Lord Śiva Instructs the Pracetās (Śiva-stuti and the Path of Bhakti)
न यस्य चित्तं बहिरर्थविभ्रमं तमोगुहायां च विशुद्धमाविशत् । यद्भक्तियोगानुगृहीतमञ्जसा मुनिर्विचष्टे ननु तत्र ते गतिम् ॥ ५९ ॥
na yasya cittaṁ bahir-artha-vibhramaṁ tamo-guhāyāṁ ca viśuddham āviśat yad-bhakti-yogānugṛhītam añjasā munir vicaṣṭe nanu tatra te gatim
The devotee whose heart has been completely cleansed by the process of devotional service and who is favored by Bhaktidevī does not become bewildered by the external energy, which is just like a dark well. Being completely cleansed of all material contamination in this way, a devotee is able to understand very happily Your name, fame, form, activities, etc.
As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.25.25) :
This verse says the mind must stop wandering after external objects and enter the “cave of the heart,” becoming purified; then, by the grace of bhakti-yoga, one directly realizes the Lord and His supreme destination.
Lord Shiva instructed the Pracetas to succeed in their spiritual practice and attain the Lord’s shelter; he emphasizes that devotion purifies the heart and grants direct realization beyond mere external activity.
Reduce outward distraction, practice daily devotion (hearing, chanting, prayer), and cultivate inner remembrance; consistent bhakti purifies the heart so spiritual clarity and purpose replace restless external chasing.