Question:
I have sometimes heard the Buddha's teachings called the Middle Way. What does this term mean?
Answer:
The Buddha gave his Noble Eightfold Path an alternative name, majjhima patipada, which means 'the Middle Way'. This is a very important name because it suggests to us that it is not enough to just follow the Path, but that we have to follow it in a particular way. People can become very rigid about religious rules and practices and end up becoming real fanatics. In Buddhism the rules have to be followed and the practice done in a balanced and reasonable way that avoids extremism and excess. The ancient Romans used to say 'Moderation in all things' and Buddhist would agree with this completely.
---Good Question Good Answer, by S. Dhammika---
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