The Buddha's message was simple but profound. Neither a life of self-indulgence nor one of self-mortification can bring happiness. Only a middle path, avoiding these two extremes, leads to peace of mind, wisdom, & complete liberation from the dissatisfactions of life.
Henepola Gunaratana (2011). “Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha's Path”, p.25, Simon and Schuster
