Lately, I’ve been diving into “The Buddha Before Buddhism” by Gil Fronsdal. This book is essentially a translation of what is thought to be one of the oldest Buddhist teachings, and it’s significantly influenced how I approach my practice.
One thing that stands out about this text is its simplicity. There are no detailed lists like the Eightfold Path or the Four Noble Truths. Discussions about rebirth mostly reference beliefs from other teachers, and the effects of actions are considered within this lifetime, not beyond it. Interestingly, there’s no mention of Nirvana or achieving some future state of spiritual enlightenment. The primary focus isn’t on attaining bliss or happiness, but rather on finding peace.
This emphasis on peace is what I find most compelling. The goal is to simply be at peace now, without necessarily focusing on how to achieve it in the future. Since reading “The Buddha Before Buddhism,” I’ve started to pay attention to moments of “unpeace” in my life, pausing to reflect. Often, I find myself asking, “What do I need to do or let go of to be at peace?”
This self-questioning prompts me to take immediate action. If I wonder how to move my body to experience peace, I move slowly and gracefully. If I’m pondering how to eat mindfully, I slow down and focus solely on eating. Should I feel tired or overwhelmed, this question encourages me to rest, become aware of my surroundings, and focus on my breathing. The goal isn’t to force happiness but to be at peace.
When I’m anxious, I don’t try to eliminate the anxiety. Instead, I think about how to be at peace with it. Mindfully and kindly accepting anxiety allows peace and anxiety to coexist. These insights or “questions” often come as realizations rather than words, guiding me toward peace much like knowing the way to the post office without needing verbal directions.
Many people likely believe that achieving peace requires specific actions, but that’s not the case. You don’t need to do anything special; just let peace happen. Another common barrier is the habit of delaying wellbeing, thinking happiness will come after achieving certain goals. This mindset keeps us from experiencing peace now, continuously pushing it into an undefined future.
The practice I’ve adopted is straightforward and immediate. Its simplicity is surprisingly effective. Expectations can also be a hurdle, making us think peace should feel extraordinary. When the peace we experience feels ordinary, we might reject it, craving something more ideal.
To overcome these barriers — grasping, deferring, or rejecting — I simply ask, “What do I need to do or let go of to be at peace?” By letting go of grasping, deferring happiness, or resisting peace, I can experience peace right now.
Peace is always here, available in the present moment. All we need to do is stop ignoring it and let it be part of our experience. Just be peace.