ਪਾਰਸ ਪਰਸਿ ਨ ਪੱਥਰਹੁਂ ਕੰਚਨ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਅਘੜੁ ਘੜਾਈ।

Paarasu Prasi N Pathharahu Kanchanu Hoi N Agharhu Ghurhaaee |

Touching the philosopher's stone another stone does not transform into gold nor can it be chiselled into an ornament.

ਬਿਸੀਅਰੁ ਵਿਸੁ ਨ ਪਰਹਰੈ ਅਠ ਪਹਰਿ ਚੰਨਣਿ ਲਪਟਾਈ।

Biseearu Visu N Praharai Athh Pahar Channani Lapataaee |

Snake does not shed its poison though it may remain entwined with sandalwood all the eight watches (day and night).

ਸੰਖ ਸਮੁੰਦਹੁਂ ਸਖਣਾ ਰੋਵੈ ਧਾਹਾਂ ਮਾਰਿ ਸੁਣਾਈ।

Sankh Samundahu Sakhanaa Rovai Dhaahaan Maari Sunaai |

In spite of living,in the sea, the conch remains empty and hollow and cries bitterly (when blown).

ਘੁਘੂ ਸੁਝ ਨ ਸੁਝਈ ਸੂਰਜੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਲੁਕੈ ਲੁਕਾਈ।

Ghughoo Sujhu N Sujhaee Sooraju Joti N Lukai Lukaaee |

Owl beholds nothing while nothing is hidden in sunshine.

ਮਨਮੁਖ ਵਡਾ ਅਕ੍ਰਿਤਘਨ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਸੁਆਇ ਲੁਭਾਈ।

Manamukh Vadaa Akritaghanu Doojay Bhaai Suaai Lubhaaee |

Manmukh, the mind-oriented, is very ungrateful and always likes to enjoy the sense of otherness.

ਸਿਰਜਨਹਾਰ ਨ ਚਿਤਿ ਵਸਾਈ ॥੨੩॥

Sirajanahaar N Chiti Vasaaee ||23 ||

He never cherishes that creator Lord in his heart.