Resting Beyond Doing at the Feet of Śrī Śiva
There is a constant tendency within us to remain engaged in doing something. The mind is always active, thinking, planning, deciding, and responding. Even when we feel tired of this activity and try to stop, another movement arises: the intention to “not do.” In this way, we move between doing and not doing, without truly stepping out of both. Slowly, this creates a subtle restlessness, because even our effort to stop becomes another form of engagement. The heart, in its simplicity, is not seeking more movement, it longs for a space where it can rest beyond both activity and avoidance. When such a space is glimpsed, even briefly, a quiet stillness begins to arise within.
That stillness begins the moment we come to the feet of Śrī Śiva.
To live at His feet is to gently recognise that both doing and not doing belong to the mind. They are movements within Prakṛti, arising and passing as part of its nature. When we identify with either, we remain within this movement. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that there is a way of being that is not bound to either side.
When this is seen clearly, even briefly, something within begins to step back. A natural space begins to open where no position needs to be taken.
The disturbance we experience does not come from activity itself, but from our involvement in it. We feel that we must act, or that we must avoid acting. We take a stand, either towards engagement or withdrawal. In doing so, the mind remains active in both directions. Even when we try to be still, the effort to maintain stillness becomes another subtle action.
This is where the movement continues, not because we are doing too much, but because we have not stepped beyond doing altogether.
But when we turn towards Śrī Śiva, something begins to shift within. We start to see that it is possible to remain without taking a position. We do not have to hold on to action, and we do not have to resist it either. There is a quiet recognition: “Nothing needs to be done in this moment.” In that understanding, the mind begins to settle. A natural stillness begins to reveal itself, without effort.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is real is not something created through action, but something revealed when action settles. When everything is seen as His prasāda, even inactivity is no longer a goal. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to do or not do… I am here to rest at His feet.” This understanding brings a deep ease within. It removes the subtle pressure to choose between two movements.
Our restlessness continues when we remain caught between these opposites. We feel that we must either engage fully or withdraw completely. But when we begin to remain without choosing, even gently, this pattern begins to change. Activity may continue, but inwardly, there is no involvement. Slowly, a quiet distance begins to arise. This distance is not separation; it is freedom from compulsion.
To live like this does not require abandoning life, it requires stepping out of inner effort. We continue to live, act, and fulfil our responsibilities as needed. But inwardly, we remain free from both doing and avoiding. Slowly, a quiet peace begins to arise, not created, but uncovered. A peace that remains beyond movement, a peace that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Resting Beyond Movement: Today, gently notice the tendency to do or avoid doing. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Can I remain without taking a position?” Let this question bring clarity. Sit quietly for a few moments without trying to act or stop acting. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Śrī Śiva. Nothing is required.” Do not force this feeling, just allow it to be.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to stop activity; simply stop identifying with it. Let both doing and not doing arise and pass. Offer all movements at His feet. Even if the mind takes a position, return gently. Each return deepens your stillness.
Reflection for Today: Did I remain caught in doing and not doing today, or did I rest quietly at the feet of Śrī Śiva?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to His feet again and again, not by choosing one side, but by stepping beyond both. Nothing needs to be held, remain as you are, and in that stillness, peace becomes clear.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Sarvakarāya Namaḥ
Watch the Day 28 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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