Nicki Wells sings a rendition of the ancient prose written by Adi Shankaracharya 730 CE to pay homage to the Guru (Teacher) within and without.
Approximate translation of Sanskrit the Prose:
Even if you have a healthy body, a beautiful wife,
Have worldly fame and own mountains of money,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? What is the use?
Even if you have a wife, wealth, children, grand children.
Have kingdoms or if you are born into a prestigious family,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? What is the use?
Even if you are an expert in six angas and the four Vedas,
An expert in writing good prose and poems,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? What is the use?
Even if you are considered great in foreign lands, dazzling in riches,
And greatly regarded in the virtues of life,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? What is the use?
Even if you are a king of a great region,
Used to praise and adoration,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? And What is the use?
Even if your fame has spread world over,
And the entire world is with you because of your charity and fame,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? And What is the use?
Even if you do not concentrate your mind,
On passion, Yoga, fire sacrifice,
Or in business affairs,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? And What is the use?
Even if your mind stays away in the forest,
Or in the house, or in duties or in great philosophical thought
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? And What is the use?
Even if you have a priceless jewel collection,
Surrounded by all the rices of the world,
If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet,
What is the use? What is the use? And What is the use?
Shri Mataji x3