Not Losing the Highest at the Feet of Śrī Śiva
There is a subtle tendency within us to become occupied with what is immediate, small, and easily gained. We move through the day attending to many things, giving time and effort without always questioning why. Even when we turn towards something higher, there is often a quiet expectation of peace, comfort, or relief. And when we experience a little of this, the mind feels satisfied for a while. But this satisfaction does not remain. Soon, the same restlessness returns, and the search begins again. The heart, in its simplicity, is not seeking small and passing peace; it is seeking something that remains, something that does not fade with time or situation.
That clarity begins the moment we come to the feet of Śrī Śiva.
To live at His feet is to gently recognise what we are truly seeking. Even when we come to satsaṅga or turn inward, we are not gaining anything outward, no wealth, no position, no recognition. Yet something within feels drawn. There is a quiet peace that arises. But if we observe carefully, we begin to see that even this peace, when not understood deeply, comes and goes. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that what we truly long for is not temporary comfort, but a peace that remains steady in all situations.
The restlessness we experience does not come from what we are doing, but from losing sight of what is highest. We become content with small experiences, some calmness, some clarity, some appreciation, and begin to feel that it is enough. But in that moment, something deeper is overlooked. What is partial is taken as complete, and the greater is quietly set aside. In this way, the search continues, but its direction becomes unclear.
But when we turn towards Śrī Śiva, something begins to settle within. We start to see that what we are truly seeking is not many different things, but one single completeness. The longing to be peaceful, to be fulfilled, to understand, and to feel connected, all point towards Him. When this is seen, even briefly, the tendency to hold on to the small begins to loosen. There is a quiet recognition: “What I seek is not small.” In that understanding, the heart becomes steady.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is highest is not found in what comes and goes, but in what always remains. When everything is seen as His prasāda, even small experiences are not rejected, but they are not mistaken for the final. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to stop at temporary peace… I am here to remain at His feet.” Our distraction deepens when we do not value what is truly available to us. This human life gives us the ability to recognise, to reflect, and to move consciously towards what is real. But when this is forgotten, we become absorbed in what is small and passing. When we remember it, even quietly, the direction becomes clear again.
To live like this does not require leaving anything outwardly, it requires a gentle alertness within. We continue to act, to live, and to engage with the world. But inwardly, we do not lose sight of what is highest. Slowly, a quiet steadiness begins to arise, not forced, but natural. A steadiness that keeps us aligned, a steadiness that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Not Losing the Highest: Today, gently observe where the mind becomes satisfied with something small. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Am I stopping here?” Let this question bring clarity. Before any action, inwardly say, “Śrī Śiva, let me not lose what is highest.” Let your actions continue, but let your awareness remain steady. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Śrī Śiva. I do not want to lose what is real.” Do not force this feeling, just return to it gently.
Inner Bhāva: Do not reject what comes, but do not get lost in it. Let your heart remain aligned with what is highest. Offer both your experiences and your understanding at His feet. Even if the mind gets distracted, return again. Each return strengthens your steadiness.
Reflection for Today: Did I lose myself in what is small today, or did I remain aligned with the highest at the feet of Śrī Śiva?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to His feet again and again, not by seeking more, but by not losing what is greatest. Nothing is lacking, everything is His, and in that awareness, the path remains clear.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Namaḥ Śivāya
Watch the Day 12 video for guidance using the QR code on the last page of this book, and listen to it in the morning and evening.
Sādhanā Notes: (Use a pencil to write your reflections in your personal diary if you do not have the physical book).
Today I practiced:
What I observed within:
Where I forgot / struggled:
What I offer at His feet:
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