why do buddhist follow the eightfold path
The Noble Eightfold Path-The Middle Way This is the Path for leading a religious life without going to extremes. An outstanding aspect of the Buddha's Teaching is the adoption of the Eightfold Path is the Middle Path. The Buddha advised His followers to follow this Path so as to avoid the extremes of sensual pleasures and self-mortification. The Middle Path is a righteous way of life which does not advocate the acceptance of decrees given by someone outside oneself.