As water that has fallen in the mountains flows through the slopes, so seeing dharmas separately, he continues running after them.

This verse describes the ignorant one who persists in the cycle of saṃsāra.

Yathodakaṃ durge vṛṣṭaṃ — as water fallen in the mountains. Rain that falls on high ground.

Parvateṣu vidhāvati — flows through the mountains. Following gravity, seeking lower levels.

Evaṃ dharmān pṛthak paśyan — thus seeing the dharmas separately. The ignorant sees multiplicity as real.

Tān evānuvidhāvati — runs after them. Attachment to forms maintains the cycle.

This verse contrasts with the following (2.1.15), which describes the wise one whose purified mind unites with the Ātman as pure water unites with pure water.