The Middle Way or Middle Path is the Buddhist philosophy expounded by Gautama Buddha, and can be summarised as the practice of non-extremism; a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and opposing self-mortification. Gautama found the middle way after experiencing extremes -- he renounced his luxurious royal family life and became an ascetic before attaining Enlightenment.

See also: Buddhism, Nirvana.

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