麻豆社

Good morning. While of course the big news is England鈥檚 emphatic victory last night, the other big sporting occasion this week is the return of Wimbledon tennis after a lost year.

It was fitting that seats in the royal box on centre court were reserved for those who'd contributed so much to the country during the pandemic. Before Novak Djokovic walked on court to start the tournament, a tannoy announcement inspired a spontaneous standing ovation for Dame Sarah Gilbert who led the team that designed the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine.

Such authentic expressions of emotion and gratitude are always heart-warming. Hinduism says thankfulness uplifts our spirits 鈥� because we acknowledge how our lives are blessed by others. The Sanskrit word for gratitude is krta-jna 鈥� literally 鈥渒nowing what has been done on my behalf鈥�. Rupa Goswami, a 16th century theologian explained that being truly grateful means not only being conscious of what you have gained from another person鈥檚 kindness, but also never forgetting that kindness.

Hindu culture tries to nurture such an attitude through many daily practices. For instance, in the salute to the sun for morning yoga; or touching the feet of one鈥檚 parents and elders; and in offering a portion of the food one prepares as recognition for the bounty of nature and the benevolence of God.

For many, the deepest expressions of gratitude are felt for those who inspire us on the spiritual path. In the Bhagavat Purana, the sage Dattatreya explains that this can take many forms. Sometimes, we learn from observing things in nature or from events around us. For instance, the honeybee visits many flowers extracting the essence from they offer and takes only as much as he needs from each. Dattatreya describes that other people may teach through the example of their character and behaviour. We may imbibe forbearance, determination, dedication and compassion from them. And, then there are those enlightened souls who may guide us on a path from heaviness of heart to lightness of spirit. They may help us find light when our lives seem dark; and hope when we feel despair. Often, they do this by encouraging us to acknowledge the positive aspects of our lives and those who have done so much for our benefit. And then by encouraging us to demonstrate our gratitude by reciprocation and action.

Whatever good fortune and learning we have gained by the grace of others, we should share. Despite all the excitement of last night, happiness and well-being are not defined by who wins or loses on the pitch but by how we engage the wonderful gifts and opportunities that others have contributed into our lives.

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