A grateful heart is indeed beautiful. To be able to respect and value everyone we meet, such soul develops a richer and beautiful state of life.
Mr. Ikeda


The falling leaves danced in the wind composing a melody of gratefulness, it is the big tree’s act of appreciation towards the earth for nourishing her; the white cloud drifted in the clear blue sky drawing touching and heartening tableau one after another, it is an expression of gratitude towards the blue sky for nurturing it. Because of gratitude, we have a rich and colourful society, and because of gratefulness we develop genuine friendship, and because of gratefulness, we are able to grasp the true meaning of life.

Nothing in this world happens for granted; even our parents’ care for bringing us up isn’t a duty they ought to carry out. Who said that they must look after us and provide us a comfortable life? Our parents are our first teacher in life, from the day we are born, they poured out their endless love and wishes upon us. Perhaps our parents may not be able to give us a luxurious life but they gave us one thing which is irreplaceable and that is – our life. If one shows no gratitude towards their parents’ upbringing and care for them, then that family is sure to be inharmonious.

Gratitude derives from within the soul. There’s an old Chinese saying: ‘The favor of a drop of water has been rewarded with the gratitude of a fountain of water.’ What more to say for our parents, the contributions of our family members and friends aren’t merely just a drop of water but a great ocean. Have you ever offered your parents a cup of warm tea when they come back home after a day of hard work, giving them a card on their birthday or offer them some words of encouragement and reassurance when they are down? They have poured all their hearts and energies for us but do you remember when their birthday is, comprehend their weariness from working or even noticed the silver linings in their hair or their wrinkles?

Teachers are the engineers of the human soul. But the arrogance of the people at present reckons that being a teacher isn’t a big deal and would only complain that the teacher’s teaching method is as dull as ditchwater. When I think about the past, if it weren’t for the painstaking efforts of my teacher, I think I wouldn’t be sitting down here writing this article, and I suppose you couldn’t understand my language. Their happiness is their myriad number of pupils who calls them ‘Teacher’. To express your gratitude, prove to them with your outstanding results and successes which they can be proud of, with every little bit of your improvement; tell your teachers ‘Teacher, I can do it!’   

Be grateful towards everyone we meet and every problems we confront, because it is attributable to their presence, we grow. People who grows and progress the fastest are usually those who suffered the most. Whenever we encounter various problems, we not only have to bear through it but to be even more grateful. We should be grateful to the incidents which cause us sufferings and forget those people who hurt us. Perhaps they may be unintentional to hurt us but nevertheless, we still have grow out of it.

Mr. Ikeda said: ‘One who is grateful is humane; one who isn’t is an animal. People who have no gratitude don’t deserve to be called a human.’ May gratitude fill everyone’s soul!  People who are grateful are tenaciously strong; while those who aren’t will definitely end up in defeat and misery. This is an undeniable fact.

Labels: e. Words of mentor