(4) Why should we not forget to express our gratitude?

so ki-o bisrai je ghaal na bhaanai.
so ki-o bisrai je kee-aa jaanai.
so ki-o bisrai jin sabh kichh dee-aa.
so ki-o bisrai je jeevan jee-aa.
so ki-o bisrai je agan meh raakhai.
gur parsaad ko birlaa laakhai.
so ki-o bisrai je bikh tay kaadhai.
janam janam kaa tootaa gaadhai.
gur poorai tat ihai bujhaa-i-aa.
parabh apnaa naanak jan Dhi-aa-i-aa. 4

My satuguru jee had been very merciful. In ambrosial baani of sukhmani sahib jee, he has particularly drawn our attention (vide ashtpadi 4,6,20) that human-being should always feel grateful to waheguru jee (God) for HIS gifts, protection, support, care and blessings.

This entire cosmic drama is created and monitored by GOD himself for his own pleasures. He is the creator, sustainer and annular. Whatever we appear, whatever we possess, whatever we are proud of, is all HIS gifts of blessings. There is none else anywhere. At the root of roots, HE only is. We sometimes, we feel insecure and trapped in worries. We forget that behind entire show, our DIVINE father is there, who continuously watches us. We may not understand what we require; HE understands our requirements and obliges us by providing necessities. Worldly father takes care of children and they provide them what is in the interest of children and not what children demand or wish. Same way that omnipotent DIVINE FATHER always provides care, support and protection to us.

His mercy, just see what was your origin and what you are? Has not he protected and supported when you were in womb? Has he not provided you food and care in childhood, livelihood and other necessities in youth, support and care through family and relatives in old age? Is it not due to his grace that you enjoyed all pleasures, happy moments with own people, organs (indriyas i.e. hands, feet, ears, eyes, tongue), free availability of air, fire etc., Do not you feel you should give love to him who had been all-time protector of you, who provided you all pleasures of nine treasures, who got you honour?

Again, are you not enjoying delicacies, pleasant smells, palaces with peace, taste pleasures (rasa) attractive garments, comfortable beds to sleep, honour, health, cover-up of your shortcomings, this human body, vehicles, wealth by his HIS grace only?
Even motivation and pleasures of donating and doing noble deeds, are his gift only. Have you not been able to hear, see, speak, move and act because of his grace only? Do you not feel that you are popular, you command respect, your works are finished without obstacles and you reach truth? It is because of his mercy only.
Why forget Him who gives recognition to your efforts and deeds. Why forget him who is life of all, who protected you in womb, in difficult times, and is protecting now too?

I also feel deep deep gratitude towards waheguru jee and my satguru jee (Guru Sahib) who keeps me enlightened. Difficulties appear but now I treat these as my perception only. My Divine protector worries about same, not I. I count my blessings and always remain blissful at heart. My all wishes may not be fulfilled, but I am assured that I will get what I require. Children donot know whether their wishes are beneficial or not. I am child of that Divine Father, who takes care of me. I have full trust in HIM. Whatever I am today, it is as per his monitoring only and future is completely to be looked after by HIM only. I depend on HIS support only, which will never never fail. And see the mercy of my satguru jee who gave me such wisdom (sojhi).

And my perception is when you get this sense of gratitude, all other virtues particularly, which are required for spiritual elevation will also follow. But it is all HIS mercy.

tayraa keetaa jaato naahee maino jog keeto-ee.
mai nirguni-aaray ko gun naahee aapay taras pa-i-o-ee.

Next blog will be “Why should we remain thankful to HIM even when HE did not give what we requested (or took back what HE gave)?”