Gratitude

266. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED

“Developing a true sense of gratitude involves taking absolutely nothing for granted. Rather, we always look for the friendly intention behind the deed and learn to appreciate it.”

ALBERT SCHWEITZER (1875–1965), FRANCE/GABON

267. INNER FAULT

“If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”

NATIVE AMERICAN PROVERB

268. SONG OF JOY

“All is beautiful, all is more beautiful, and life is thankfulness.”

IGUILIK ESKIMO SONG

269. UNFAMILIAR

“I feel a very unusual sensation … if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude.”

BENJAMIN DISRAELI (1804–1881), ENGLAND

270. SILENT THANKS

“Be silent as to services you have rendered, but speak of favours you have received.”

SENECA (5BCE–65CE), ROME

271. THE GRATEFUL PARROT

The future Buddha was born as Mahasuka, a parrot who lived in a fig tree whose fruit fed him all year long. The god Saka decided to test him, and caused the tree to wither away. The parrot perched on the stump, unperturbed. Saka asked the parrot why he did not fly away. The parrot replied that he could not desert an old friend who had given him so much. On hearing these words, Saka offered him a boon. The parrot asked for his tree to live again, and it sprang back to life.

THE MAHASUKA JATAKA