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Chapter 18: Conclusion
Explanation & Discussion:
This is a very important stanza, which can be considered a highly precious spiritual jewel. It contains the substance of the entire spiritual realm. The four parts of the stanza lay down four highly valuable statements that need to be kept in mind by every one at all times.
The first part refers to Ätmabhränti, which means illusion about the Self. Due to the ignorance of the true Self, the worldly beings maintain illusion 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 illusion is the main disease. The physical diseases can be cured by right treatment. Even if a disease is found incurable, it ends with death. However, illusion about the Self has been prevailing since time immemorial, and has continued birth after birth. Moreover, the worldly soul is not even aware of that disease, and therefore does not resort to any means for curing the same. Hence it is the most chronic disease.
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If a person knows his disease, he goes to a doctor. Or if he is not aware of the disease, and happens to see a doctor, the latter can diagnose the disease and provide 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 illusion? The reply, provided in the second part of the stanza, states that a true Guru is the expert spiritual physician. The true Guru has not obtained that expertise (self-realization) by reading or other external resources. That expertise is within. He has therefore dived deep and has attained it. As such, he is the most reliable doctor for this disease.
When a doctor starts the treatment, he may insist upon some dietary restrictions, which can help in bringing the disease under control. That is called Pathya. This aspect is emphasized considerably in the Indian system of medicine. For instance, a
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