KATHA UPANISHAD - 31. Swami Advayananda.
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Sunday, 02 Jul, 2023, 06:30.
Chapter 1.Section - 2 : ( 25 Mantras ) : THE CHOICE :
(“A Leap Into the Beyond”) : Bhashyam by Sri Swami Adi Sankaracharya ji.
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Chapter-1,
Section-2.
THE CHOICE :
Mantram - 1.2.2: Discrimination Between the Two
Post-31.
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Mantram - 1.2.2: Discrimination Between the Two
1
Shreyah cha preyah cha = The preferable and the pleasurable
manushyam etah = both approach the mortal man.
2
tau sam-pareetya = Having considered them from all sides,
vivinakti dheerah; = the man of intelligence separates the two.
3
shreyah hi dheerah = The intelligent one selects the electable
preyasah abhi vrineete = in preference to the delectable;
4
preyah mandah = the non-intelligent one selects the delectable
yoga kshemaat vrineete. = for the sake of growth and protection (of the body, etc.)
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Simile : Sreyas and Preyas – Like Two Visitors
The first and second verses of this chapter are excellent for “Goal-setting”. Their
message is “Choose your goal wisely. Keep it in view, and the means will follow by
themselves. But lose sight of the goal, and you are totally lost, like a boat without a rudder.”
1
This verse starts with a symbolic representation of the choice we are faced with
from moment to moment. It is visualized that both Sreyas and Preyas are like two visitors
who knock at our door at the same time. When we open the door, we are confronted by
both, but we can allow only one to enter, not both. This is because they are “mutually
exclusive”. They cannot come together, they are divergent in their ways. We shall see more
of that later.
Here it is sufficient to note that when we open our door, whom do we allow to
enter? That is the big question facing every person, at every moment.
2
We also note that the factor that determines whom we allow to enter is our own
Intelligence. Choosing is always a function of the intellect, not the mind. If we allow the
mind to choose, it will bring in its likes and dislikes and distort the choice.
The intellect will always take all factors into account before making a choice. It sees
things from different angles, not just that of the ego. The latter will always see to its own
interests first. The intellect will see what is good for all people concerned, and will always
decide having the interest of one’s ultimate goal in life at heart.
3
When the choice is made purely by the intellect, we would choose Sreyas. Lord
Yama has a long-term perspective, intended for our ultimate good. The intelligent person
who takes into account his ultimate good, chooses Sreyas.
4
The non-intelligent person (Mandah), looking only for short-term happiness,
chooses Preyas. He allows his choice to be over-run by his mind. Selfish interests of the body
and individual personality are permitted to sway the decision. The choice in this case is
always Preyas. It cannot see the overall picture, but only the ego’s perspective.
*****
Next
Mantram - 1.2.3: Yama Praises Nachiketas’s Discrimination
To be continued
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