Relying Only on the Real at the Feet of Mā Devī
There is a natural tendency within us to rely on what appears to support us. We feel supported by the mind, the body, relationships, and the circumstances around us. When these seem stable, we feel secure, and when they begin to shift, a quiet unease arises. Without noticing it fully, our sense of stability becomes tied to what is constantly changing. Yet, if we observe carefully, all that we depend upon is in movement. It is present for a while and then slowly moves away. The heart, in its simplicity, is not meant to rely on what is leaving, it longs to rest in what never departs.
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 we depend upon. The mind functions, the body acts, relationships form, and possessions come, but none of these truly belong to us. They are part of a flow, constantly changing. What is more subtle is that these things depend on our presence to function, yet we begin to depend on them. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that this reversal creates confusion. When this is seen clearly, even briefly, something within begins to shift.
The disturbance we feel does not come from losing support, but from placing our trust in what cannot remain. We begin to feel that without these, we cannot exist or function. This creates a subtle fear, of loss, of change, of uncertainty. Even though we have seen again and again that these things do not stay, we return to them for security. In this way, dependence continues, and with it, restlessness.
But when we turn towards Mā Devī, something begins to settle within. We start to see that the real support is not outside. She is not separate from us, nor is She distant. She is always present, within, around, and in all. Even the simple feeling of “I am” is supported by something deeper, something steady. When this is noticed, even gently, there is a quiet recognition: “I am never without support.” In that understanding, the heart becomes lighter.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is real is that which never comes and goes. When everything is seen as Her prasāda, even the changing world is no longer relied upon in the same way. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to depend on what is leaving… I am here to rest at Her feet.”
Our restlessness continues when we forget what is always present. We keep turning outward, placing our trust in what is uncertain. But when we begin to turn inward, even briefly, this pattern begins to weaken. The more clearly we see, the less we depend on what is unstable.
To live like this does not require rejecting anything outwardly, it requires a gentle clarity within. We continue to live, act, and relate as before. But inwardly, we shift our dependence. Slowly, a quiet peace begins to arise, not created, but uncovered. A peace that remains even as things change, a peace that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Relying on What is Real: Today, gently notice where the mind depends on something that is changing. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Will this remain with me?” Let this question bring clarity. Before any action, inwardly say, “Mā Devī, let me rely on what is real.” 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 by what never leaves.” Do not force this feeling, just return to it gently.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to remove outer supports; simply stop relying on them completely. Let your heart rest in what is always present. Offer both your dependence and your understanding at Her feet. Even if the mind returns outward, come back gently. Each return deepens your clarity.
Reflection for Today: Did I depend on what is changing today, or did I rely on what is real at the feet of Mā Devī?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to Her feet again and again, not by rejecting the world, but by not depending on it. Nothing is ours, everything is Hers, and in that understanding, peace becomes steady.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Śrī Mātre Namaḥ
Watch the Day 20 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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