The Middle Way (Majjhimà Pañipadà) is an alternative name the Buddha gave to his Noble Eightfold Path (S.IV,330-1). He gave it this name because the Buddhist spiritual life should be lived avoiding the extremes of self-mortification and self-indulgence, indeed, all extremes. This emphasis on balance and moderation has meant that Buddhism has produced very few fanatics or extremist groups during its long history.