Kaṭhopaniṣad: Śreyas & Preyas

Kaṭhopaniṣad. Yama's Teachings. Yama & Naciketa.

The characteristic that sets humans apart from animals is their capacity to think, reflect, and make moral decisions in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through devotion to the Parabrahma. Humans can be classified into two distinct groups based on their beliefs - those who strive for Śreyas and those who pursue Preyas. However, it is important to understand the true meaning of Śreyas and Preyas.

Yama clarifies to Naciketa that Śreyas is superior to Preyas. Both Śreyas and Preyas have their own unique purposes, but they can also blind those who pursue them. Seeking Śreyas is advantageous, while choosing Preyas leads to disappointment and failure.

Preyas frequently captivates the human mind. It encompasses a desirable and opulent way of life, a respectable standing in society, indulgence, convenience, well-being and countless other delights. These earthly gratifications embody Preyas - that which is pleasing. Preyas is always cherished and loved. However, Naciketa, a sincere seeker of eternal wisdom, rejects Preyas as he views it as a hindrance on the journey to salvation due to its sensory pleasure.

Śreyas, as elucidated by Yama, holds supremacy. It bears the responsibility of attaining self-realization, liberating individuals from the shackles of the material realm, and bestowing eternal bliss.

Kaṭhopaniṣad - Śreyas and Preyas both approach the man. The wise individual carefully observes and evaluates both of them, ultimately selecting Śreyas over Preyas. On the other hand, the foolish person, solely concerned with materialistic gains, chooses Preyas.

Whatever choice one makes, one feels committed and bound to it. Being bound to Śreyas brings in final release whereas by being committed to Preyas, unaware of real meaning of life, one is deprived of its essence. Throughout his lifetime, a man desires a spouse (dāreṣaṇā), children (putreṣaṇā), and wealth (vitteṣaṇā). However, when these desires exceed a certain limit, they can impede one's freedom, leading to the endless cycle of birth and rebirth. Śreyas consistently reveals itself, yet wise individuals must exert their own efforts to acknowledge it and select it over Preyas (which may appeals to many).

मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये।

यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः॥

[Amongst thousands of persons, hardly one strives for perfection; and amongst those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.]

Image Source: Pinterest.

श्री कृष्णार्पणमस्तु।

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