The chapter is titled 'The Quest for Brahma-jnana.' What spiritual tools for attaining knowledge are presented in the opening stanzas?

In its opening, Chapter 16 outlines the essential tools for the quest for Brahma-jnana (knowledge of the Absolute) through rich metaphors. It identifies eight key elements as the Guru's "ministers": Detachment, Devotion, Pure Knowledge, Hearing (Shravan), Reflection (Manan), Meditation (Nididhyasan), Self-investigation, and Realization. These represent the complete path a seeker must follow. Furthermore, the chapter mentions the "sharp blade of the sword of Knowledge" in the Guru's hand, a powerful tool that makes the "tree of worldly existence" tremble, signifying its ability to cut through illusion and attachment.