Why is having a Guru so important for getting rid of ignorance? Can't a smart person figure it out on their own?

Chapter 50 emphasizes the indispensable role of a Guru in removing ignorance. The text explains that ignorance manifests from doubt (vikalpa), and this doubt cannot be eliminated without a Guru's guidance. It's pointed out that even a very wise person can become prideful when doubt enters their knowledge, which corrupts it like a drop of fermented gruel spoiling a whole pot of milk. As Chapter 50 clarifies, the Guru's role is to help a disciple first understand and remove this foundational ignorance. This purifies the mind, allowing infinite knowledge to manifest and leading to non-dual Samadhi.