In Yogācāra, karma plays a significant role in understanding the nature of reality and the experiences of individuals. Karma, which translates to "action" or "deed," refers to the actions and intentions of an individual that have an impact on their present and future experiences.

According to Yogācāra philosophy, reality is a projection of consciousness. This means that our perceptions and experiences are shaped by our own consciousness, which is influenced by our past actions and intentions. In other words, our karma shapes our reality.

One of the key concepts in Yogācāra is the storehouse consciousness, also known as the ālaya-vijñāna. This is the deepest level of consciousness that stores all the impressions and karmic imprints of an individual's past actions and experiences. These imprints then manifest in the form of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, shaping our reality.

The role of karma in Yogācāra is to explain the cycle of suffering and rebirth. According to this philosophy, our actions and intentions in this life will have consequences in our future lives. This is known as the law of causation, or the law of karma. Our present experiences and circumstances are a result of our past actions and intentions, and our future experiences will be determined by our present actions and intentions.

However, Yogācāra also emphasizes that karma is not deterministic. While our past actions and intentions may influence our present experiences, we still have the power to change our future through our present actions and intentions. This is known as the principle of dependent origination, which states that everything is interconnected and constantly changing. Therefore, by understanding the nature of reality and our own consciousness, we can break free from the cycle of suffering and rebirth by cultivating positive actions and intentions.

Moreover, karma in Yogācāra is not just limited to individual actions and intentions, but also includes the collective actions and intentions of society. This is known as collective karma, which plays a role in shaping the social and cultural realities we live in.

In summary, karma in Yogācāra is a fundamental concept that explains the interconnection between our actions, intentions, and experiences. It serves as a guiding principle for individuals to understand the nature of reality and break free from the cycle of suffering and rebirth. By cultivating positive actions and intentions, we can shape our own reality and contribute to the collective karma of society.