An Attitude of Gratitude – Teachings of Swami Indrananda Ji

Continuing the Series – Shirley Davies

Swami Ji always said everything was by His Grace.  He never took credit for anything that happened that he instigated, being of the mind that he was just a Servant of the Lord.  I am sure everyone will remember Swami Ji constantly saying that “When things go well it is by His Grace; and when they don’t, it is my fault”.  Such humility is rare amongst people, sadly even amongst those on the Path of Yoga.
I have been running a meditation class for many years and a few years ago we started to list our Graces during the week.  At the meetings we would all read out our Graces.  This was a truly inspirational experience – to hear what others thought of as God’s Grace.  One of our members is a very simple, loving Soul who lives to help animals.  Each week we were given a lesson on gratitude and humility by her.  She was grateful for everything the rest of us took for granted – hot water, a warm comfortable bed, enough food, conversation with someone in the park, the sun shining, birds singing….. and on it went.  The effect of doing this practice for more than a year has stayed with me ever since.  It was incredible.
Most of us will rise early and do our sadhana each morning, maybe beginning as I do, with meditation.  Normally I would be chanting several rounds of the Mala of prayers and mantras.  Then one morning I took hold of my Mala and was deciding which mantra I should chant when it came to me “Thank you”.  So after 3 rounds of “Thank You”, I could have gone on for hours.  First of all the obvious things came to me that I should be thankful for, such as my good health, loving family and friends, a beautiful home, the opportunity to work and share, the presence of Yoga in my life – all the things we know about.  Then it was just “thank you” for nothing in particular and everything in general.  To feel deep gratitude just for the sake of it was wonderful.  At some point in the process gratitude changed to love.  Love was everywhere in everything, everyone and Love was chanting me.  It was perfect.
I hope that by sharing this experience with you, it will inspire you not only to be grateful for all His Graces, but to say “Thank you” daily, from your heart with a deep and sincere humility.
I believe this process to be life changing.

Thank you.