। ॥ १७ ॥
In plain words
Only someone who can tell the real from the unreal, who has truly let go of craving, who carries calm steadiness and its sister virtues, and who burns to be free — only that person is genuinely ready to ask about Brahman.
Close to the Sanskrit
Fitness for the inquiry into Brahman is held, indeed, to belong only to one who has discrimination, is dispassionate, is endowed with calmness and its companion virtues, and longs for liberation.