Abiding in Natural Silence at the Feet of Śrī Śiva
There is a quiet tendency within us to feel that silence is something we must create. We try to quiet the mind, reduce thoughts, and control inner movement in the hope of becoming peaceful. In this effort, silence begins to feel like a goal, something distant that must be reached through practice. But slowly, this creates a subtle strain, because even the attempt to become silent is a form of activity. The heart, in its simplicity, is not asking to create silence, it longs to rest in what is already present. When this is understood, even briefly, a gentle ease begins to arise within, and the need to achieve something begins to soften.
That stillness begins the moment we come to the feet of Śrī Śiva.
To live at His feet is to gently recognise that silence is not something that comes and goes. What comes and goes is activity, thoughts, actions, reactions, and experiences. Silence remains. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that we are not required to produce silence, but only to allow it to reveal itself. When this is seen clearly, even briefly, something within begins to relax. A natural quietness begins to be felt, without effort, as if it was always there.
The disturbance we experience does not come from the absence of silence, but from the constant movement of doing. We feel that we must manage thoughts, reduce distractions, or maintain a certain state. Even in sitting quietly, the effort to remain quiet becomes another activity. In this way, silence seems distant, not because it is absent, but because we are continuously engaged in movement. This is where restlessness remains, not due to lack of silence, but due to constant involvement. And this involvement keeps the mind subtly active even in stillness.
But when we turn towards Śrī Śiva, something begins to shift within. We start to see that there is nothing we need to do to be silent. We can simply sit and allow everything to be as it is. Thoughts may arise, sensations may appear, but there is no need to follow or resist them. There is a quiet recognition: “Silence is already here.” In that understanding, the effort begins to drop, and the mind begins to settle naturally.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is real is not created; it is revealed when activity settles. When everything is seen as His prasāda, even silence is no longer something to achieve. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to become silent… I am here to rest at His feet.” This understanding brings a deep ease within. It removes the subtle pressure to reach a certain state and allows the mind to remain unforced.
Our restlessness continues when we try to control the mind. We feel that we must remove thoughts or hold on to stillness. But when we begin to remain without interfering, this pattern begins to change. Thoughts come and go, but silence remains untouched. Slowly, a quiet awareness begins to shine through. This awareness is not created; it is uncovered. And once it is noticed, even briefly, it begins to draw the mind back again and again.
To live like this does not require withdrawing from life, it requires allowing moments of effortless being. We continue to live, act, and fulfil our responsibilities. But inwardly, we begin to rest in this natural silence. Slowly, a quiet peace begins to arise, not created, but recognised. A peace that remains even in activity, a peace that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Allowing Silence to Reveal: Today, gently take a few moments to sit quietly without trying to become silent. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Can I allow everything to be as it is?” Let this question bring ease. If thoughts arise, let them come and go. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Śrī Śiva. Silence is already here.” Do not force this feeling, just allow it to be.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to create silence; recognise it. Let go of effort and remain simple. Offer both your activity and your stillness at His feet. Even if the mind becomes active, return gently. Each return deepens your recognition.
Reflection for Today: Did I try to create silence today, or did I rest in what is already present at the feet of Śrī Śiva?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to His feet again and again, not by controlling the mind, but by allowing it to settle. Silence is not far; it is already here, and in that recognition, peace becomes natural.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Sarvakarāya Namaḥ
Watch the Day 29 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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