Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"This is also known as the 'middle path' because it avoids the extremes - happiness through sense pleasures and happiness through severe asceticism. The entire teaching of Buddha can be summarised into the eight-fold noble path."

(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/handle/123456789/35229)

(a) What is the Middle Path, and how does it differ from extreme asceticism and indulgence?

(b) Explain the relationship between the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in achieving salvation.

(a) The Middle Path or the Eight-fold path consists of the following principles:

1. Right Belief
2. Right Thought
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Living
6. Right Effort
7. Right Recollection
8. Right Meditation

This path is also called the 'Middle Path', as the Buddha on the one hand condemned the life of pleasure as practised by the Brahmana or priests, while on the other hand he opposed the life of severe penance, such as dying by starvation as preached by the Jains.

(b) Buddha was more focused on ethical conduct than metaphysical beliefs, advocating a way of life that anyone could follow. His Four Noble Truths, introduced in his first sermon at Samath, form the core of his teachings. They are:

1. Dukkha : This world is full of sufferings.
2. Samudaya : Desires are the main cause of sufferings.
3. Nirodhe : One can get rid of sufferings by removing desires.
4. Megga : The desires can be removed only by following the Eight-fold Path or the Middle Path.

The Four Noble Truths explain the nature and cause of suffering, while the Eightfold Path provides the method to overcome it and attain nirvana (liberation or salvation).