Recently, the festival of Buddha Purnima was celebrated, which reminds me of the wisdom shared by two great thinkers from different parts of the world: Aristotle and Gautama Buddha. Both of them emphasized the importance of avoiding extremes and finding a balanced, moderate approach to life.
Aristotle’s Golden Mean
Aristotle, the famous Western philosopher and the founder of logical theory, introduced the concept of the Golden Mean. This principle suggests that virtue lies between extremes, and the ideal moral behavior is found in a moderate and balanced approach. For example, if the behavior in question is honesty, one extreme (excess) would be bluntness or harshness, while the other extreme (deficiency) would be dishonesty.
Aristotle believed that virtue is not an absolute or extreme quality but lies in finding the mean between two vices. Virtue, which refers to a moral way of behaving, is the desirable midpoint between these extremes.
Buddha’s Middle Way
Similarly, Gautama Buddha, who lived in the 6th century BC, taught the Middle Way—a path between the extremes of religious asceticism and worldly self-indulgence. The Middle Way emphasizes a balanced approach to spiritual practice, avoiding the pitfalls of extreme austerity and excessive indulgence.
The Golden Mean in Daily Life
The idea of the Golden Mean can be applied to our daily lives. Before you act, react, respond, or behave in any situation, consider this principle. For instance, when dealing with stress at work, neither overworking (an excess) nor avoiding responsibilities (a deficiency) is the ideal approach. Instead, strive for a balanced workload that promotes both productivity and well-being.
Wisdom from the Gita
This concept is also echoed in ancient Indian wisdom. In the Bhagavad Gita, verse 6:16, Krishna advises the warrior Arjuna about maintaining balance in life:
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः।
न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन।।6.16।।
This translates to, “There is no possibility of one’s becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough.”
Krishna explains that all things, including food, feelings, thoughts, and actions, can be classified under three traits: Rajas (hyperactivity), Sattva (balance), and Tamas (inactivity). The key is to maintain a balance—finding your Golden Mean.
Practical Application:
- Reflect: Before reacting to any situation, take a moment to reflect on whether your response is balanced or leaning towards an extreme.
- Moderation: Practice moderation in all aspects of life, from eating and sleeping to working and relaxing.
- Awareness: Be aware of your tendencies and strive to correct them when they veer towards the extremes.
Next time you face a challenge or decision, remember the Golden Mean. Aim for balance and moderation, avoiding the extremes. This balanced approach can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life.
Conclusion
The greatest human endeavor is the use of reason in theoretical activity, and applying the principle of the Golden Mean can guide us towards virtuous and balanced living. Whether inspired by Aristotle’s philosophy, Buddha’s teachings, or the wisdom of the Gita, the message is clear: avoid extremes and find your Golden Mean.
MindfulCelebration #PersonalGrowth #FestivalWisdom
See you in the next post.
- team nesswill