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The pupil surrenders everything at the holy feet of the Guru, and resolves that his body, senses, mind, intellect, and everything else should prevail in accordance with the instructions and commands of the Guru. Since he does not want to waste any time for that purpose, he decides to put it into practice right away. In utmost sincerity and humbleness he thinks of and addresses the Guru as Prabhu (Lord).
Shat Sthänak Samajävine, Bhinna Batävyo Äp; Myän Thaki Tarvarvat, E Upakär Amäp.
By explaining the six stages (Fundamentals) you have demonstrated the soul as distinct (from the body), like a sword from its sheath, and that obligation is immeasurable. (127)
Explanation & Discussion:
The Guru has removed all the doubts of the pupil pertaining to soul, and has clearly shown the soul as distinct from the body. This is comparable to a sword and a sheath. When a sword is within its sheath, its separate existence from the sheath is not visible. However, every one, even an illiterate person, knows that the sword is separate from the sheath. Moreover, whether the sheath is studded with gold or diamonds does not make any difference to the sword. It is always made of sharp steel. Similarly the soul abiding within a body is not apparent to the eyes, but its existence, separate from the body, can be understood by the spiritual insight. Whether the body is strong or weak, old or young, beautiful or ugly, male or female, make no difference to the soul. It remains the same forever.
These six Fundamentals pertain to the soul and are meant for gaining self-realization. The realization is not away from the Self, but the worldly soul has been staying away from it on account of the longings and desires arising from its identification with the body. The body is ephemeral, mortal, and subject to decomposition; while the soul is a substance on its own and stays forever. Such incompatible substances can never be the same. It is only due to delusion that they are perceived as one. That longstanding delusion has been removed by the Guru. As such his obligation in the matter could hardly be exaggerated. The pupil therefore concludes his statement by acknowledging that his debt to the Guru is immeasurable.
