The works of Ādi Śaṅkarācārya

Praśnottararatnamālikā

Verse 9

पान्तुं कर्णाञ्जलिभिः किममृतमिह युज्यते सदुपदेशः ।किं गुरुताया मूलं यदेतदप्रार्थनं नाम ॥ ८ ॥

In plain words

What is the nectar fit to be drunk with our ears cupped like hands? The instruction of the wise. And what is the true root of human dignity? Never asking anything of anyone.

Close to the Sanskrit

What nectar is it fitting to drink here with the ears cupped? Good instruction. What is the root of dignity? This very absence of begging.