In the next verses, Nagarjuna examines the three times: past, present, and future. There are three verses which one can use to turn your mind inside out:
If the present and the future depend on the past,
The present and the future would exist in the past.
If the past and the future depended on the present,
The past and the future would exist in the present.
If the past and the present depended on the future,
The past and the present would exist in the future.
These verses really speak for themselves. We think that the past, present, and future are real times. We think that we've lived the past, are living the present, and will live the future. However, these times really only exist in mutual dependence upon the others. Most people would acknowledge this initial statement. What Nagarjuna is doing is taking this to its extreme logical conclusion so that one can see the absurdity of these concepts. As meditators, we tend to solidify the three times through our practice. Be present and do not wander into the past and the future with thoughts. However wonderful this is to initially stabilize us, it can make the practice stale. At some point, we have to relax and let go of the present as well.
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