MIDDLE WAY Meaning and
Definition
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The term "middle way" refers to a philosophy or approach that embraces a balanced and moderate course of action between two extremes. It is commonly associated with Buddhism and its teachings, particularly those of the Buddha himself.
In Buddhism, the middle way indicates the path to enlightenment as a middle ground between extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures and extreme self-mortification. The Buddha discovered this middle way after abandoning a life of luxury and severe ascetic practices, finding that both paths did not lead to the ultimate truth. The middle way thus became a cornerstone of Buddhist doctrine, advocating for a harmonious path that avoids the perils of excess and deficiency.
Beyond Buddhism, the middle way can also be understood as a general principle of finding harmony and balance in life. It suggests an approach that steers clear of extremes, fanaticism, or rigid adherence to one point of view. Embracing the middle way can involve adopting a balanced perspective, practicing moderation, and seeking compromise or conciliation in conflicts or disagreements.
In summary, the middle way refers to a philosophy or way of life that advocates for a balanced and moderate approach, avoiding extremes and promoting harmony. It emphasizes finding a middle ground between opposing forces and viewpoints, whether in the context of spiritual or philosophical beliefs, personal conduct, or societal interactions.
Common Misspellings for MIDDLE WAY
- niddle way
- kiddle way
- jiddle way
- muddle way
- mjddle way
- mkddle way
- moddle way
- m9ddle way
- m8ddle way
- misdle way
- mixdle way
- micdle way
- mifdle way
- mirdle way
- miedle way
- midsle way
- midxle way
- midcle way
- midfle way
- midrle way
Etymology of MIDDLE WAY
The term "middle way" can be traced back to ancient Indian philosophy, specifically to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. In Pali, an ancient language of India, the term is "majjhimā paṭipadā", which translates to "middle path" or "middle road". The concept of the middle way is central to Buddhism and refers to the path of moderation that avoids the extremes of indulgence and asceticism.
The term found its way into English through translations of Buddhist scriptures and philosophical texts. It has been used to describe not only the Buddhist philosophy but also a more general principle of finding a balanced approach between two extremes in various aspects of life. Overall, the etymology of "middle way" can be traced back to Buddhism's ancient teachings and their subsequent dissemination and adoption in different cultures and languages.
Idioms with the word MIDDLE WAY
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(find, etc.) a/the middle way
The idiom "(find, etc.) a/the middle way" refers to the act of avoiding extremes or extremes of opinion and instead seeking a balanced or moderate approach to a situation or issue. It suggests finding a compromise or alternative that incorporates elements from both opposing sides, without leaning too heavily towards one extreme or the other.
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