Sidhartha Gautama was able to discover the middle way and enlighten by

doing deep introspection and meditation. He spent years practicing extreme asceticism and self-denial, but realized that it did not lead to true enlightenment. Instead, he decided to adopt a balanced approach, neither indulging in luxury nor depriving himself of basic needs. This middle way allowed him to achieve a state of clarity and understanding, eventually leading to his enlightenment and becoming the Buddha. Through his teachings, he shared this middle way with others, emphasizing the importance of balance, mindfulness, and compassion in leading a meaningful and enlightened life.