Questions of Non-Existence: No Self, No Time, Nothingness

We recommend focusing more on what is than what isn't for your Zen practice. Issue #9 (July 2025)

To Our Dear Sangha

Here in Japan, we had an unusually short rainy season, and it is getting hotter every day. But wait…if there is only “now,” then do rainy seasons really exist? Is there no such thing as a “season”? What about time?

Matsumoto-san often receives questions on the existence or non-existence of things. He will address this in his teisho. Please read below, after the announcements. We also hope to see you at zazenkai!

Announcements

Upcoming Online Zazenkai Schedule (Japan time):

Zazenkai with Matsumoto-san:
July 6 (Sun) 18:00-22:00
July 28 (Mon) 8:00-12:00
August 3 (Sun) 18:00-22:00
August 25 (Mon) 8:00-12:00

**Sunday times are generally more convenient for Europe, Africa, and Asia. Monday times are generally more convenient for N/S America and Oceania.

Wednesday Zazenkai with Madoka:
Every Wednesday at 9:00pm-10:00pm Japan time.  Anyone is welcome!

Zazenkai reservations can be made here:  
https://www.zen-online.info/reservations

Very Useful Time Converter to calculate zazenkai in your local time
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

”Teishō” is when a Zen master shows/conveys Truth to gathered students or disciples.)

(Translated by Madoka)

What is “Nothingness”?

At a recent zazenkai, someone asked me, “is there really no such thing as human relationships?”

Other similar questions I get are: 

  • “Does time not exist?”

  • “Is there really no self and other?”

  • “Is there really no such thing as a life?”

  • “Is there really no self?”

What these questions have in common is the concept of the non-existence of something. “Is there no such-and-such?”

For something to be a concept, there needs to be a definition or conclusion that something is. For example, if it is concluded that “all is nothingness,” then it starts to feel like something called “nothingness” exists. You would think that “nothingness” would mean there is nothing, but somehow there seems to be something called nothingness. Isn’t it a contradiction for nothingness to be something?

To understand what “nothingness” is actually referring to, look straight ahead. Then slowly turn to the left. The actual way it is, turning to the left, is what is referred to as “nothingness.” 

To really know this nothingness, not as a concept or an intellectual understanding but as true realization, one can do zazen and enlighten to it. It cannot be known through contemplation or understanding, so this is why we do zazen.

Zazen can be done anywhere any time. Once you know what zazen is, you will be able to sit on your own at home as well.

Is there Really No Such Thing as Time?

I am one of those who have asked, “Is there really no such thing as…”

Thinking back, I remember asking about the existence of several things, including time, reincarnation, self, a “higher power” among others. The discussion on time made the greatest impression, so I’ll share it here.

My dokusan on time went something like this: 

Me:  Does time exist?

Matsumoto-san: No

Me: …I think I was expecting a more complicated answer. It doesn’t exist?

Matsumoto-san: Time is a concept, and a very convenient one too. Since people have a shared concept of time, we can use it to decide when to start and end the zazenkai, for example. 

Me: So what does it mean that time is relative to its speed moving through space?

Matsumoto-san:  Does the way it was 2 seconds ago exist now?

Me: No.

Matsumoto-san: Does the way it will be 2 seconds from now exist now?

Me: No.

Matsumoto-san: Does that change whether an object is moving fast or slow?

Me: Not that I know of.

Matsumoto-san: If even what we would call a fraction of a second ago doesn’t exist, how can time exist? Is there anything other than the way it is now?

Me: No…but what about now?

Matsumoto-san: “Now” is not time.

Me: 😳 Now is not time…?

Matsumoto-san:  Now is not time, and now is not a place. Look to your left…the way it is, that’s “now.”

Me: 🤯 

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Love and Gassho _/\_

“What is real” = Zazen = Satori