The works of Ādi Śaṅkarācārya

Praśnottararatnamālikā

Verse 12

नलिनीदलगतजलवत्तरलं किं यौवनं धनं चायुः ।कथय पुनः के शशिनः किरणसमाः सज्जना एव ॥ ११ ॥

In plain words

What trembles like a bead of water on a lotus leaf? Youth, wealth, and the length of your life. Tell me again — who are like the rays of the moon? Good people, and only they.

Close to the Sanskrit

What is unsteady like water resting on a lotus-leaf? Youth, wealth, and life. Tell again: who are like the rays of the moon? Good people alone.