The Middle Way

During these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many people and their families are physically, mentally, and financially affected, and more recently, the aftereffects of the death of Mr. George Floyd which has led to social unrest, anger, and fury, I would

like to remind everyone of the importance of cultivating the Middle Way and the Four Perspectives of Buddhism（ 大乘佛教中道同四相 ).

The Middle Way ( 中道 ) is a term used in Buddhism that means a balanced approach to life. Balance is not the same as passivity, however. When you walk the Middle Way, you exert continual effort. The Middle Way is the term that Shakyamuni Buddha ( 釋迦牟尼佛 ) used to describe the elements of the Noble Eightfold Path ( 八正道 ) that lead to the liberation of one’s troubling thoughts, desires, and emotions.

The Middle Way is the correct view of life and refers to the thoughts and deeds that are most likely to create happiness. It should be added that the religion of Buddhism is sometimes called “the Middle Way,” as it always seeks to reconcile opposing viewpoints and maintain balance.

The prescription to follow this Middle Way ( 中道 ) and maintain balance is called the Noble Eightfold Path ( 八正道 ). It consists of eight practices: right view ( 正見 ), right resolve ( 正思惟 ), right speech ( 正語 ), right conduct ( 正命 ), right livelihood ( 正業 ), right effort ( 正清進 ), right mindfulness ( 正念 ), and right meditation ( 正定 ).

The Four Perspectives ( 四相) are the Perspective of Self ( 我相 ): one must not be selfish or self-seeking; the Perspective of Others ( 人相 ): one must discard the attitude that the sufferings of others are of no concern to oneself; the Perspective of Humanity ( 眾生相 ): one must break and remove all barriers so as not to separate oneself from other human beings regardless of race, color, creed, or nationality from one’s concern; and the Perspective of One’s Future ( 壽者相 ): one must not dwell on and overly wish for personal attainments.

By following the Middle Way and the Four Perspectives, one will develop one’s intelligence and wisdom to instinctively know what to do at any given situation. By following the Middle Way and the Four Perspectives, one will acquire empathy, compassion, generosity, charity, and universal brotherhood that will enable one to live a more rewarding and fulfilling life, and, at the same time, contribute to the betterment of society.

Dr. Arlen Hoh
President, Buddha’s Universal Church 6/9/2020