Expressing gratitude is an act which people perform when they receive something from someone. But for a devotee, being grateful is a daily living principle, and he remains grateful to the Lord even when situations are not in his favour.
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Gratitude in Spiritual Life
In Bhakti Yoga, gratitude is the natural response of the soul when it recognises the mercy of Krishna. It softens the heart, purifies the mind, and opens the door to devotion. Srila Prabhupada explains in a lecture, “Everything belongs to God. Therefore I must offer my gratitude. That is intelligence. That is pure devotion.”
When we understand that everything—our breath, food, relationships, opportunities—comes from Krishna, gratitude arises spontaneously. This spirit of gratefulness is deeply woven into ISKCON’s culture, where every aspect of life becomes a chance to say “thank you” to the Lord, His devotees, and our spiritual guides.
Let us explore how gratitude manifests in bhakti-yoga through prayers, prasadam, reverence to the spiritual master, and devotional service.
Offering Prayers: Gratitude in Words
One of the most natural ways a devotee expresses gratitude is through prayer. In both, japa and kirtan, devotees bow their heads and thank Krishna for His endless mercy. Even in difficult circumstances, devotees continue to glorify the Lord with a grateful heart. Srila Prabhupada writes, “Although they may be put in uncomfortable situations, even then they offer their gratitude to the Lord.”
Prayer is not a ritual of demands—it is a declaration of dependence on the Lord. By offering prayers, a devotee acknowledges: “I am nothing without Your mercy, Krishna.” ISKCON temples worldwide echo with these prayers—through the chanting of the Hare Krishna mahamantra, recitation of scriptures, and heartfelt offerings sung daily before the Deities.
Prasadam: Gratitude in Every Meal
Food is a universal necessity, but in bhakti-yoga, it becomes a sacred exchange of love. Devotees never accept food without first offering it to Krishna. Srila Prabhupada emphasises, “Simply you feel gratitude—‘Oh, God has given me this bread. Let me offer it to God first of all.’”
When we honour prasadam, we cultivate humility and thankfulness. Instead of eating for our sense satisfaction, we eat with remembrance of Krishna’s kindness. In ISKCON, this gratitude extends to the community as well. We carry out free prasadam distribution programs, like the Annadana programme of feeding pilgrims in temples, everyday. Such acts reflect the culture of gratitude, where the mercy received from Krishna is shared with others.
Gratitude to the Spiritual Master
The spiritual master is the guide who shows us the way back to Krishna. Expressing gratitude to him is central in bhakti-yoga. Srila Prabhupada himself demonstrated this by bowing before his guru with full humility.
In ISKCON, this gratitude is expressed daily through the guru-puja ceremony. Devotees sing prayers to Srila Prabhupada, offering flowers, obeisances, and their hearts. This practice instills humility and reminds us that spiritual progress is possible only by the mercy of the guru.
Gratitude in Service
Service (seva) is the heart of bhakti-yoga, and it is rooted in gratitude. A devotee does not serve out of obligation but out of thankfulness.
In ISKCON, we see this in countless ways—devotees cleaning temples, cooking for the Deities, distributing books, caring for cows, or building communities. Each act of service is infused with the spirit: “Krishna has given me so much, how can I repay Him?” While God does not need anything from us, service becomes our joyful expression of appreciation.
ISKCON’s Culture of Gratitude
What makes ISKCON unique is how gratitude permeates its daily life. From the morning mangala-arati to the evening kirtans, every activity begins and ends with thanksgiving. Devotees bow down multiple times a day—not as a formality but as a physical reminder of humility and thankfulness.
ISKCON has nurtured millions around the world to live by this principle—always remembering Krishna’s kindness, always expressing gratitude through devotion, and always sharing this gratitude with others.
Gratitude as the Essence of Bhakti
Gratitude is a way of life in bhakti-yoga. Through prayers, prasadam, respect for the spiritual master, and devotional service, a devotee constantly remembers the kindness of Krishna and His representatives.
In this way, gratitude becomes the heart of bhakti-yoga. It transforms our vision, strengthens our devotion, and deepens our love for the Lord. For as Srila Prabhupada reminded us, “Gratitude and love for God is exhibited by a pure devotee, who knows that the Lord lives in every heart.”
By cultivating gratitude, we align with the essence of bhakti—loving service offered with a thankful heart. And in ISKCON, this culture of gratitude continues to inspire millions to connect with Krishna and live lives filled with joy, humility, and devotion.
