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Summary · Psychic

Gratitude

The idea in brief

2 min read

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  1. Why is Gratitude Needed?
  2. How is Gratitude Expressed?
  3. Go deeper with this topic
  4. Sources

Gratitude is a loving recognition of the Grace received from the Divine. It is a humble recognition of all that the Divine has done and is doing for you. It is the spontaneous feeling of obligation to the Divine, which makes you do your best to become less unworthy of what the Divine is doing for you.1

Why is Gratitude Needed?

Physically, materially, upon earth, it is in gratitude that one finds the source of the purest delight.2

There is no better cure for egoism than a happy gratefulness, hence gratitude is needed.3

Gratitude to the Divine helps during unfavourable times. With a true sense of gratitude for the Divine’s infinite mercy, one would be saved from such dangers.4

It is only by giving ourselves entirely to the Divine in perfect trust and gratitude that the difficulties will be overcome.5

How is Gratitude Expressed?

There is nothing which gives you a joy equal to that of gratitude. One hears a bird sing, sees a lovely flower, looks at a little child, observes an act of generosity, reads a beautiful sentence, looks at the setting sun, no matter what, suddenly this comes upon you, this kind of emotion—indeed so deep, so intense—that the world manifests the Divine, that there is something behind the world which is the Divine. This emotion is the joy of gratitude.6

The best way to express one’s gratitude to the Divine is to feel simply happy. To always joyfully accept what is given to you by the Divine is the best expression of gratitude.1

To feel deeply, intensely and constantly a total gratitude towards the Divine is the best way to be happy and peaceful. And the only true way of expressing one’s gratitude to the Divine is to identify with Him.7

Content curated by Priti Mandi

Go deeper with this topic

Gratitude in the light of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother

This issue of All India Magazine brings together writings by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, exploring gratitude through its many aspects and contexts. A rich collection to deepen your understanding and find ways to bring it into your own life.

More issues on Sri Aurobindo, the Mother and Auroville

All India Magazine is published by the Sri Aurobindo Society.

Sources

  1. CWM 14 · Gratitude · para 1 ↩ ↩
  2. CWM 15 · Messages for Sri Aurobindos Arrival in Pondicherry · para 12 ↩
  3. CWM 14 · Gratitude · para 13 ↩
  4. CWM 15 · Adverse Forces · para 5 ↩
  5. CWM 16 · 1 February 1972 · para 3 ↩
  6. CWM 8 · 25 January 1956 · para 57 ↩
  7. CWM 16 · 3 March 1965 · para 2 ↩

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