‘Steady lamp’ refers to a lamp of the Soul (Brahman), which is stable.

    A ‘flickering lamp’ refers to the Great Illusion (Maya). Worldly matters are continually changing or “flickering” and due to its continual activity, the restless mind is drawn towards it. Thus, one forgets the Real Self or the Soul, being caught up in illusory worldly matters.

    With regular and progressive spiritual practice, the mind becomes still and introverted and one’s attention is increasingly on the Soul and less on activity of the Great Illusion.