LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in A Tale for the Time Being, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Time, Impermanence, and the Present
The Difficulty of Communication
Life vs. Death
Coincidences and Connections
Sexual Perversion and Violence
Summary
Analysis
Ruth writes that Jiko told her in a dream that there are several moments in the single snap of a finger, and that people have to understand how quickly time flies by if they want to wake up and try live life.
Ruth continues to dream about Jiko and learn from her about the importance of appreciating each moment.