In Chapter 17, 'Purushartha' is described as the true purpose of human life, which is to discard the pleasant path (Preya) and honor the good path (Shreya). The chapter suggests that this purpose often awakens after one becomes exhausted by the suffering and unendurable torments of worldly existence (Samsara). This suffering can fortunately spark an inquiry into how to stop the cycle of existence, which is when true Purushartha is born. As explained in Chapter 17, fulfilling this purpose requires strengthening one's intellect to make the difficult choice for Shreya, resisting obstacles, and actively struggling to overcome ignorance, much like a swan separating milk from water.
Can you elaborate on the concept of 'Purushartha' as the purpose of human life, based on the teachings in Chapter 17?
📖 Chapter 17