PhiLO(VE)osophy- The Middle way

Since, the dawn of civilized human society, "the middle way" has been the best solution to all problems and conflicts.

The birth of Buddhism was one of the earliest and widely known example of it.

Before the emergence of Buddhism, Brahmanical religion or what we today know as Hinduism had developed into a system of sacrifices and rituals which was dictated by the Brahmans (Priests) and Kshatriyas (Warriors) thereby, hurting the lower sections of the society both economically and socially. Especially, the Vaishyas (Merchants / Business Class) who, despite being economically sound were looking for alternatives to climb up the social order. Tadaa, Jainism as under Mahavira enters the scene and soon becomes a popular alternative. But, the strict adherence to the extremely difficult religious customs of Jainism was not acceptable to many.

Mr. Wise AKA Buddha enters the scene, gives it a thought under a Peepal tree.( Ficus religiosa.) Comes up with the "Middle Way."
No class/caste/gender bias, no sacrifices and no strict customs to be adhered. The USP was no extremes, everything was in the middle (moderation) i.e. no cravings & no aversions and hence became an instant hit as people could relate to it from their experience. Well, it's a different story that, Hindus clawed back by incorporating some Buddhist principles into Hinduism and even calling Buddha an avatar of Vishnu, slowly absorbing Buddhism in India, into itself. That's another story for some other day.

Coming back, Akbar (Din-i-ilahi, i.e. Divine Religion) was successful because of the middle way and so were Ashoka (adopted Buddhism), Guru Nanakji (Sikhism, majorly consisting of combined tenets of Hinduism and Islam.), Sai Baba and many more. They all chose compassion and understanding of different faiths and tried to assimilate them into a middle way acceptable to all. Taking in what was common and convenient for all. 

Indian democracy was successful because initially and even till date politics is not completely about pleasing one section of the society. (although it might have tilted towards some particular ones at times.) Neither the capitalists nor the working class, same goes for the upper and lower castes/classes or Hindus and Muslims. If a party has completely stuck to one of those, it has eventually had to shut its shop or later under duress modified its stand for mere survival.

Extreme stands have never been good for anyone. The best solution has always been between the two extremes. More like there are good people and there are bad people. You can't just label any section of the society based on nationality, religion, race, caste, gender or place of birth as completely good or bad. Or can you? In that case you have a flawed outlook.
Same goes for conflicts. Say two groups of individuals, have a dispute.



Only 2 possibilities exist in that case:

~ One dominates the other by mere strength physical, numerical or economical. But if both are equally headstrong, they keep fighting till they destroy themselves.

OR

~ Both act wise and opt for a middle way. This way both of them feel, they have won in some way and have not completely lost. Both are conciliated.

So where does the Love analogy fit in,  justifying the title of this post?

It applies to 'that woman.' She doesn't hate me, neither does she love me, a lot. (or so I assume) All she says is "I think, it might not work out." But, if she isn't serious about being with anyone in the long run, why not take the 'middle way' stand, on me, by giving me just a chance. If it doesn't work out, at least, I know she tried and I'll be satisfied that, I got a chance. Else, she will one day in the future inevitably have this thought that, "I could have given him a chance... maybe, life would have been different." Even I might be anguishing in the future that, " It didn't work out maybe because, I didn't give it my best effort, in expressing myself while convincing her."

Rest, she is wise enough to deduce what I intend to convey, if ever, she reads these posts about her.

Oh well, too much bull crap for one day. Hope this thing helps you guys in some dilemma. It is universally applicable in almost all situations, be it religion, social issues, geopolitical tussles, economic policies, personal problems etc. provided all the parties involved make a firm commitment to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.