Mains Marathon

Approach

Introduce by writing about Buddha and meaning of middle path. Discuss essence of middle path in various facets with examples. Discuss how it is useful for civil servants. Conclude accordingly.

Answer:

Buddha, meaning "enlightened one" or "awakened one," refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The Middle Path, a fundamental principle in Buddhism, advocates for moderation and balance in all aspects of life. It emphasizes avoiding extremes and finding a harmonious way that leads to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Essence of middle path:

• Materialism and Asceticism:
  • Extremes: Materialism focuses solely on accumulating wealth and possessions, while asceticism involves severe self-denial and renunciation of worldly pleasures.
  • Middle Path: Buddha's Middle Path advocates neither excessive attachment to material wealth nor complete rejection of physical needs. This balance is reflected in the practice of Dana (charity) in Buddhism, where followers give without attachment and receive without greed.
• Eating and Fasting:
  • Extremes: Overeating can lead to physical ailments, while excessive fasting can weaken the body.
  • Middle Path: Buddha's teachings emphasize mindful eating, appreciating nourishment without gluttony or deprivation. Monks practice alms rounds to receive food in moderation without burdening the community.
• Speech and Silence:
  • Extremes: Excessive talk can lead to misunderstandings and harmful speech, while total silence might hinder effective communication.
  • Middle Path: Buddha highlighted right speech, promoting truthful, kind, and purposeful communication. Indian traditions like Ahimsa (non-violence) emphasize speech that promotes harmony and understanding.
• Attachment and Detachment:
  • Extremes: Overattachment to relationships can lead to possessiveness and suffering, while complete detachment can result in emotional isolation.
  • Middle Path: The Middle Path encourages cultivating healthy relationships while understanding impermanence. Ashoka, an Indian emperor who embraced Buddhism, ruled with compassion and moderation, displaying the principles of right governance.
• Societal Harmony:
  • Extremes: Injustice and inequality, or extreme measures that disrupt social order.
  • Middle Path: Buddha's teachings underscored justice, compassion, and empathy. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, influenced by Buddhism, worked towards social equality through the Indian Constitution, aiming for a balanced society.
• Environmental Stewardship:
  • Extremes: Exploitation of natural resources without consideration for sustainability, or radical eco-centric views that disregard human needs.
  • Middle Path: Buddha's teachings on non-harm extend to the environment. In India's Ladakh region, the concept of "Laws of Nature" influences local governance, promoting responsible resource use while respecting human needs.

Need of middle path for civil servants:

• Avoiding Partisanship: Civil servants need to maintain political neutrality while staying engaged in implementing government policies.
  • During elections, civil servants ensure fair play and unbiased conduct, as seen in the Election Commission's oversight of electoral processes.
• Conflict Resolution: Civil servants played a role in mediating and resolving ethnic conflicts in states like Mizoram, showcasing the importance of balanced approaches.
• Ethical Leadership: The Middle Path helps civil servants navigate ethical challenges, avoiding unethical behaviour while demonstrating principled leadership.
  • Civil servants who expose corruption, such as the Indian Forest Service officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, exemplify ethical leadership by standing against wrongdoing.
• Sensitivity to Diversity: The Middle Path encourages civil servants to embrace diversity while avoiding bias and extremism, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all.
  • The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign addresses gender disparities while promoting the holistic development of girls, demonstrating sensitivity to gender issues.

The Middle Path's wisdom is embedded in various aspects of Indian culture, philosophy, and history. It resonates not only in Buddhism but also in the diverse fabric of India, influencing approaches to spirituality, ethics, and societal harmony.