Gratitude

 

Why is it very important to show gratitude to God and to our parents? 

"Do not consider God to be someone above you. Treat Him as your own. It is possible only when you develop love. Embodiments of Love! Make every effort to repay the debt to God, for He pervades your entire being and safeguards you. Who is responsible for the blood circulation in your body? How is it that the blood does not ooze out as it moves in the body? You think you are sustained by food. But neither food nor blood can sustain you. 

God alone is responsible for your sustenance. However, you owe every drop of your blood to your parents. Their food takes the form of your blood. Hence, it is your foremost duty to respect and revere your parents. If you do not respect your parents today, your children will not respect you in the future. What is the use of lamenting then? 

Respect your parents and set a good ideal for your children. One who does not respect his parents is verily a rakshasa (demon). Do not lead the life of a rakshasa, live like a manava (human being)."

~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~

 (Divine Discourse - 12.4.2003)

If you want to realise God, first and foremost, develop love and devotion towards your parents. BABA