Understanding the "Middle Way"

 Understanding the "Middle Way"

 

Understanding the "Middle Way" properly begins with understanding dualistic thinking. Whether we realize it or not, most of our thought patterns are based in an environment of polar opposites. We tend to think in terms of right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, likes vs. dislikes, wants vs. don't wants, etc..

Such modalities of thinking can cause us to identify with and migrate toward one pole or the other, ultimately causing division between groups of peoples. This is Ego in action. This polar opposite way of thinking even translates into the way society as a whole functions, such as with politics (left wing vs. right wing), religion (religious groups proclaiming that their way is the right way over all others), capitalism vs. environmentalism, and even territorial disputes (such as one country vs. another or one neighbourhood vs. another).

The greatest danger in this polarized way of thinking comes when our Egos, either individual or collectively, tend to identify very strongly with one pole or the other. Such strong polarization leads to radical extremist views and behaviours. Extremist views are characterized by a closed mind, one that can not entertain an opposing view point without an argument or trying to convince the other that they are wrong. When we identify that strongly with these views, we become willing to fight and even kill for them.

These opposing view points can be thought of as similar to a see saw (or teeter totter). The opposing view points exist at the outer edges. The further away from the centre, the greater the opposing up/down movements. When one end is up the other is down. There will be a constant swinging up and down between the two opposites as they continue to battle for the higher position. A see saw with very long boards (extreme view points) will be subjected to greater opposing movements.

The middle way is a movement toward the centre of the see saw. The closer we get to the centre, the less movement.  The further out from the centre, the greater the opposing forces. The very centre is the point of greatest stillness.

As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." This can only be accomplished with an open mind and a willingness to stay centered in stillness.

When the desire to express a strong opinion, or oppose another persons viewpoint is challenged from within and held in stillness, peace emerges rather than conflict. Wisdom therefore, becomes a byproduct of the stillness. This is the middle way.

Michael L. Fournier