Acharya Prashant explains that if gratitude toward the Guru begins to diminish, one must look at their own condition rather than focusing on the Guru. He uses the analogy of a person covered in mud who, after having only one finger cleaned, mistakenly believes they are completely pure and could have cleaned themselves. This arrogance arises from a lack of awareness of one's true state. Gratitude toward the Guru exists in direct proportion to the realization of one's own filth or suffering. Just as a patient only values a doctor when they recognize their own illness, a seeker only values the Guru when they are sensitive to their own internal state. If one feels no gratitude, it is because they are unaware of their own sickness and may even view the Guru's guidance as unnecessary. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that one should continue to acknowledge their condition and express gratitude as long as the ego exists. Only when the 'I' is completely erased and the seeker merges with the essence of the Guru does the need for gratitude vanish, as there is no longer anyone left to be grateful.
