Gratitude – In Gita Verse 3.12 In charge of the various necessities of life, the demigods, being satisfied by the performance of yajña [sacrifice], will supply all necessities to you. But he who enjoys such gifts without offering them to the demigods in return is certainly a thief.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.12, Krishna elucidates the principle that the demigods, when pleased by the performance of yajña (sacrifice), provide for all necessities without being asked. Conversely, those who enjoy these gifts without offering them back to the demigods are likened to thieves. This verse underscores two critical points: first, that divine powers are gratified through the act of yajña and provide abundantly without solicitation, and second, that taking without giving back is tantamount to theft.
One of life’s enigmatic principles is that what is sought after may not be received, while that which is not pursued often comes effortlessly. Pursuing desires often leads to their delusion, whereas letting go can result in their fulfilment. Misunderstanding this principle can lead to profound sorrow and distress. In mundane life, it might seem that asking yields results, but divine powers do not respond to demands. When one’s heart is open to divine powers, everything is granted without the need to ask.
Jesus Christ’s teaching, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all else shall be added unto you,” aligns with Krishna’s message. Often, people seek material gains rather than the divine, resulting in the loss of both. What Jesus refers to as the Kingdom of God, Krishna calls divine power or deity. Asking for something contracts the heart around the desire, closing the doors of consciousness. A beggar, unlike a blooming flower, is always withdrawn. When we give, our minds open; when we demand, they close. Therefore, standing before divine powers with a request closes the heart’s doors, depriving us of receiving.
Jesus also said, “To those who have, more will be given; and to those who do not have, even what they have will be taken away.” This paradoxical statement means that those who give will receive more, while those who hoard will lose even what they have. Asking signals lack, while giving signals abundance. Krishna emphasises that divine powers bestow everything upon those who live life as a yajña, without asking. Excessive self-reliance or asking out of desire contaminates the act and severs the connection with divine powers.
It is crucial to understand that a prayer tainted with demand ceases to be a prayer. A genuine prayer, devoid of desire, is one of gratitude for what has already been received, not a request for more. Proper prayer is always an expression of thanksgiving, while improper prayer is a demand. The right person in a temple is one who prays to thank God for His blessings, not one who demands more. Demand poisons prayer, while gratitude turns it into nectar.
Krishna expounds upon the concept of Karma to Arjuna, emphasising the importance of living a life guided by needs rather than desires. He explains that by relinquishing desires, one can transcend the ego. This act of sacrifice ensures that all needs are fulfilled. Embracing this mindset fosters a presence in the moment, cultivating a sense of gratitude for even the most modest provisions.
The story of Junnaid, a Sufi master, illustrates living in gratitude. Junnaid, a revered Sufi master and mentor to al-Hillaj Mansoor, had a practice of expressing profound gratitude to the divine after each of the five daily prayers. He would say, “Your compassion is immense. You care for us beautifully, beyond what we deserve. My words fall short, but I hope you understand my unspoken gratitude.”
During a pilgrimage, Junnaid and his disciples endured three days of hardship, denied food, water, and shelter by orthodox Mohammedans. Despite their struggles, Junnaid continued his expressions of gratitude. Perplexed, his disciples questioned this unwavering gratitude amidst such adversity.
Junnaid responded with a laugh, explaining that his trust in existence was unconditional. He was grateful not for specific provisions, but simply for being accepted by existence. The three days of hardship had been a test, revealing that neither anger nor a sense of abandonment arose within him. His gratitude remained steadfast, deepening through the trial. “I will trust existence in life and in death,” he affirmed, “for it is my love affair.”
Reflect on moments in your life when you acted out of enthusiasm. During such times, negative emotions are absent because the focus is on giving, not receiving. This self-awareness reveals that gratitude and love fill the heart when one acts enthusiastically. Recalling these moments repeatedly can spread this mindset to all actions.
Krishna tells Arjuna that without gratitude, one cannot sacrifice desires or ego, aligning with the Universe or demigods. Actions driven by desire to satisfy the divine lead to frustration and self-deception. Living enthusiastically fosters gratitude, transforming one into a giver rather than a receiver. Receivers, driven by expectations and desires, are akin to thieves. Embrace enthusiasm to naturally drop desires and align with divine principles.
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