Bhāṣya
? । । —
In plain words
An objection is raised: If the ātman cannot be reached by the mind, the eyes, or any of the senses, how then can it be established at all? We observe that objects like pots and cloths are validated only through the operation of the senses and the mind. Therefore, it would follow that the ātman's existence must likewise depend on them. If such sense-dependent validation of the ātman does not occur, then the ātman itself would not exist at all, just like the horns of a hare. To clear this up, the text says:
Close to the Sanskrit
Now then, if the Self is inaccessible to the mind, eyes, and the rest, how then is its establishment? For pots, cloths, and the like are seen to have their establishment dependent upon the mind, eyes, and the rest. Hence, establishment of the Self also dependent upon those is appropriate. When its establishment dependent upon those does not take place, then establishment of this would certainly not be, like a hare's horn. In response to this, he says: