answered by the enlightened teacher. Chapter I: Existence of the Self (Soul) The verses 45 to 58 of this chapter explains the disciple's doubts on the existence of the soul and the gurus clarification as to why the soul exists. The pupil raises the following arguments: The soul cannot be seen, it has no form, it is not experienced, it is not same as body, senses, or breath, there is no separate sign of its existence and it cannot be seen like a pot or a cloth. Hence the pupil concludes the soul does not exist and so there is no question of bondage or liberation. The guru explains that the soul and body seems to be the same because of the embodiment of soul, but this is an illusion and both are different like a sword and its sheath. That which sees, recognises form and retains experience is soul. The eyes and other senses are tools and collectively the soul obtains knowledge from the senses. The guru explains that the body does not know, neither do the senses nor does the breath. The knowing capacity exists on account of presence of the soul. Even in various states (sitting, walking, sleeping etc.) the awareness and knowing capacity of the soul does not vanish. Guru points out that the since the knower knows the object like pots and pans, this knower is soul itself. There may be sharp intellect of frail body and poor intellect of healthy body. This cannot happen if soul and body are the same. Similarly, consciousness and non-living differ and cannot be the same. Finally the guru points out the irony of the question—to question whether the self exists, that itself proves the existence of self. Chapter II: Permanence or eternity of the Self The verses 59 to 70 pertain to the disciples doubt regarding permanence to the soul and the gurus explanation as to why the soul is eternal. Although the pupil is convinced on the soul's existence, he notes that the soul emerges at the time of the birth and gets destroyed at the time of the death. Furthermore, since change occurs continuously and nothing is permanent—this also applies to the soul. Hence it is difficult to believe that soul is eternal and permanent. The guru explains that the body is merely a non-sentient form and hence cannot determine the birth and death of sentience.