Verse (Roman transliteration)
Yaavadvittopaarjana Saktaha,
Taavannija Parivaro Raktaha
Pashchaajjeevati Jarjara Dehe,
Vaartaam Ko'pi Na Pricchati Gehe
Translation
As long as you can earn money, your family is devoted to you. When your body weakens in old age, no one in the house even asks about your welfare.
The teaching
A bitter but honest observation: many relationships are transactional at their core. When you are productive and earning, you are beloved. When you are old, frail, and no longer contributing economically, the warmth fades. Shankara is not preaching cynicism — he is urging us to see clearly, and to build relationships grounded in something deeper than utility.
Living this today
Illustrative example: Imagine a colleague retiring after years of solving problems for everyone. Contact them without asking for a favour. A relationship can continue when its practical benefits change.