Remaining Unshaken at the Feet of Mā Devī
There is a natural tendency within us to be affected by how we are seen and treated. A few words of appreciation can lift us, while a few words of criticism can disturb us deeply. Without noticing it fully, our inner state begins to move with these experiences. When we are praised, we feel elevated, and when we are questioned or criticised, we feel unsettled. Yet, if we pause and observe quietly, all these experiences come and go. They arise for a moment and then pass. Even the strongest praise fades, and even the sharpest criticism does not remain. The heart, in its simplicity, is not meant to rise and fall with what does not last, it longs to remain steady in something that does not change.
That steadiness begins the moment we come to the feet of Mā Devī.
To live at Her feet is to gently recognise the nature of what affects us. Honour and dishonour, praise and criticism, these are movements within the world. They do not stay. They appear for a while and then disappear. At the same time, there is something within us that remains constant. It does not come and go in the same way. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that what is changing cannot define what is steady. When this is seen, even briefly, something within begins to settle. A quiet space begins to open where we are not immediately pulled by every passing experience.
The disturbance we feel does not come from what is said or done, but from giving importance to what is temporary. We begin to depend on how we are perceived, and our peace becomes tied to it. When the response is favourable, we feel content, and when it is not, we feel disturbed. In this way, the mind keeps moving up and down. Even though we know these experiences do not last, we continue to give them weight. This is where the inner imbalance continues.
But when we turn towards Mā Devī, something begins to shift within. We start to see that these are only passing experiences. They do not stay, and they do not define us. The more clearly we see this, the less we are carried by them. There is a quiet recognition: “This will also pass.” And along with that, a deeper feeling arises: “I remain.” In that understanding, the heart becomes lighter.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is real is that which remains through all changes. When everything is seen as Her prasāda, even praise and criticism lose their hold on us. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to be shaped by what comes and goes… I am here to remain at Her feet.” This understanding does not remove situations; it removes their power over us.
Our restlessness continues when we react to every small movement around us. We feel pulled in different directions by changing situations. But when we begin to remain steady, even in small ways, this pattern starts to weaken. We begin to notice the reaction before it takes over, and that itself creates space. Slowly, response replaces reaction.
To live like this does not require suppressing anything, it requires understanding. We continue to hear, to respond, and to engage with the world. But inwardly, we do not allow temporary experiences to disturb our balance. Slowly, a quiet strength begins to arise, not forced, but natural. A strength that remains even as situations change, a strength that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Remaining Steady in Change: Today, gently notice where praise or criticism affects you. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Will this remain?” Let this question bring clarity. Before any action, inwardly say, “Mā Devī, let me remain steady.” Let your actions continue, but let your reactions soften. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Mā Devī. I remain unchanged.” Do not force this feeling, just return to it gently.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to control what comes; simply remain steady within. Let your heart rest in what does not change. Offer both praise and criticism at Her feet. Even if the mind reacts again, return gently. Each return deepens your strength.
Reflection for Today: Did I get carried away by what was said today, or did I remain steady at the feet of Mā Devī?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to Her feet again and again, not by avoiding situations, but by not being shaken by them. Nothing is ours, everything is Hers, and in that understanding, peace becomes steady.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Śrī Mātre Namaḥ
Watch the Day 17 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)
Today I practiced:
What I observed within:
Where I forgot / struggled:
What I offer at Her feet:
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