In our recent interview with Gurudev Sri Anish, he shared profound insights into spirituality and the importance of the Middle Path for living a joyful, balanced life. According to him, true spirituality thrives when we walk the Middle Path, avoiding the extremes of indulgence (Bhoga) and complete renunciation.
Gurudev explains, “Spirituality will not flourish if you choose an extreme way. One extreme is Bhoga – indulgence in the world of matter, and the other is complete abstinence or renunciation. In both these extremes, the mind and ego get ‘bummed’ a lot, caught in cycles of desire or denial. That’s why Buddha emphasized the Middle Path, and why many ancient Indian Rishis, though deeply spiritual, lived in the world as married individuals.”
View this post on Instagram
The Middle Path, as Gurudev describes, is the path of restraint – engaging with the world while maintaining a mindful distance. It involves being active yet reflective, immersed in life’s experiences without becoming entangled in them. “In today’s world, we often swing between extreme action (Rajas) and inertia (Tamas),” he notes. “But true spirituality lies in the realm of Sattva – a balanced state of being that exists between these two extremes.”
Gurudev emphasizes that this balanced state doesn’t mean avoiding life’s pleasures, but rather enjoying them without attachment. “When you sip a cup of coffee, fully enjoy it, but don’t become dependent on it. Be aware that everything in this world is impermanent, and don’t let yourself get entangled.”
In essence, the Middle Path is about staying present in the world without losing yourself to it – a path that leads to true freedom, joy, and ultimately, Moksha (liberation). It’s about being fully alive yet unattached, awake to the flow of life without being swept away by it. As Gurudev beautifully puts it, “You are the one who is always awake, the one watching this dance of life.”
For those seeking true spiritual growth, the Middle Path isn’t just a choice – it’s the only path to lasting joy and liberation.
