If we throw a log of wood into a river, it floats down
stream. If that log doesn't rot or get stuck on one of the banks of the river,
it will finally reach the ocean. Likewise the mind that practices the Middle
Way and doesn't attach to either extreme of sensual indulgence or self -
mortification will inevitably attain true peace.
The log in our analogy represents the mind. The banks
of the river represent, on one side happiness, and on the other, unhappiness,
you could say. To follow the Middle Way is to see happiness and unhappiness for
what they really are - Only feelings. Once this understanding has been
achieved, the mind will not easily drift toward them and get caught. It is the
practice of the understanding of the mind not to nurture any feelings that
rise, nor to cling to them. The mind then freely flows down the river
unhampered and eventually flows into the "Ocean" of Nibbana.
(Ajahn Chah)
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