The eighth consciousness, alaya consciousness, is known as storehouse consciousness. It stores the consequences of our actions... seeds of all our karma. Karmic force resides there. The eighth consciousness does not become larger or smaller as individuals create karma and experience consequences. Although it consists of many different karmic seeds, the eighth consciousness is one, ever-changing karmic force.

Karmic force is analogous to water rushing down a mountain. If the water is blocked by a stone, it will alter its course and continue to flow until it reaches the ocean.

-- Venerable Sheng Yen