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Shreyas and Preyas (श्रेयः प्रेयः च) (view source)
Revision as of 19:59, 15 December 2023
, 19:59, 15 December 2023Added etymology of terms
It is clear that every being chooses his own path at his own will. Preyas is that which attracts us at the first sight because it can give us immediate pleasure. Shreyas is that which does not attract us but is good for us. These two, though related severally to the human goals (prosperity here in this world and in after-worlds), they are opposed to each other as much as the nature of knowledge and ignorance. Thus, it is a choice of the two, as both cannot be performed together by the same person.<ref name=":1">Swami Gambhiranand, (1957) ''[http://estudantedavedanta.net/Eight-Upanisads-Vol-1.pdf Eight Upanishads, With the Commentary of Sankaracarya, Vol 1.]'' Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama</ref><ref name=":2">Swami Sharvananda, (1983) ''Kathopanishad'' (Telugu Translation) Madras: Sri Ramakrishna Math</ref>
It is clear that every being chooses his own path at his own will. Preyas is that which attracts us at the first sight because it can give us immediate pleasure. Shreyas is that which does not attract us but is good for us. These two, though related severally to the human goals (prosperity here in this world and in after-worlds), they are opposed to each other as much as the nature of knowledge and ignorance. Thus, it is a choice of the two, as both cannot be performed together by the same person.<ref name=":1">Swami Gambhiranand, (1957) ''[http://estudantedavedanta.net/Eight-Upanisads-Vol-1.pdf Eight Upanishads, With the Commentary of Sankaracarya, Vol 1.]'' Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama</ref><ref name=":2">Swami Sharvananda, (1983) ''Kathopanishad'' (Telugu Translation) Madras: Sri Ramakrishna Math</ref>
== Etymology ==
According to Dr. Sampadananda Mishra<ref>Blogs of Dr. Sampadananda Mishra http://bhagavadgita.org.in/Blogs/5ab0b9b75369ed21c4c74c01</ref>, the word shreyas is derived from the root-sound ''shri'' which means to cause to lean or rest on, lay on or in, fix on, fasten to, direct or turn towards, spread or diffuse light or radiance or beauty over. The most common word from this root is ''aashraya'' meaning support, refuge, shelter, dependence etc. The third person singular form of the root shri in present tense is ''shrayati'' or ''shrayate''. The word shreyas, derived from the root ''shri'', therefore, means that which diffuses light, brings happiness and bliss, and is good. It has the following meanings: auspicious, fortunate, conducive to welfare or prosperity, bliss, fortune, happiness, most splendid or beautiful, most excellent or distinguished, best, propitious, well disposed to, superior, preferable, better, better than etc.
The word [[Nihshreyasa (निःश्रेयसम्)|nihshreyas]] is another important word in this group. It is formed by combining the prefix ''nis'' with the word ''shreyas''. The prefix nis conveys the sense of certainty, fullness, completeness and integrality. So, nihshreyas refers to that which is certainly and completely good. The word nihsreyas is related to the the liberation of Atman. When we fall back entirely on the inner support or resources, then the real quest begins to bear fruit. This leads to the realization that our real existence is in the Atman. This is nihshreyas, the perfect goodness or true happiness.
The word preyas is derived from the root ''prii'' which means: to please, gladden, delight, gratify, cheer, comfort, soothe, propitiate; to like, love, be kind to, to refresh. The third person singular form of this root in present tense is either ''priiNaati'' or ''priiyate''. The words like priiti, prema and priya are derived from this root. The word ''priiti'' means pleasure, joy gladness, satisfaction, amity, love etc.; prema means love and affection; priya refers to fondness, one who is dear to, favourite, liked. So the word preyas means that which is pleasant.
== श्रेयो धीरः वृणीते ॥ Wise choose Shreya ==
== श्रेयो धीरः वृणीते ॥ Wise choose Shreya ==
<blockquote>श्रेयश्च प्रेयश्च मनुष्यमेतः तौ सम्परीत्य विविनक्ति धीरः । श्रेयो हि धीरोऽभि प्रेयसो वृणीते प्रेयो मन्दो योगक्षेमाद्वृणीते ॥ २॥ (Katha. Upan. 1.2.2)</blockquote><blockquote>śreyaśca preyaśca manuṣyametaḥ tau samparītya vivinakti dhīraḥ । śreyo hi dhīro'bhi preyaso vr̥ṇīte preyo mando yogakṣemādvr̥ṇīte ॥ 2॥ (Katha. Upan. 1.2.2)</blockquote>Meaning: Both wellness and pleasure are approachable to mankind; the wise man examines and distinguishes them. The wise man prefers Shreya (wellness) but men of poor intellect accept Preya (pleasures) for the sake of protection of the body.
<blockquote>श्रेयश्च प्रेयश्च मनुष्यमेतः तौ सम्परीत्य विविनक्ति धीरः । श्रेयो हि धीरोऽभि प्रेयसो वृणीते प्रेयो मन्दो योगक्षेमाद्वृणीते ॥ २॥ (Katha. Upan. 1.2.2)</blockquote><blockquote>śreyaśca preyaśca manuṣyametaḥ tau samparītya vivinakti dhīraḥ । śreyo hi dhīro'bhi preyaso vr̥ṇīte preyo mando yogakṣemādvr̥ṇīte ॥ 2॥ (Katha. Upan. 1.2.2)</blockquote>Meaning: Both wellness and pleasure are approachable to mankind; the wise man examines and distinguishes them. The wise man prefers Shreya (wellness) but men of poor intellect accept Preya (pleasures) for the sake of protection of the body.