Concept Discussion Topic:

THE MIDDLE WAY

BUDDHIST CONCEPT FOR DISCUSSION

MEETING SEPT 2021 VALUE CREATION PAGE -
66
Oct 2021
WHAT IS THE MIDDLE WAY? BY BIJIT

The Middle Way refers to the Buddha’s enlightened view of life and
also the actions or attitudes that create happiness for oneself and
others; it is found in the ongoing, dynamic efforts to apply Buddhist
wisdom to the questions and the challenges of life and society.

In this sense, the search for the Middle Way can be considered a
universal pursuit of all Buddhist traditions – the quest for a way of
life that would give the greatest value to human existence and help
relieve the world of suffering.
THE MIDDLE WAY ENCOMPASSES
THE TOTALITY OF THE PHYSICAL
AND THE SPIRITUAL
 Based on extensive study of Shakyamuni’s teaching in the Lotus Sutra,
described life and phenomena in terms of three ‘truths’ – Dimensions
 Non-substantiality: Refers to the invisible nature of things, mainly the
mental and spiritual functions of existence. The mind and spirit are
non-substantial meaning they are indefinable in terms of existence or
non existence. Human emotions like anger are a good example.
 Temporary Existence: This is the material and physical aspects of
existence, including its appearance, forms and activities.
 The Middle Way: Its true substance and its totality. Human life, for
instance simultaneously encompasses both the non-substantial aspect
of the mind and temporary aspect of the body. Without being solely
one or the other. The Middle Way is the ultimate source and essence of
life that pervades both of the other aspects.
FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MYOHO, THE
MIND IS THE MYSTIC ENTITY OF THE
MIDDLE WAY…THE ULTIMATE REALITY
Myo is mysterious nature of our life from moment to moment,
which the mind cannot comprehend or words express. The mind
cannot be considered either to exist or not to exist. Myo is the name
given to mystic nature of life, and ho, to its manifestation.

The Daishonin says that the ultimate truth, which transcends

the two extremes of existence and non-existence and yet also
manifests both, is the Middle Way, and because this is the
pinnacle of truth, he calls it the ‘ultimate reality’.
 The Middle Way – A HARMONY OF CONTRADICTIONS, NOT A
COMPROMISE
 Lotus flower that blooms unsullied by the muddy waters in which it grows,
Nichiren maintained that human being posses tremendous potential and the life
condition of Buddhahood which they can bring forth in direct proportion to the
depth of confusion and predicament they face.

 He encouraged individuals to perceive the inherent dignity of all life – their own
and others – and strive to make this the guiding principle of their actions.

 To pursue the Middle Way in not to compromise. It is to bravely confront life’s

challenges – identify root causes and seek means of resolution – while summoning
the transformative strength and wisdom of Buddhahood from within one’s life to
create harmony. It transcends values and accords with fundamental – our
humanity. 5
Our mentor also affirmed his belief that the Buddhist concept of
Middle Way was the philosophy for creating world peace.

 For only when the Mystic Law is expressed as the highest human
wisdom based on the Middle Way can it spread as a guide and
compass and as a teaching or Law (ho) for people to follow.
 The Wisdom arising from an enlightened view of life [the Middle
Way] leads to an ability to reconcile apparently contradictory
positions, to transcend the extremes of opposing views, root oneself
in the profound reality of life, and thus discern a path towards peace.
6