and conditions. In other words, our consciousness is the creator of our perceived reality.

One of the key teachings in Yogācāra is the concept of the "eight consciousnesses." These include the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell), the mind consciousness (mano-vijñāna), and the storehouse consciousness. The mind consciousness is responsible for processing information from the senses and creating mental images and concepts. The storehouse consciousness, on the other hand, holds all of these mental images and concepts, which are then projected onto our perceived reality.

Yogācāra also emphasizes the role of perception in shaping our reality. Our perceptions are not just a passive reflection of the world, but they actively construct our reality based on our past experiences and mental habits. This is why two people can have different perceptions of the same object or situation.

The concept of consciousness in Yogācāra is also closely linked to the concept of emptiness. Emptiness refers to the idea that all phenomena lack inherent existence and are ultimately empty of any inherent self-nature. In Yogācāra, consciousness is seen as empty because it is constantly changing and dependent on causes and conditions. It is not a fixed, permanent entity but rather a fluid and ever-changing process.

In conclusion, consciousness in Yogācāra is not just a mental process, but it is the ultimate reality that creates and shapes our perceived world. It is a continuous stream of awareness that is constantly projecting our reality based on our past experiences and perceptions. By understanding the nature of consciousness, we can gain insight into the workings of our mind and ultimately achieve liberation from suffering.