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The Balancing Buddha

Discipline, explains Joan Gattuso, begs something more.

Joan Gattuso

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Insights Arlene Shechet Jack Shainman Gallery Cathy Carver photoTHE MIDDLE WAY is achieved when one reaches that point of cosmic balance between austerity and the creature comforts of the world. The ascetics who were with the Buddha were critical of him because he was no longer living an austere lifestyle. They considered his life too “cushy.” He was eating beautiful food and wearing a fine robe, while they existed on a few grains of rice and slept uncovered on a bed of nails.

The ascetics asked the Buddha, “What kind of teacher and yogi are you? You are soft, weak, indulgent.”

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