Definition
The expression “middle way” refers to the Buddhist understanding of practical life, avoiding the extremes of self-denial and self-indulgence, as well as the view of reality that avoids the extreme positions of eternalism and annihilationism.
The Buddhist Understanding of the Middle Path
The notion of the middle way refers to the Buddha’s resistance to unconditionally accept any extreme ways of practice or theoretical viewpoints. The Buddha described himself as a vibhajyavādin (one who asserts propositions conditionally) rather than an ekāntavādin (on who maintains one absolute position). The middle path generally refers to the avoidance of two extremes of practical life, namely, indulgence in sensual pleasures on the one hand and severe asceticism on the other. According to the religious biography, the Buddha was supposed to have lived a very comfortable and affluent life before...
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Abbreviations
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Saṃyutta Nikāya
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Bajželj, A. (2017). Middle Way (Buddhism). In: Sarao, K.T.S., Long, J.D. (eds) Buddhism and Jainism. Encyclopedia of Indian Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-0852-2_280
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