Taking True Shelter at the Feet of Mā Devī
There is a natural tendency within us to seek support in life. We feel the need to rely on something, wealth, relationships, knowledge, position, or ability. When these supports seem stable, we feel secure, and when they begin to shift, a quiet fear arises within. Without noticing it fully, our sense of safety becomes tied to what is constantly changing. Even though we know that these things do not remain, we continue to depend on them. The heart, in its simplicity, is not seeking unstable support, it longs to rest in something that cannot be taken away.
That shelter begins the moment we come to the feet of Mā Devī.
To live at Her feet is to gently recognise the nature of what we depend upon. All outer supports, however valuable they may appear, are subject to change. They come, remain for a while, and then shift or disappear. Yet we hold on to them as if they are permanent. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that this dependence itself creates fear. When this is seen clearly, even briefly, something within begins to loosen.
The anxiety we feel does not come from losing support, but from believing that we cannot exist without it. We begin to feel that our well-being depends on these external things. This creates a subtle pressure, to hold on, to protect, and to maintain what we have. In this way, the mind remains engaged and restless. Even when things are going well, there is a quiet fear of losing them.
But if we observe more deeply, we can see something very simple. Every day, in deep sleep, all these supports drop away. There is no reliance on wealth, relationships, or identity. And yet, we continue to exist. Not only that, there is a certain rest and peace that is experienced. When we wake, there is freshness and renewal. This shows us that our true support does not lie in what we hold on to during waking life.
When we turn towards Mā Devī, something begins to shift within. We begin to see that the real shelter is not outside, but in Her. The more we rest in that understanding, the less we feel the need to depend on what is changing. There is a quiet recognition: “I am already supported.” In that understanding, the heart becomes lighter.
In the spirit of the teachings, true refuge is found not in what can be gained and lost, but in what always remains. When everything is seen as Her prasāda, even changing supports no longer create fear. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to depend on what is uncertain… I am here to take shelter at Her feet.”
Our restlessness continues when we keep leaning on what is unstable. Even after seeing its limitations, we return to it again and again. But when we begin to rest in what is steady, even gently, this pattern begins to weaken. The need to hold on reduces, and a natural ease begins to arise.
To live like this does not require giving up anything outwardly, it requires a gentle shift within. We continue to live, act, and relate as before. But inwardly, we rely less on outer supports. Slowly, a quiet strength begins to arise, not forced, but natural. A strength that remains even when things change, a strength that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Resting in True Shelter: Today, gently notice where the mind depends on something external for support. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Is this my true support?” Let this question bring clarity. Before any action, inwardly say, “Mā Devī, I take refuge in You.” Let your actions continue, but let your dependence soften. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Mā Devī. I am supported.” Do not force this feeling, just return to it gently.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to remove outer supports; simply stop depending on them completely. Let your heart rest in what is unchanging. Offer both your security and your fear at Her feet. Even if the mind holds again, return gently. Each return deepens your trust.
Reflection for Today: Did I depend on changing supports today, or did I take true shelter at the feet of Mā Devī?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to Her feet again and again, not by holding on, but by resting in what cannot be lost. Nothing is ours, everything is Hers, and in that refuge, peace becomes natural.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Śrī Mātre Namaḥ
Watch the Day 18 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 His feet:
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