The Middle Path, also known as the Middle Way, is a term used in Buddhism to refer to two major aspects of the Dharma, which is the teaching of the Buddha. The Middle Path is the spiritual practice that steers clear of the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification. The term "Middle Path" was used in the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which is regarded as the first teaching that the Buddha delivered after his awakening. In this sutta, the Buddha describes the Noble Eightfold Path as the Middle Way, which leads to calm, insight, enlightenment, and Nibbana. The Middle Path is realized by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The Middle Path informs much of Buddhist thought, even its more abstract concepts. It is applied to any dualism or diametrically opposed pair, such as subject/object, samsara/nirvana, and part/whole. The Middle Path represents a distinct theory and way of Buddhist practice that is not common to other religions. It means to investigate and penetrate the core of life and all things with an upright, unbiased attitude. The Middle Path in Buddhism does not mean having a biased view or superficial understanding only. It represents the ongoing, dynamic effort to apply Buddhist wisdom to the questions and challenges of life and society. The Middle Way is found in the quest for a way of life that would give the greatest value to human existence and help relieve the world of suffering.
