The Buddha taught the Middle Way and explicated its meaning. The middle way reminds us to notice when we are caught in some fixed dogma and misunderstand the import of actual conditions. The Middle Way teaching reminds us to get caught neither in the search for happiness through the pleasure of the senses, nor to turn away entirely to a path of self-denial or mortification. Both extremes lead to countless difficulties and deny the complexities of living as a precious, conscious being in a complex world.
Yes, the pleasure of the senses is part of the sweetness at the bottom of the pie of our life. But it’s momentary and changes according to the other ingredients. Truthfully, we are continually faced with a great variety of provisions, the various tastes of daily life. Our experience calls us to free ourselves from unwholesome habits and explore freshly more nuanced responses. What are the “tastes” that are being served up today? How do they nourish awakening? Even the bitter? Even the salty? Even the bland? It’s up to us and whether we are willing to receive the nourishment of our ordinary life and to trust it as the best dish to nourish awakening.