In the same tree, the human being immersed grieves, confused by their helplessness. But when they see the other, the adored Lord, and His glory, then they become free from sorrow.

This verse continues the metaphor of the two birds, now describing the condition of the trapped soul and the moment of its liberation.

Samāne vṛkṣe puruṣo nimagnaḥ — in the same tree, the human being (puruṣa) is immersed (nimagnaḥ). The word nimagnaḥ suggests someone who has sunk, drowned in the ocean of experience, lost in identification with the body-mind.

Anīśayā śocati muhyamānaḥ — grieves due to helplessness, confused. Anīśā is the feeling of not being master of oneself, of being at the mercy of circumstances. Śocati is deep lamentation, existential grief. Muhyamāna is confusion, bewilderment.

This is the ordinary human condition: feeling small, helpless, a victim of fate, suffering without knowing why.

Juṣṭaṃ yadā paśyaty anyam īśam — when they see the other, the adored Lord (īśa). The turning point: the vision of the second bird. Juṣṭam means “adored”, “served” — the Ātman is worthy of all veneration.

Asya mahimānam — His glory, His greatness. One does not only see the witness, but recognizes its mahimā, its infinite majesty.

Vītaśokaḥ — free from sorrow. Vīta is “gone”, “dissolved”. Sorrow is not suppressed or masked: it simply dissolves upon seeing the truth. The recognition of our nature as the silent witness is instantaneously liberating.

The path of the Upaniṣad: to stop identifying with the suffering bird and recognize ourselves as the one who always observes in peace.