The Philosophy of Gratitude 

                                                            Dr. Jyoti D. Vora, Mumbai 

An ancient Scottish Grace customarily said before a meal goes thus: "With these thy gifts grant one more blessing - thankful hearts". Among the spectrum of virtues bestowed on human beings by the Lord, Gratitude and the manner of being totally touched by what is being done for oneself is perhaps the most beatific asset. 

In the all encompassing philosophy of Hinduism, this virtue has been enthralled and exalted by illustration and examples repeatedly. The underlying principle in specifying the spiritual advanctages of being thankful to one's Creator and fellow - human beings states that one who is grateful, nurtures the good turns done for him and in turn wishes above all else to put someone else before self. This nativity of thought serves two objectives; namely, it enriches one's soul through benevolence and secondly it enriches the quality of existence of another being in an emphatic manner. 

The unquestionable superiority of Hinduism lies in the interesting manner in which religious and spiritual dogmas are intertwined and amalgamated with down- to-earth good living thought-culture. The method in which it is offered is neither pompous, nor restrictive nor difficult to emulate; instead it is a convenient and truly exemplary set of values which one can incorporate into one's daily life with immediate effect. It spiritually elevates one's inner self and is the only way in which one can transverse the much-trodden yet novel path of life, as one navigates towards salvation. It is thus an educative and introspective experience studying the role-models offered in the scriptures. These epitomize people who enriched themselves through varied and multifaceted expressions of gratefulness. Our Lord is kindness itself and His grace is available to us if we can see it. Krishnavatar is one of the most kaleidoscopic facets in which the Lord has showered His kindness on the human race. Through the life of Sri Krishna, He illustrated the sterling quality of gratitude in numerous ways. 

Devaki and Vasudev both were so overwhelmed with a sense of thankfulness that the Lord himself agreed to come to them as their child that they very willingly accepted the woes and strife that Kamsa's tyranny inflicted on them. Devaki executed the supreme sacrifice which any mother can cope with, by parting with her child and sending him to Yasoda for nurturing. She was undoubtedly guided by the Lord and her stance was "Lead kindly light" ... away from this engulfing gloom. She was thankful that her Neonatal would be in safe hands. This unquestionable faith whose fountainhead is Gratitude, is the first step towards improvement. 

The undying friendship between Krishna and Sudama is illustrative of a symbiosis which transcends all class boundaries. Above all it is indicative of the exact manner in which a human being in spite of being laden with shortcomings of all kinds, can establish a lateral relationship with his creator who is virtue himself. This is indeed the exact reason why one should be as grateful to the Lord as Sudama was to Krishna. 

The Lord is our Teacher and He instructs us on spiritual upliftment in manners innumerable. The Guru or Teacher is in fact such an important prototype of the Lord that Sant Kabir specifies that one should be grateful first to Guru then to Govind. 

"Guru Govind dovu khade kake lagu paay? 

Balihari guru aapne Govind diyo bataye." 

(The Lord and my Guru are both standing in front of me and I am in a dilemna as to who I should offer my salutations first. However, I know that I am more grateful to my Guru because he was the one who indicated the path to the Lord. Hence, I shall bow to my Guru before I bow to the Lord.) 

Bharat and Shatrugna are the lesser and more subdued siblings of our Lord Rama. While they basked in Celestial glory, they also exhibited a sense of dedication and Gratitude towards their illustrious older brother. When Bharat goes to meet Ramchandraji in the spartan surroundings of the forest and entreats him to the comfort of the palace of Ayodhya, he is sent back with Ramchandraji's paduka (footwear). He acknowledges the same as the Grace of the Lord and executes his duties in the same way. An important moral emerging from this episode is that gratitude be felt for desires unfulfilled since human nature is fragile enough to waver in its morale and positivity in the face of things not falling in place. 

In the story fabric of the Mammoth Epic Ramayana is woven an intricate array of human qualities residing in personages from all stratas of society beginning with the most humble and oppressed. Sabari, the aged tribal woman illustrates how a human being can rise above his limited origins and exhibit a very touching sense of servitude towards the Lord. A more refined Bhakta is just not possible. To be a superior human being or to execute one's duties, material assets can never be deterrents in any context. 

The innate wisdom and superiority of temperament has served to enhance the spiritual level of certain personages in our Epics in such a substantial manner that they are revered and worshipped as Deities. Sri Hanuman is an excellent example of how one can serve and cherish the Lord's love for self in such a complete manner that one personifies gratitude itself. Then 

'Mata Ramo maat pita Ramchandrah 

Swami Ramo maat sakha Ramachandrah 

Servas wam ramchandro dayaluh 

nanyam jane naiva jane najane' 

(Lord Ramachandra to me is my mother and my father, He is my Lord and my friend-companion. Any relationship that I can imagine and visualize all begins and ends with Him and His kindness.] 

Thus to be better human beings the dictum of 'joy' needs to be followed : 

    "Just (Put) Others (Before) You."