Our mind consciousness works like a savings bank. Continuously money is paid into the bank and continuously it is taken out again. In the same way karmic imprints are absorbed by mind consciousness, are stored there, and can therefore be brought forth again.
Learning, for example, occurs through the mind consciousness. The mind consciousness itself vanishes. Nevertheless, on the next day we have a memory of what we learned. At this time of remembrance, the mind consciousness of what we learned is no longer actually present, since it has ceased to exist. Yet, still we did not forget what we learned previously. What we learned was seized by mind consciousness in the form of karmic imprints, and stored. Due to the 'complete ripening' these imprints can be re-awakened, so that the mind consciousness perceives them afresh. This is why we learn things. It is similar with strong mental afflictions.
The example of the savings bank is particularly effective, especially in the context of karmic actions. Whoever puts money into the bank can get it out again later, often including interest! The stronger the imprints are the quicker they trigger off. Hence, happiness is in the virtue we cultivate and suffering is the non-virtue we create. How fast our happiness or suffering ripen is how strong and impactful we had sowed them or impacted imprints stored in the mind consciousness.
