Relating Freely: “Beingtime always has flowers and fruits” (Dogen, Kuge)

Abstract

What theory of time makes it possible to “relate freely” ? This question signals the search —in Dōgen’s thought— for a solution for the lack of freedom one might experience while relating to one’s environment and to others. This sense of lack of freedom might be caused by a wrong understanding of time and causality. We will sketch Dōgen’s theory of time as presented in the fascicle Uji of the Shōbōgenzō. Here Dōgen shows how any activity that is performed in the present changes the course of all times.