Sidhartha Gautama was able to discover the Middle Way and enlightenment by :
1. Renouncing his luxurious lifestyle: Siddhartha Gautama was born into a royal family and lived a life of luxury and comfort. However, he realized that material possessions and worldly pleasures did not bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. Therefore, he renounced his privileged life and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
2. Practicing extreme asceticism: Siddhartha Gautama underwent severe self-mortification techniques in his pursuit of enlightenment. He practiced extreme fasting, deprivation of sleep, and other harsh physical disciplines. However, he soon realized that these extreme practices did not lead to enlightenment and instead caused him physical harm and weakness.
3. Meditating under the Bodhi tree: After realizing the shortcomings of both a life of luxury and extreme asceticism, Siddhartha Gautama decided to meditate under a Bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment. He practiced deep concentration and mindfulness, gradually achieving higher states of consciousness and wisdom.
4. Overcoming the temptations of Mara: While meditating, Siddhartha Gautama faced numerous distractions and temptations, symbolized by the demon Mara. These temptations aimed to distract him from his path towards enlightenment. However, Siddhartha remained focused and undeterred, ultimately conquering Mara and attaining enlightenment.
5. Discovering the Middle Way: During his meditation, Siddhartha Gautama realized that extreme asceticism and indulgence in worldly pleasures were both hindrances to the path of enlightenment. He discovered the Middle Way, which advocates for a balanced approach to life. This involves neither indulging in materialistic desires nor suppressing oneself through extreme practices, but instead finding a moderate and mindful way of living.
6. Gaining insights into the nature of existence: Through his deep meditation and mindfulness practices, Siddhartha Gautama gained profound insights into the nature of reality and existence. He comprehended the interconnectedness of all beings, the law of cause and effect (karma), and the impermanence of all phenomena. These insights formed the foundation of his teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
7. Attaining enlightenment: Ultimately, Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment, becoming a Buddha (meaning "awakened one"). He broke free from the cycle of samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) and attained a state of complete liberation and understanding. He became a source of wisdom and compassion and dedicated his life to teaching others how to attain enlightenment and end suffering.