Gratitude Is More Than Thank You

How do I see the world and how do I relate to is very important. If I view the world with a sense of ownership I am going to suffer and make others suffer. If I view it as an unconditional gift I am going to be happy. Giving is receiving seems like a paradoxical statement. When I give something to somebody from my heart I feel deeply content. My heart gets filled with joy, happiness and fulfillment. How do I reciprocate such a gift unconditionally? When someone loves me unconditionally I offer my gift to him or her with no conditions, with no expectations in return. Such gifts bring a deep joy in me. I was born in a relatively poor family but rich in heart. I had a few friends who were born in affluent families. When they came to our house my mother used to offer them homemade bread made with love. And they loved to eat it. My mother used to tell me," Bread made with love tastes better when it is offered to others as a gift from your loving heart." God has given us many free gifts without conditions. Gifts such as the earth, water, air, heat, light and sky. Without such gifts we cannot survive. How do I reciprocate such gifts? According to my understanding, we keep such gifts clean and do not pollute them. This is our sacred responsibility. If we don't take this responsibility seriously and earnestly we will pay a very heavy price. So the time has come up for us to wake up and do the right thing. I practice mindfulness, awareness of my thoughts, feelings, emotions and actions walking on the path of awakening. That helps me stay on the course. May we all walk on this path and fulfill our sacred duty. Amen! Namaste. Jagdish P Dave