Dōgen writes, “The entire universe is the dharma body of the self. The entire universe is the self.” That self is not a fixed entity, but the dynamic activity of now, arising and falling with each breath. Allow this to sink in!
A single moment is a Nen.
Being is time according to Dōgen therefore one is actually “being-time.” This becomes useful when we allow this. Being mindful is the Dharma of the time. This being-state of mind is an enabler in the sense of samsara.
The NOW is also changing at the rate of 6,400,099,18 (Dogen) moments per day. What do we do with this? We can consider it, letting it swirl around in mind and space. Moments are short but everlasting and change based on a being’s perception of them. For example:
- Thinking (now) of my college graduation, that memory is in the Now while being about the past, a kind of past-present tense. This is the case with the thoughts about future time or events.
- Now in the NOW is an experience that may be recalled and thought about in successive moments, each of which will be flowing-NOW
- Breathing as awareness unfolds living with means it always accompanies memory, projections of the experience of the NOW.
- Moment as Right Effort is a balance of experience as a vehicle for reducing suffering in our self and others https://fszs.org/dharma-notes/dependent-origination/
- Living fully in the unfolding now is experiencing one’s life. It is accepting “Inmo” or “Thus” as it is adding to our stored memories for recall.
- The NOW is infinite(ly) changing. No “now” is fixed—it is constantly becoming.
This Upaya allows us to be more compassionate, along with pausing, mindful-breathing, accepting, and being grateful. Right Effort flows from a deepened sense of prajna paramitter, or wisdom. The NOW is not a fight, but micro adjusting as conditions and variables change that balances more like a swirling breeze than a driving wind.
Imagine Indra’s Net: Indra’s Net – Science and Nonduality (SAND)
We don’t say something doesn’t exist as we infer it is not yet discovered. This allows no perception from our sensory perception. One example is the idea that we are already enlightened but the conditions have not yet arrived for transformation.
Shikantaza could be tolerated as allowing the interplay of Indra’s Net. Interplay is all we have so forget about it.
You may wish to look into other Dharma Talks on the topic under Dharma Notes on our website.
Sangaku