Time

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

We human beings have agreed that there is something called ‘time’ which can be measured by clocks and calendars. But what exactly is time in the real world of our direct experience? Can we know time in the way that we can know a visible form, a sound or an odour? I would say no. What we can observe is a perception of ‘time passing’ such as when we glance at a clock or look at the position of the sun or moon. But time itself is more elusive. And the question arises: is it really a thing at all?

This is not merely philosophical musing. With so many people around the world confined to their homes, it is important to recognize how our understanding of time conditions our feelings. If we think of time as an entity composed of days, weeks and months that we have to somehow fill up with something or other, suffering will surely follow. But we can look at time in a different way: as a succession of present moments. We don’t have to try to be in the present moment; we already are and always have been in it.

The challenge is simply to awaken to what it already the case. Having been forced to slow down and simplify one’s life, now is the opportunity to find a way back to the present moment. Free of obsessive thoughts, memories and imagination, what is this?

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.