When I first moved into my apartment, I heard there were trails in the nearby woods, but I had a hard time finding them when I took my dog for walks. The paths were often faint and easy to lose track of, while the more distinct trails had many branches that could lead anywhere, making simple walks quite complicated. So, I explored cautiously, never going too far until I got a better sense of the area. Occasionally, I got lost and wandered around until I found my way back home.
Three months later, I’ve become familiar with the trails. I now know where I am and how all the different paths connect. What once seemed confusing and a bit scary is now clear, and I enjoy knowing my way around.
There’s a similarity in how we learn and practice Buddhism. I’ve been studying it for over forty years, originally motivated by a desire to suffer less, mainly through meditation. At first, meditation seemed simple: just focus on the breath and be kind. But Buddhism turned out to be more complex, with various lists and teachings that seem daunting at first.
It can feel overwhelming trying to keep track of everything, which can lead to a false sense of pride or feelings of inadequacy. It’s easy to get lost in all the complexity. However, when the process of Awakening begins—what’s technically called “Entering the Stream”—you start to see things more clearly.
In our practice, we eventually realize the simplicity of it. We’ve often been over-complicating things and using intellectual teachings to avoid truly seeing our experiences. With time, it’s easier to distinguish what is and isn’t the path.
It’s like my initial walks in the woods compared to now. Initially, I couldn’t tell paths from non-paths, much like we can’t always distinguish the core of our practice amidst all the complexity. In the end, all that knowledge—while useful—can also be a distraction.
The essence of practice is simple: find peace within yourself. Let go of whatever prevents that peace, whether it’s anger, perfectionism, or anything else. If something like focusing on your breath or practicing kindness brings you calm, then do it. Notice and value these things. It doesn’t have to be more complex than that.
At its core, it’s about returning your awareness to your breath and being kind.