What the Middle Way Is (Not)

The Middle Path is…
not to sit on the fence, neutral,
not to be ambivalent, uncertain,
not to be apathetic, indifferent.

The Middle Path is…
to not be extreme in sensual indulgence,*
to not be extreme in asceticism,*
to not be extreme in grasping any views.**

* These are opposite physical extremes away from moderate living.
** These are mental extremes. Even attachment to right views is unskilful.