Recently, I’ve been diving into “The Buddha Before Buddhism” by Gil Fronsdal, which translates what’s believed to be one of the oldest Buddhist teachings. This book has significantly impacted my meditation practice.
What strikes me most is how straightforward this ancient text is. There are no complex lists like the eightfold path or the four noble truths. Discussions about rebirth mainly address other teachers’ beliefs, and the effects of our actions are mostly considered in the context of this life, right here and now.
Nirvana or a future state of spiritual enlightenment isn’t the focus here. The text doesn’t aim for bliss or happiness but emphasizes peace. This emphasis on peace caught my attention. Instead of outlining a step-by-step path to attain peace in the future, the text suggests that we should experience peace right now.
Reading “The Buddha Before Buddhism” has led me to simply observe when I feel disturbed and pause. Often, I think, “What do I need to do or let go of to be at peace?” This thought prompts immediate, natural actions. For example, if I want to move my body in a way that brings peace, I move slowly and gracefully. If I want to eat peacefully, I eat slowly and mindfully, focusing solely on the act of eating.
When I feel tired and overstimulated, asking myself what I need to let go of to be at peace makes me want to rest. I set aside my tasks and become mindful of my surroundings, my body, and my breath. Happiness isn’t necessary; being at peace is.
If anxiety arises, I don’t ask how to eliminate it. Instead, I think about how to be at peace with it. Accepting the anxiety mindfully and kindly is the answer. Peace and anxiety can coexist.
The awareness of peace doesn’t always come as a specific question. Sometimes it’s a non-verbal understanding that peace is accessible and I can allow it to surface. It’s like knowing the way to the post office without needing to think through every step. Similarly, remembering that peace is my goal naturally guides my body and mind towards it.
There’s no need for intellectual processing to figure out how to find peace. The movement towards peace happens spontaneously. Many people might think they must do something specific to achieve peace, but it’s more about getting out of the way and letting peace happen. Your mind and body already know what to release.
Another obstacle might be our habit of deferring wellbeing to the future. We often think, “I’ll be happy once I’m out of debt” or “I can relax after losing 20 pounds.” This habit of postponing happiness often means that time never comes because we keep finding new things to tackle first.
The approach I’ve been following is simple and immediate. It’s surprisingly effective. Another barrier could be our expectations. We might expect peace to be extraordinary, and when it feels ordinary, we think “This can’t be it” and continue seeking an ideal state, missing the peace already present.
The solution to these barriers—attachment, postponement, and rejection—is simple. Ask, “What do I need to do or let go of to be at peace?” Let go of grasping now and experience peace. Stop deferring happiness and be at peace. Let go of resisting peace and just experience it.
Peace is here, now. Stop ignoring it and let it be your experience. Just be peace.