Shreya vs. Preya: Choosing Long-term Well-being Over Immediate Gratification

Discover the wisdom of Kathopanishad: Choose Shreya (long-term good) over Preya (short-term pleasure) for a life of true fulfillment and well-being.

The Kathopanishad is one of the primary Upanishads, presenting a dialogue between a young seeker, Nachiketa, and Yama, the Lord of Death. It explores profound spiritual questions and the nature of life and death. The shloka we are examining is the second one in the Dwitiya Valli of the first chapter of Kathopanishad.

The Shloka

श्रेयश्च प्रेयश्च मनुष्यमेतस्तौ संपरीत्य विविनक्ति धीरः।
श्रेयो हि धीरोऽभि प्रेयसो वृणीते।
प्रेयो मन्दो योगक्षेमाद् वृणीते॥

Meaning: Shreya (the good) and Preya (the pleasurable) approach humans. The wise (dhira) person, after examining both, discriminates between them. The wise prefers Shreya over Preya, while the unwise (manda) chooses Preya for the sake of comfort and security.

Explanation

In simple terms, this shloka teaches us about two types of choices that constantly present themselves in our lives: Shreya and Preya.

Shreya (The Good)

• Represents long-term well-being.
• Often requires effort and discipline.
• Initially might be challenging but leads to lasting benefits.

Preya (The Pleasurable)

• Represents immediate gratification.
• Easy and appealing in the short term.
• Can lead to negative consequences over time.

Relating to Contemporary Life

1. Health and Fitness
• Shreya: Regular exercise and healthy eating. Initially tough, but results in good health.
• Preya: Eating junk food and avoiding exercise. Feels good now but causes health problems later.
2. Education and Career
• Shreya: Studying diligently and building skills. Hard work but leads to a successful career.
• Preya: Skipping studies for leisure activities. Fun now but harms future prospects.
3. Financial Decisions
• Shreya: Saving and investing wisely. Requires discipline but ensures financial stability.
• Preya: Spending on luxuries. Pleasurable now but leads to financial issues.

The Impact of Choices

The shloka emphasizes that while Preya is tempting, it often results in long-term harm. For instance:

• A doctor who gives easy but ineffective treatment might make a patient feel better temporarily but worsens the illness long-term.
• In society, making quick, unconsidered changes can lead to more significant problems down the line.

Wisdom in Choices

According to the shloka, the wise (dhira) person:

• Carefully evaluates both Shreya and Preya.
• Chooses Shreya, even if it is challenging initially, because it leads to true well-being.
• Avoids Preya, recognizing its potential for long-term harm.

Applying the Wisdom of Sages

The shloka also ties to the teachings of sages:

• Sages’ Perspective: Sages look beyond immediate pleasures, advocating for choices that align with Shreya.
• Contemporary Society: Often prioritizes immediate pleasure (Preya), leading to various societal and personal issues.

Conclusion

To truly embody the wisdom of the shloka, one must develop:

• Contemplation: Deeply think about the consequences of choices.
• Discipline: Stick to what is right, despite initial difficulties.
• Long-term Vision: Consider future impacts over immediate gratification.

In summary, the shloka from Kathopanishad teaches us to distinguish between what feels good now (Preya) and what is truly good (Shreya). By choosing Shreya, we align with a path of righteousness and long-term well-being, even if it means facing initial difficulties. This wisdom is crucial for making choices that lead to true happiness and fulfillment in life.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi