What is the meaning of 'Purushartha' as described in Chapter 17, and how is it achieved?

In the context of Chapter 17, 'Purushartha,' or the true purpose of human life, is defined as the conscious act of discarding Preya (the pleasant) and honoring Shreya (the good). This is presented as an active effort, not a passive state. The chapter explains that this purpose is born when a person, exhausted by the three unendurable torments of worldly existence (Samsara), begins to seek a way to stop this painful cycle. Achieving Purushartha requires strengthening one's intellect and struggling for the sake of Shreya. As Chapter 17 illustrates, this is like a swan's ability to take only the milk when it is mixed with water, signifying the need for keen discrimination to separate spiritual good from worldly temptations.