UJI Part Nine | Uji’s Virtue of Continuity
“Time has the virtue of continuity: it continuously flows from the today that we are talking about to a tomorrow, from a today to a yesterday, from a yesterday to a today. It flows from a today to a today and from a tomorrow to a tomorrow. Because continual, continuous flow is a function of time, past and present times do not pile atop each other nor do they form an accumulative line. Yet, even so, Seigen, too, represents a time, as does Ōbaku, and likewise Baso and Sekitō represent times. Because we ourselves and others, as previously stated, are already ‘beings for a time’, our training and practice are times, as is also our awakening to Truth. Our ‘entering the mud or going into deep water’ is likewise a time.”
Time can be ordered to view as a sequential passage, but a clear understanding transcends this simplified linear sequencing. Today can flow into tomorrow, become yesterday, or transform directly into another today or tomorrow. It is happening as you read this text written in my-time as read in your-time.
The times of Seigen, Ōbaku, Baso, and Sekitō demonstrate that specific individuals and events represent distinct times, embodying the dynamic process of existence. Time is not separate from being; time is being, and being is time. Dharmas are both individual moments of being-time and expressions of all being-time. Each expression of these Zen masters is in response to a situation seen as their “now”, yet it is an integral part of the continuous transmission of the Teachings.
Our conventional thinking often attempts to fix and separate these states, leading to a fragmented perception of life. Ujiinvites us to see that our being-time is not fixed; it is a continuous, interconnected process. We, too, are 'beings for a time,' with our training, practice, and moments of awakening all integral parts of this seamless flow.
Living uji means recognizing that our experiences are not isolated events but interconnected moments within the continuous flow of time. Each moment is complete and significant in itself, yet part of the larger, dynamic process of existence. This understanding helps us live with infinite presence and engagement.
When we see uji clearly, we realize that our past and future are not separate from our present. Our training, practice, and moments of awakening are all part and parcel of this very moment. This awareness encourages us to embrace each moment fully.
By embodying the virtue of continuity in our practice, we navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. We understand that every moment, whether joyous or difficult, is an integral part of our journey. This insight allows us to live more harmoniously, appreciating the interconnectedness of all our experiences.
