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→Why is Gratitude Needed?
=Why is Gratitude Needed?=
The nobility of a being is measured by its capacity of gratitude. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/14/gratitude#p1</ref> <center>~</center>
Physically, materially, upon earth, it is in gratitude that one finds the source of the purest delight. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/15/messages-for-sri-aurobindos-arrival-in-pondicherry#p12</ref>
Therefore, if someone laughs at you, or says something which is not kind, the first thing to do is to look within yourself and see what is the weakness or imperfection which has allowed such a thing to happen, and not to be disconsolate or indignant or sad because people do not appreciate you for what you consider to be your proper value; on the contrary, you should thank the divine Grace for having pointed out to you the weakness or imperfection or deformation that you have to rectify. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/15/undated-before-february-1960#p3</ref>
In all Scriptures meant to help mankind to progress, it is always said that you must be very grateful to those who show you your faults and so you must seek their company; but the form used here is particularly felicitous: if a fault is shown to you it is as if a treasure were shown to you; that is to say, each time that you discover in yourself a fault, incapacity, lack of understanding, weakness, insincerity, all that prevents you from making a progress, it is as if you discovered a wonderful treasure. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/03/the-sage#p16</ref> <center>~</center>
Therefore, if anyone sneers at you or says something that is not very charitable, the first thing you should do is to look within yourself for whatever weakness or imperfection has allowed such a thing to happen and not to be disconsolate, indignant or aggrieved, because people do not appreciate you at what you think to be your true value; on the contrary, you must be thankful to the divine Grace for having pointed out to you the weakness or imperfection or deformation that you must correct. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/03/the-elephant#p17</ref>
...four virtues are indispensable, without which progress is uncertain and subject to interruptions and troublesome falls at the first opportunity:
Sincerity, faithfulness, modesty and gratitude. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/13/conditions-for-admission#p22</ref>
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By definition, the Ashramite has resolved to dedicate his life to the Divine realisation. But true to his resolution he must be sincere, faithful, modest and grateful in his consecration, because these qualities are indispensable for all progress, and progress, a steady and rapid progress is indispensable to follow the pace of Nature’s evolutionary advance.
Periods of obscuration are frequent and common; generally, it is enough to keep quiet without worrying, knowing that these are spiritual nights which alternate with the full light of the days. But to be able to remain in peace you must keep in your heart gratitude towards the Divine for all the help He gives. If gratitude also is veiled, the obscure periods last much longer. There is, however, a swift and effective remedy: it is to keep always burning in your heart the flame of purification, the aspiration for progress, the intensity, the ardour of consecration. This flame is kindled in the heart of all who are sincere; you must not let ingratitude cover it up with its ashes.<ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/14/depression#p30</ref>
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It is a great ignorance that makes a being answer to the suggestions of the forces of darkness and destruction. With a true sense of gratitude for the Divine's infinite mercy, one would be saved from such dangers.<ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/15/adverse-forces#p5</ref>
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It is only by giving ourselves entirely to the Divine in perfect trust and gratitude that the difficulties will be overcome. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/16/1-february-1972#p3</ref>
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Be grateful for all ordeals, they are the shortest way to the Divine. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/14/face-and-overcome-difficulties#p1</ref>
But there is another movement which should constantly accompany devotion.... That kind of sense of gratitude that the Divine exists; that feeling of a marvelling thankfulness which truly fills you with a sublime joy at the fact that the Divine exists, that there is something in the universe which is the Divine, that it is not just the monstrosity we see, that there is the Divine, the Divine exists. And each time that the least thing puts you either directly or indirectly in contact with this sublime Reality of divine existence, the heart is filled with so intense, so marvellous a joy, such a gratitude as of all things has the most delightful taste. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/08/25-january-1956#p56</ref>
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So I find that devotion without gratitude is quite incomplete, gratitude must come with devotion. <ref>http://incarnateword.in/cwm/08/25-january-1956#p58</ref>