In my Uposatha observance today, I’ve gained insight into the differences between Extreme Penances, and the Middle Way, and why one doesn’t lead to liberation, and the other one does.
Extreme Penances: Starvation of mind. Assumption of control. Supports the suppression of mind. Doesn’t support the cooling/extinguishment of the mind. Doesn’t lead to liberation.
The Middle Way: Doesn’t starve the mind. Doesn’t assume control. Removal of the mind from the sensual domain. Removal of fuel and nutriment. Eventually cooling of the mind. Leads to liberation.
u/AwakenTheWisdom — 15 days ago