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 toward 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 Bhagavath 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 the merciful divine nature of God. 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 krutagnatha (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 and relatives and to all beings. According to Srimad Bhagavata Purana, gratitude is essential for devotion. A devotee recognizes that all abilities, good qualities,. sustenance, and shelter come ultiomately from the Divine or from grace and gratitude thus becomes the natural response to that grace. Thus scriptures do not treat gratitude as a mere emotion, 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—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 affection, 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 silently — not with anger, but with a quiet sadness. He did not expect reward, but the absence of even a gesture of remembrance pained him. Days passed.
PoThen one afternoon, heavy clouds gathered and a thunderstorm raged. The same crane returned — but this time with a wounded wing, unable to fly again. It cried pitifully at the Brāhmaṇa’s 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 realized only then what gratitude means. It is not just to receive help, but to remember it and honour it.
Gratitude humbles the ego. Recognizing that we are not the sole doers — that air we breathe, food we eat, body we have, family we belong to are all gifts — uproots arrogance. Humility leads to inner peace, a valuable support in meditation and spiritual growth. Gratitude becomes seva (selfless service). True gratitude often expresses itself by serving others — by helping, caring, supporting, showing compassion. This aligns with Dharma, and helps purify heart and mind. Gratitude strengthens connection with the Divine. In spiritual life, knowing that every good comes as grace — not earned — fosters surrender, love, and faith. That, in turn, opens door to lasting inner fulfilment. Before each meal or beginning of work, silently offer thanks: to nature, to those who grew your food, to the Divine — this cultivates mindfulness and gratitude in daily life (like the spirit behind the traditional food-mantra in Hindu homes).
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