Resting Beyond the Perishable at the Feet of Mā Devī
There is a natural tendency within us to identify with what is constantly changing. We feel connected to the body, to what we possess, and to the situations we move through. When these are favourable, we feel secure, and when they shift, we feel unsettled. Without noticing it fully, our sense of self begins to move along with these changes. Yet, if we pause and observe quietly, everything we hold on to is in movement. The body changes, circumstances shift, and whatever we gain does not remain forever. The heart, in its simplicity, is not meant to depend on what is perishable, it longs to rest in something that remains steady through all change.
That steadiness begins the moment we come to the feet of Mā Devī.
To live at Her feet is to gently recognise what is changing and what is not. It is the understanding that all that we experience in the world is part of a continuous flow. Nothing stays as it is. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that what we are holding on to cannot give us lasting support. At the same time, there is a quiet sense within us that does not feel temporary, a subtle recognition that our existence is not limited to what is seen. When this is noticed, even briefly, something within begins to settle.
The disturbance we feel does not come from change itself, but from expecting permanence in what is changing. We wish for situations to remain as they are, and when they do not, we feel disturbed. We feel happy when something is gained and uneasy when it begins to slip away. In this way, the mind becomes tied to what cannot stay. This creates a cycle of holding and losing, and in that cycle, peace remains uncertain.
But when we turn towards Mā Devī, something shifts within. We begin to see that these changing things are not meant to be our foundation. They are to be experienced, used, and allowed to pass. When this is understood, even gently, our grip begins to loosen. There is a quiet recognition: “This is not mine to hold.” In that understanding, the heart becomes lighter.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is real is not what comes and goes, but what remains through all change. When everything is seen as Her prasāda, even changing situations no longer disturb us in the same way. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to depend on what is perishable… I am here to rest at Her feet.”
Our restlessness deepens when we try to control what is naturally moving. We wish that pleasant situations should stay and unpleasant ones should leave quickly. But both are part of the same flow. When we begin to see this clearly, the struggle reduces. We stop resisting what comes and stop clinging to what goes.
To live like this does not require withdrawing from life, it requires a gentle shift in how we relate to it. We continue to act, to care, and to participate in the world. But inwardly, we remain less dependent on outcomes. Slowly, a quiet peace begins to arise, not created, but revealed. A peace that remains even as situations change, a peace that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Resting Beyond Change: Today, gently notice where the mind holds on to what is changing. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Can this remain as it is?” Let this question bring clarity. Before any action, inwardly say, “Mā Devī, let me rest in what does not change.” Let your actions continue, but let your holding soften. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Mā Devī. I do not need to hold on.” Do not force this feeling, just return to it gently.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to stop change; simply stop depending on it. Let your heart rest in what remains steady. Offer both what comes and what goes at Her feet. Even if the mind holds again, return gently. Each return deepens your peace.
Reflection for Today: Did I depend on what is changing today, or did I remain steady at the feet of Mā Devī?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to Her feet again and again, not by holding on, but by letting go of what cannot stay. Nothing is ours, everything is Hers, and in that understanding, peace becomes natural.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Śrī Mātre Namaḥ
Watch the Day 15 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 Her feet:
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