In plain words
The guru holds the strings; the disciple plays the part
“Kariṣye vacanaṃ tava,” said the disciple in the Gītā, “I shall do as you say,” and threw away the Gāṇḍīva of Ahaṅkāra. The guru holds the strings; the disciple plays the part. The disciple must not strut about saying, “I have a duty of my own.” While Ahaṅkāra remains there is no guru; once the guru has come, Ahaṅkāra does not remain. Giving everything is not greatness; giving oneself is great. It is in that state that the guru gives the disciple his freedom. “My son! Yathecchasi tathā kuru! Think it over well. Do as you see fit.” That is, having said what must be said and taken the Ahaṅkāra, he must give freedom of thought and freedom of the person. Vidyā is not a compulsory bath in the month of Māgha. A guru must not lay iron decrees on the disciple on the ground that the disciple has offered him everything. A greedy guru and a lazy disciple both end in hell. Gurus must not be robbers of wealth; they must be removers of the heart's anguish. The guru is like an alarm timepiece. The guru is the one who can wake us from the sleep of ignorance and bring the awakening of Ātmajñāna.