In a more general sense, the storehouse consciousness is the accumulation of past experiences, which serves as a foundation for present spiritual and psychological activity and exerts great influence on superficial operations. In addition, it is the power that, by persisting, enables transmission of the karmic effects of present good and bad acts into future life. Buddha-nature deals with the essential nature of things, and the storehouse consciousness with their manifestations. The Mahayana idea of the buddha-nature evolved from Mahasanghika thought, while the concept of the storehouse consciousness derived from Abhidharma writings of the Theravada school.
Basic Buddhist Concepts