Intro to Buddhism: "Living the Middle Way"

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni is said to have first gone through a

period of ascetic practice in his pursuit for enlightenment to no avail. However, after realizing that enlightenment cannot be sought in the extremes, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi. Hence his teaching has often been called the Middle Path. What does this teaching of Middle Path mean in the modern context? How can it be applied to the challenges of modern living? We will explore the Middle Path in relation to balancing the various aspects of our lives, to seeking the equilibrium in which we can live out our ideals, unleash our potential, and at the same time contribute to the happiness of others as we reach out to them.