From my reading of Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Tao Te Ching – following a middle ground is a key theme that has emerged – that is tread on a middle ground. Neither extreme austerities, nor indulgences are good for the body, mind or soul.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 6-16 – “Arjuna, those who eat too much or eat too little, who sleep too much or sleep too little, will not succeed in meditation.”
Dhammapada (Eknath Easwaran, Introduction)
In the forest, Siddhartha studied yoga – meditation – first with teachers, and then on his own, and finally practicing extreme austerities. In doing so he realized that his body was so worn down, however, Siddhartha discovered that he could no longer meditate well. His mind lacked the vitality for intense, sustained concentration. He changed course, and eventually attained Nirvana.
The “Middle Path” then became one of his core teachings. He taught this to student Sona, who in his overenthusiasm of spirituality was practicing extreme austerities. Since Sona used to love playing the vina (a musical instrument similar to Guitar), he took one to him after deliberately loosening its strings till they were limp as spagetti. He asked, “Sona, can you show me how to make music with this?” Sona took the instrument respectfully and fingered a few notes. Then he began to laugh. “Blessed One,” he said, “you can’t produce music when the strings are so loose!” “Oh, I see. Let me try again.” And he proceeded to wind the strings so tightly that Sona winced. When the Buddha tested them, all that came out was high-pitched squeaks. “Blessed One, that won’t work either. You’ll break the strings. Here, let me tune it for you.” He took the instrument, loosened the strings gently, and played a little of a haunting song. Then he stopped, for the music brought memories he was afraid to awaken. “It has to be tuned just right to make music,” he said abruptly, handing the vina back to the Buddha. “Neither too tight nor too loose. Just right.” “Sona,” the Buddha replied, “it is the same for those who seek nirvana. Don’t let yourself be slack, but don’t stretch yourself to breaking either. The middle course, lying between too much and too little, is the way of my Eightfold Path.”
Eknath Easwaran. The Dhammapada (Kindle Locations 527-535). Kindle Edition.
Tao Te Ching, and The Untethered Soul – Michael Singer Chapter 18
