Great danger in use of the will

[Peregrinus]

Buddha sat by the river one day in a weakened state, for he had almost totally denied himself all luxuries and the most basic needs, including eating, for many months. He had hoped he might find enlightenment on this path, but it simply had not come to him.

As he sat there, a boat went by, and in the boat was a music teacher and student. They were having a conversation, and Buddha overheard the teacher speak the words "Too tight, and the strings will break; too loose, and the instrument will not play". Buddha then realized then that the middle path, the one of balance, would be the road to enlightenment, and resolved to follow this path.