The Middle Way (中道, Chūdō) is a state of being associated with the principles of Yin-Yang and the key to unlocking Tao.
Overview[]
The Middle Way is the spiritual acceptance of duality, or extremes, within an individual to lean towards a "middle ground" that balances out their spirit. Such extremes that a person would try to balance out can be the interstice between emotion and reason, strength and weakness, intensity and tranquility, etc. This path ultimately is the key for a living being to unlock the life force energy known as Tao and the deeper one follows this path the more power they can generate with their Tao.
Usage[]
Yamada Asaemon Sagiri[]
Sagiri using the Middle Way to enhance her performance in battle against Rien.
Yamada Asaemon Sagiri has been greatly recognized by her peers as a prominent example as someone who follows the Middle Way. It was hinted by Gabimaru that Sagiri leaned towards the Middle Way when they first met at the prison where she was prepared to execute him. In the midst of her battle with Rokurōta, Sagiri focused her mind on drawing on strength from her emotions without losing sight of logic, thus allowing her to access the Middle Way to parry all of his attacks. Sagiri then dealt the finishing blow to Rokurōta by focusing on her attack being tranquil yet intense. In her battle against Rien, Sagiri followed the Middle Way to hold her own against the Tensen in her Kishikai by accepting her strength, weakness, and doubt, which caused her Tao to surge in response.
Trivia[]
- In real life, the concept of the Middle Way refers to the opposite, which is the avoidance of the extremes of life, namely the resistance of self-denial and self-indulgence.
- The middle way is generally depicted as being calm ocean waves.