According to Yogācāra, perception and cognition are closely intertwined and are both products of consciousness. This school of thought views reality as a projection of the mind, with all external objects and events being perceived and interpreted through the lens of consciousness.

Yogācāra explains perception as a process of constructing mental images based on sensory input. These mental images are then projected onto external objects, creating the illusion of an external world. This process is known as vijñapti-mātra, which translates to "representation-only" or "perception-only." In other words, what we perceive as reality is actually a representation created by our mind.

Cognition, on the other hand, refers to the mental processes involved in understanding and interpreting these perceptions. Yogācāra posits that cognition is also a product of consciousness and is influenced by our past experiences and mental conditioning. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs all shape our understanding of the world and how we perceive it.

One key concept in Yogācāra's explanation of perception and cognition is the concept of the "storehouse consciousness" or ālaya-vijñāna. This is the deepest level of consciousness that stores all of our past experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It is from this storehouse that our perceptions and cognitions arise.

Yogācāra also emphasizes the role of mental constructs or "seeds" (bīja) in the process of perception and cognition. These seeds are formed through our interactions with the world and are stored in the storehouse consciousness. When we encounter a new perception, these seeds are activated, and we interpret the perception based on our past experiences and mental constructs.

Furthermore, Yogācāra explains that our perceptions and cognitions are not fixed or objective but are instead constantly changing and influenced by our mental state. This is because consciousness is constantly in flux, and our perceptions and cognitions are a reflection of this ever-changing consciousness.

In summary, Yogācāra's understanding of perception and cognition is rooted in the idea that reality is a projection of the mind. Our perceptions and cognitions are shaped by our past experiences, mental conditioning, and constantly changing consciousness. By recognizing the role of consciousness in our understanding of the world, Yogācāra encourages us to cultivate a deeper understanding of our own minds and the nature of reality.