The Middle Way is a central concept in Buddhism that refers to a path between two extremes, avoiding both sensual indulgence and self-mortification. The Buddha taught that the Middle Way is the path to liberation and enlightenment. The Middle Way is also associated with the Noble Eightfold Path, which is a set of ethical and philosophical practices that facilitate enlightenment.
There are two aspects of the Middle Way taught by the Buddha: the "philosophical" Middle Way and the "practical" Middle Way. The philosophical Middle Way refers to the insight into emptiness that transcends the extremes of existence and non-existence. The practical Middle Way refers to the path of ethical and philosophical practices that lead to enlightenment.
The Middle Way is not a compromise, but rather a way of confronting lifes challenges and seeking means of resolution while summoning the transformative strength and wisdom of Buddhahood from within ones life to create harmony. It is a universal pursuit of all Buddhist traditions, the quest for a way of life that would give the greatest value to human existence and help relieve the world of suffering.
In summary, the Middle Way is a path between two extremes, avoiding both sensual indulgence and self-mortification, that leads to liberation and enlightenment. It is associated with the Noble Eightfold Path and is both a philosophical and practical concept in Buddhism.
