The Self-created pierced the openings outward; therefore one looks outward, not at the inner Self. Some wise one, desiring immortality, with eyes turned inward, saw the inner Self.

This verse explains why Self-knowledge is rare:

Parāñci khāni vyatṛṇat svayambhūḥ — The Self-created (Brahman, the Creator) pierced (vyatṛṇat) the openings (khāni — eyes, ears, etc.) outward (parāñci).

The senses are structurally oriented toward the exterior. It is their natural design, functional for survival.

Tasmāt parāṅ paśyati na antarātman — therefore one looks outward, not at the inner Self.

Kaścit dhīraḥ — some wise one, some brave one. Kaścit (some) suggests rarity; dhīra (steady, brave) indicates the necessary resolve.

Pratyag-ātmānam aikṣat — saw the inner Self. Pratyak = inward.

Āvṛtta-cakṣuḥ — with eyes turned inward. The practice of pratyāhāra.

Amṛtatvam icchan — desiring immortality.

The spiritual path goes against the natural current of the senses. It requires conscious reversal.