Thus have I heard:
At one time, Budha was staying in the Mrigadaava (Deer Park) in Rishipatana, Varanasi.
At that time, Budha said to the bhikshus,
“There are two extremes that those who seek the path should not associate with. What are these two?
They are:
(1) indulgence in sensual pleasures, which is low, vulgar and ignoble; and
(2) self-mortification, which is painful, useless and deluded.
These are the two extremes those who seek the path should avoid.
Having abandoned these two extremes, I discovered the Middle Path that leads to Samyak Sambodhi, giving rise to vision and wisdom, bringing peace to the mind, developing spiritual powers, attaining the fruits of the spiritual life, and ultimately realizing Nirvana.
What is this Middle Path that leads to enlightenment, gives rise to vision and wisdom, and brings peace to the mind?
It is precisely this Noble Eightfold Path, that is:
Right View (samyak-drishti),
Right Intention (samyak-samkalpa),
Right Speech (samyak-vaacha),
Right Action (samyak–karmaanta),
Right Livelihood (samyak–aajiva),
Right Effort (samyak-vyaayaama),
Right Mindfulness (samyak-smriti),
and Right Concentration (samyak-samaadhi).
This is called the supreme path.
Through it I attained Samyak Sambodhi (perfect enlightenment), gained clarity and wisdom, found mental peace, developed spiritual powers, achieved the fruits of practice, and reached Nirvana.
Therefore, O bhikshus! You should learn to abandon these two extremes and cultivate this Middle Path.
In this way, O bhikshus, you should train yourselves”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.
Raahula, Kaashyapa, Naaga,
The two difficulties, Mahaaprajaapatii,
Slander, non-Dharma practices,
And the two things come last.