Verse (Roman transliteration)
Sura Mandira Taru Muula Nivaasah,
Shayyaa Bhootalamajina Vaasah
Sarva Parigraha Bhoga Tyaagah,
Kasya Sukham Na Karoti Viraagah
Translation
Living under temple eaves or at the roots of trees, sleeping on the ground, having renounced all possession and pleasure — does not such dispassion bring joy to all?
The teaching
A question about radical simplicity. The sage who has given up everything — comfort, possession, social status — and lives in the most basic conditions: is he not at peace? Shankara points to the paradox that the grasping after comfort often produces more discomfort than the embrace of simplicity.
Living this today
Illustrative example: Choose one unused subscription or recurring obligation and ask whether it still serves you. Letting one thing go can make a little room without requiring a completely different life.