Nachiketa and the Path of Shreyas

This story from the Kathopanishad is over 2,500 years old, yet its wisdom is as relevant today as it was back then.

A great sacrifice was being conducted by Vajashrava, father of a young Nachiketa. But instead of giving his best, Vajashrava was offering barren land and old cows.

Watching closely, Nachiketa asked, “Father, why don’t you give away something that matters to you?”

Annoyed by his interruption, Vajashrava snapped: “I give YOU to Yama, the god of death.”

And so, Nachiketa set out to meet Yama.

When he reached Yamalok, Yama was away. He returned after 3 days, while Nachiketa remained without food and water.

A voice told him, "You've committed a great mistake. You have not been a good host to this special guest - Nachiketa"

So, Yama hurried back and offered Nachiketa 3 boons to make up for his absence.

- For the first boon, Nachiketa requested that his father's anger be appeased.
- For the second, he asked the secret of the great fire sacrifice.
- For his third boon, Nachiketa asked, "I want to know what happens after death."

Yama was horrified by this question. He responded, "Don't ask me this. Even the gods have asked, and I did not tell them. Instead, ask me for all the wealth that you want."

But Nachiketa persisted.

Yama eventually yielded and told Nachiketa, "There are two paths before everyone. The path of Preyas and the path of Shreyas.

The path of Preyas is the path of pleasure, of immediate gratification.

The path of Shreyas is the path of good, of meaning and long-term well-being."

Yama then went on to describe the nature of that eternal Being that is understood by those who choose the good path. Enlightened by this profound wisdom, Nachiketa then fulfilled his third boon.

This concept is also discussed by the ancient Greeks.

The path of pleasure is called Hedonia.
The path of meaning is called Eudemonia.

Hedonic happiness is to do with emotional states such as satisfaction, euphoria, and triumph. These lead to the release of happiness chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.

While these chemicals are important, to get that same level of hit, one has to keep getting a bigger dose of satisfaction: more money, a bigger promotion, a bigger house. This is the hedonic treadmill.

Eudemonic happiness, or meaning, is to do with our interpretation of our experiences: "Is this meaningful and significant?" Because it has to do with neural patterns which are innumerable, there is no limit to this meaning.

So, how does this relate to our workplaces?

Happiness is important but meaning is critical.

Happiness is about taking. "What can my company and others do for me?" Whereas meaning is about giving. "How can I serve my stakeholders?"

The path of meaning is integral to the Beingfulness approach, which we explore in my Lead Yourself sessions held every Saturday from 9:30-11 am.