Becoming Steady at the Feet of Mā Devī
There is a subtle tendency within us to believe that our weakness comes from the world around us. When situations arise, when objects of enjoyment appear, or when the mind feels pulled, we feel that something outside is overpowering us. But if we observe carefully, the real difficulty does not lie in the presence of these things, it lies in our lack of steadiness within. The mind becomes uncertain, and this uncertainty creates weakness. The heart, in its simplicity, is not asking for control over the world, it longs for firmness in what is true. When this is understood, even briefly, a quiet strength begins to arise within.
That steadiness begins the moment we come to the feet of Mā Devī.
To live at Her feet is to gently recognise that weakness is not our nature; it is a habit we have formed. We repeatedly think, “I am not strong enough,” or “I may fall,” and over time, this becomes our belief. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that this repetition shapes our experience. When this is seen clearly, even briefly, something within begins to shift. A quiet confidence begins to arise, not from effort, but from clarity.
The real loss we experience does not come from temptation, but from inconsistency. We understand something clearly in a moment of reflection, and we feel inspired. But after some time, we drop it. Again we take it up, and again we leave it. In this cycle, strength does not get a chance to grow. Even though the understanding is right, it does not become steady. This is where weakness continues, not because we lack understanding, but because we do not remain with it.
But when we turn towards Mā Devī, something begins to shift within. We start to see that steadiness itself is the strength we are seeking. There is a quiet recognition: “Let me hold on to what is true.” In that understanding, the need to keep changing direction begins to reduce. The mind slowly becomes more stable, not by force, but by continuity.
In the spirit of the teachings, what transforms us is not how much we know, but how steadily we remain with it.
When everything is seen as Her prasāda, even challenges become opportunities to remain firm. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to keep starting again… I am here to remain at Her feet.” This understanding brings a quiet strength within. It removes the habit of wavering.
Our restlessness continues when we keep changing our direction. We feel inspired, then we forget. We resolve, then we drop it. But when we begin to hold on, even gently, this pattern begins to change. What we understand once begins to stay. Slowly, a quiet firmness begins to arise. This firmness is not rigidity; it is stability born of clarity.
To live like this does not require doing something new, it requires not letting go of what is already known. We continue to live, act, and fulfil our responsibilities. But inwardly, we begin to remain steady. Slowly, a quiet strength begins to arise, not forced, but natural. A strength that remains even when situations change, a strength that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Remaining Steady: Today, gently notice where you drop what you already understand. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Can I remain with this?” Let this question bring clarity. Do not take up something new, just hold on to what is already seen as true. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Mā Devī. Let me remain steady.” Do not force this feeling, just return to it gently.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to become strong; simply remain consistent. Let your understanding stay with you. Offer both effort and forgetfulness at Her feet. Even if you waver, return again. Each return deepens your steadiness.
Reflection for Today: Did I remain steady in what I understand today, or did I keep dropping it at the feet of Mā Devī?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to Her feet again and again, not by doing more, but by remaining firm. What is held with sincerity becomes strength, and in that steadiness, peace becomes natural.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Kulayoginyai Namaḥ
Watch the Day 36 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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