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Explanation & Discussion:
This is a very important stanza, which can be considered a precious spiritual jewel. It contains the substance of the entire spiritual science. The four parts of the stanza specify four highly valuable statements that need to be kept in mind by every one.
The first part refers to Ätmabhränti, which means the delusion prevailing about the Self. Due to ignorance of the true Self the worldly beings stay deluded about their own nature. Forsaking the soul they identify themselves with the body and its surroundings. As such, they indulge in attachment for some aspects and resentment towards others. This delusion is the main disease. The physical diseases can be cured by right treatment. Even if a disease is found incurable, it ends with the death. The delusion about the Self has, however, been prevailing since the time immemorial and has been continuing birth after birth. Moreover, the worldly soul is not even aware of that disease, and therefore does not resort to the means for curing the same. As such, it is the most chronic disease.
If a person knows his disease, he goes to a doctor. If he is not aware of the disease and happens to see a doctor, the latter can diagnose the disease and provide the necessary treatment. If that doctor is an expert physician, the disease may be cured, or would at least come under control by his treatment. But how can one find a physician for the disease of delusion? The reply provided in the second part of the stanza states that a true Guru is the expert spiritual physician. The Guru has not obtained that expertise by reading or from other external sources. That expertise was within. As such, he has dived deep and attained it. He is thus the most reliable physician for the disease.
When a physician starts the treatment, he may insist upon some dietary restrictions, which can help in bringing the disease under control. That is called Pathya. For instance, a diabetic patient is advised to reduce or avoid sugar and fats. The third part of the stanza therefore states that the instructions of a Guru constitute the dietary directions for controlling the disease of delusion.
The last part deals with medication. It prescribes that contemplating over the nature of soul and meditating on the same constitute the medication to overcome the disease A spiritual aspirant should stay in meditation as long as possible. When he cannot stay therein, he should resort to contemplation. These are two primary aspects that the worldly soul needs to concentrate upon. It is obvious that no one wants to get unhappiness or to encounter death. It can therefore be surmised that every living being looks for lasting happiness and immortality. Since
