What is Gratitude in human values?

Gratitude, thankfulness, or gratefulness is a feeling of appreciation (or similar positive response) by a recipient of another's kindness.  We express gratitude when someone shows kindness, provides help, gives a gift, or offers encouragement. Expressing thanks is also appropriate for both big and small gestures, as it strengthens relationships and creates positive feelings.  It is beneficial to show gratitude whenever you genuinely feel it, as this makes interactions more meaningful and strengthens your connection with others.

In spirituality, gratitude shifts towards a deeper recognition of life's interconnectedness, such as meditating on the gift of breath, the universe's order, or inner peace as expressions of divine presence. Practices include affirmations such as "I am grateful for this moment" during breathwork or reflecting on personal growth as unseen blessings, aligning with present-moment awareness from traditions like Hindu philosophy. This form transcends material thanks, cultivating surrender to a higher flow, much like scriptural teachings on contentment that echo in daily rituals without expectation of return. 

In the Bhagavat Githa in Chapter 9, verse 26, Lord Sri Krishna says:

"patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayachchhati

tadaham bhaktyupahritam ashnami prayatatmanah"

HE  accepts even a leaf, flower, fruit or water, if offered with devotion. This Verse teaches that sincerity and inner attitude matter more than the external value of the offering, and that gratitude is about offering from the heart, not about material grandiosity. By making this wonderful statement, Shree Krishna reveals God's merciful divine nature.  He is not concerned with the material value of our offering.  Rather, He values, above everything else, the love with which we make the offering.

 

In the broader Vedic tradition, gratitude is seen as a foundational virtue. The concept of krutajnatha (being conscious of one's blessings) is considered a natural moral and spiritual duty to God, to nature, to one's ancestors, to teachers, friends, relatives and to all beings. According to Srimad Bhagavata Purana, gratitude is essential for devotion.  A devotee recognises that all abilities, good qualities. sustenance and shelter come ultimately from the Divine or from grace and gratitude, thus becoming the natural response to that grace. Thus, scriptures do not treat gratitude as a mere emotion, but rather as a spiritual attitude of humility, reverence, and constant awareness of the Divine providence.

The following story reveals what gratitude is: 

In a quiet village lived a Brāhmaṇa known not for wealth but for a heart full of compassion. He believed that every creature was a guest sent by God, and feeding the hungry was his highest worship. Every morning, after his prayers, he would walk to a nearby riverbank to offer food to birds, animals and wandering mendicants. He felt that the blessings of even a sparrow were enough to fill a life with peace.

One day, a crane which was weak, hungry and unable to fly came to the Brāhmaṇa’s doorstep. Its feathers were ruffled, its eyes fearful, its body trembling from starvation. With deep sympathy, the Brāhmaṇa said: “Do not fear, child. God Himself must have sent you here".  He brought grains, cleaned water, and even warmed a little cloth to wrap around the crane so that it could sleep peacefully. For many weeks, he cared for the bird never thinking of the burden, only of his duty. Slowly, the crane regained strength. Its feathers grew smooth, wings powerful, and eyes bright again.

One morning it flew for the first time in front of the Brāhmaṇa. Overjoyed, he clapped like a child: “How wonderful! You are free again — may you soar high!” The time came for the crane to leave. But instead of even a moment of affection or gratitude, the crane turned arrogant, indifferent and proud. Without even looking back, it lifted its wings and flew away. The Brāhmaṇa watched silent not with anger, but with a quiet sadness. He did not expect a  reward, but the absence of even a gesture of remembrance pained him. 

Days passed. Then one afternoon, heavy clouds gathered and a thunderstorm raged. The same crane returned  and stood before the house of the same Brahmana, but this time with a wounded wing, unable to fly again. It cried pitifully at the doorstep. The Brāhmaṇa stood at the door for a long moment, rain pouring around him. The crane looked up, expecting sympathy.

He spoke gently, without harshness: “My child, compassion is God’s gift. And cruelty is seen only in the ungrateful heart. One who forgets kindness when strong, will remember it only when weak.” He added, not in anger, but in truth: “I will not drive you away, but I cannot care for you again. Not because you are wounded, but because you did not value the love once given. The Brāhmaṇa left some food outside so the crane would not starve, but he did not return to caring for it.

The crane realised only then what gratitude means. It is not just about receiving help, but about remembering and honouring it.

This story is not about punishment, but it is about awakening. A grateful heart grows. An ungrateful heart shrinks. One who remembers kindness becomes worthy of more kindness. One who forgets kindness loses the grace that once protected him. Gratitude is not only good manners, but it is a spiritual virtue that protects our lives from arrogance.

 

Sri Ramcahndraji, founder of the Sahajmarg system, emphasises that genuine gratitude is not external or occasional; it is an ongoing, heartfelt inner attitude, a continuous remembrance of the gift of spiritual life. It is not an act but a quality, a constant inner disposition that shapes one's spiritual existence. Gratitude keeps us humble.  Humility keeps us open to grace.  Grace keeps us safe on the spiritual path.

Gratitude humbles the ego. Recognising that we are not the sole doers of the air we breathe, the food we eat, the body we have, and the family we belong to are all gifts of the Divine, uproots arrogance. In spiritual life, knowing that every good comes as grace fosters surrender, love, and faith. That, in turn, opens the door to lasting inner fulfilment. Before each meal or the beginning of work, silently offer thanks to nature and to those who grew your food. This cultivates mindfulness and gratitude in daily life.