The works of Ādi Śaṅkarācārya

Praśnottararatnamālikā

Verse 13

को नरकः परवशता किं सौख्यं सर्वसङ्गविरतिर्या ।किं सत्यं भूतहितं प्रियं च किं प्राणिनामसवः ॥ १२ ॥

In plain words

What is hell on earth? Being under the control of another. What is true happiness? The complete letting go of all attachments. What is truth? That which serves the welfare of all beings. And what is as dear as life itself? Kindness to all.

Close to the Sanskrit

What is hell? Dependence on others. What is happiness? The complete cessation of all attachment. What is truth? That which is beneficial to beings. And what are the life-breaths of living beings? That which is dear.