Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
7. The middle path is the core of Buddha’s teaching and can be adopted in all walks of life. Elaborate with examples. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about middle path of Buddha and its application in present day.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with a brief middle path of Buddha.
Body:
Write about the concept of ‘middle path’ (madhyamaka) which steers clear of the extremes. Elaborte upon it as it essentially implies avoiding extremes, such as what we are witnessing today-narrow nationalism and unbridled liberalism, religious bigotry and decrying religion, obsession with a glorious past and justifying all things considered modern; in short, blind faith in what one considers right without consideration for the other’s point of view.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning Buddha’s call to avoid extreme ways of practice and walk the middle way of reasonableness is the need of the hour.
