The works of Ādi Śaṅkarācārya

Praśnottararatnamālikā

Verse 17

काहर्निशमनुचिन्त्या संसारासारता न तु प्रमदा ।का प्रेयसी विधेया करणा दीनेषु सज्जने मैत्री ॥ १६ ॥

In plain words

What should be pondered day and night? The fleeting emptiness of worldly life, never sensual infatuation. And what is most dear to cultivate? Friendship toward the afflicted and the noble.

Close to the Sanskrit

What should be reflected upon day and night? The unsubstantiality of worldly existence, not a woman. What dear thing should be established? Friendship toward the distressed and the good.