Verse (Roman transliteration)
Baalas Taavat Kriidaasaktaha,
Tarunas Taavat Taruniisaktaha
Vriddhasthaavat Chintaasaktaha,
Parame Brahmani Ko'pi Na Saktaha
Translation
In childhood, one is attached to play; in youth, to romance; in old age, to worry. No one is ever attached to the Supreme Brahman.
The teaching
Life passes in a relay of attachments, each replacing the previous. The child plays. The youth loves. The old person worries. And through it all, no one pauses to enquire into the nature of existence itself. Every stage of life is consumed by the contents of that stage — and the deeper inquiry never happens.
Living this today
Illustrative example: At the end of a busy week, notice which concern occupied each stage of your day. Choose one activity that matters beyond the next deadline, such as reading, helping someone or reflecting quietly.