Effortless Abidance at the Feet of Śrī Śiva
There is a deep-rooted tendency within us to believe that everything must be achieved through effort. The mind is accustomed to doing, thinking, controlling, improving, and practicing. Even in spiritual life, this continues. We feel that we must do something to reach a higher state. So, when we hear that the highest is found in simply remaining, without doing anything, it may feel unfamiliar. The mind may resist or feel uncertain. Yet, the heart, in its simplicity, is not seeking more effort, it longs for a state where nothing needs to be added. When this is understood, even faintly, a quiet openness begins to arise within.
That abidance begins the moment we come to the feet of Śrī Śiva.
To live at His feet is to gently recognise that the highest state is not created. It is already present, but hidden beneath constant activity. This natural state is called sahaja, effortless, spontaneous, without strain. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that this is not something new to be attained, but something that is always here. When this is seen clearly, even briefly, something within begins to rest. A natural stillness begins to reveal itself, without effort.
The difficulty we experience does not come from the absence of this state, but from our habit of constant involvement. We feel that we must observe the mind, control it, or guide it in the right direction. Even the idea of “watching” becomes another subtle doing. In this way, the mind remains active in different forms. This is where effort continues, not because it is needed, but because we are used to it. And in that habit, we remain connected to movement.
But when we turn towards Śrī Śiva, something begins to shift within. We start to see that there is no need to manage everything. The body can be as it is, the mind can move as it does, and we do not have to interfere. There is a quiet recognition: “Nothing needs to be changed.” In that understanding, effort begins to fall away. A natural harmony begins to arise, without any attempt to create it.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is real is not reached through effort, but revealed when effort ends. When everything is seen as His prasāda, even stillness is no longer something to maintain. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to become something… I am here to remain as I am at His feet.” This understanding brings a deep ease within. It removes the subtle pressure to improve or attain.
Our restlessness continues when we feel the need to stay engaged. We think that we must always be doing something, even if it is subtle, like observing or guiding the mind. But when we begin to remain without involvement, this pattern begins to dissolve. Thoughts come and go, actions happen as needed, but we are no longer trying to manage them. Slowly, a quiet freedom begins to appear. This freedom is not created; it is uncovered.
To live like this does not require withdrawing from life, it requires stepping out of inner effort. We continue to live, act, and fulfil our responsibilities. But inwardly, we remain as we are, without interference. Slowly, a quiet fullness begins to arise, not created, but revealed. A fullness that remains without effort, a fullness that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Remaining Without Effort: Today, gently take a few moments to sit quietly without trying to do anything at all. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Can I remain as I am, without interference?” Let this question bring ease. Do not try to observe or control anything. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Śrī Śiva. Nothing needs to be done.” Do not force this feeling, just remain.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to reach a state; remain where you are. Let go of the need to observe or control. Offer all effort at His feet. Even if the mind becomes active, return gently. Each return deepens your abidance.
Reflection for Today: Did I keep trying to manage everything today, or did I remain as I am at the feet of Śrī Śiva?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to His feet again and again, not by doing more, but by allowing everything to be. Nothing needs to be added, remain as you are, and in that effortless stillness, peace becomes clear.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Sarvakarāya Namaḥ
Watch the Day 30 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 His feet:
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