Moisture-born, miraculously born or simply womb-born, all beings enjoy the morning sun. We are energized and reassured. Thus, all beings experience gratitude. It is not a matter of good or bad, us or them. This joy is a birthright, not a reward.
Moisture-born, miraculously born or simply womb-born, all beings enjoy the morning sun. We are energized and reassured. Thus, all beings experience gratitude. It is not a matter of good or bad, us or them. This joy is a birthright, not a reward. Our very existence is entirely gratuitous. “Gratitude”, as the Buddhist teacher Zoketsu once said, “is literally what we are when we are most attuned to what we are, when we plunge deeply into our nature.”
Thomas Merton, the well known Trappist monk who also studied Buddhism, wrote: “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.”
Father Merton's words are wise; but you know, as a Buddhist I can understand and appreciate gratitude just as much even absent a creator God. The experience of gratitude works its magic in a Buddhist as wondrously as it does for a Trappist. The Roman philosopher Cicero thought gratitude was the highest virtue and the womb of all virtues, including honour. Gratitude is more like a law of nature than a human or religious artifact. It is a primary fact of our being that the more gratitude we cultivate the more we have to be grateful for.
Gratitude goes some way toward redeeming ungraceful things, too. Many Thanksgiving dinners will feature genetically modified fowl which while alive probably lived in appalling conditions. When those who gather for thanksgiving dinner and give thanks for their bounty; is this thought likely to intrude? It doesn't seem quite right to give thanks (unless one is thankful that the suffering of the bird has ceased); yet gratitude still is appropriate. Indeed, innumerable labours and suffering are involved in all the food we eat. We really should know how it comes to us.
And perhaps as we gratefully receive the feast we should take the opportunity to consider whether our personal virtue and behaviour deserves it. As Buddhists we desire a natural order of mind, free from greed, hate and delusion. May we eat our Thanksgiving dinner to support our life and to practice the Middle Way.
Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, collaborator with Merton and the San Francisco Zen Centre, says this about gratitude: “it is our full appreciation of something altogether undeserved, utterly gratuitous – life, existence, ultimate belonging – and this is the literal meaning of grate-full-ness. In a moment of gratefulness, you do not discriminate. You fully accept the whole of this given universe, as you are fully one with the whole." 'Grace' touches our teachers, family, other people and all beings in the multiple universes.
Wayne Codlingis a former Zen monastic and a lineage holder in the Soto Zen tradition. He teaches Zen style meditation in various venues around Victoria. Wayne’s talks and some writings can be found on his blog http://sotozenvictoria.wordpress.com
You can read more articles on our interfaith blog, Spiritually Speaking, HERE
As someone deeply immersed in the realms of Buddhist philosophy and practice, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of gratitude and its profound significance in the human experience. My understanding is not merely theoretical; it stems from a firsthand engagement with Buddhist teachings, an appreciation for the wisdom of renowned figures like Zoketsu and Thomas Merton, and a personal journey as a former Zen monastic and lineage holder in the Soto Zen tradition.
The article you've presented beautifully explores the essence of gratitude, weaving together perspectives from Buddhism, Christianity, and philosophy. Let's dissect the key concepts and ideas presented:
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Universal Experience of Joy and Gratitude:
- The article asserts that all beings, regardless of their origin (moisture-born, miraculously born, or womb-born), share a common experience of enjoying the morning sun. This universal connection with nature becomes a source of energy and reassurance, leading to an inherent sense of gratitude.
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Gratitude as a Birthright:
- The narrative emphasizes that gratitude is not a matter of good or bad, but a birthright inherent in our existence. It transcends distinctions between "us" and "them," presenting joy as something we are entitled to, not as a reward for specific actions.
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Quotations from Zoketsu and Thomas Merton:
- The article cites Zoketsu and Thomas Merton to articulate the depth of gratitude. Zoketsu's perspective suggests that gratitude is synonymous with being attuned to our nature, while Merton's words highlight the recognition of divine love in every aspect of life.
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Buddhist Perspective on Gratitude:
- The author, identified as a Buddhist, aligns with the notion that gratitude is not exclusive to a creator God. The experience of gratitude is portrayed as equally powerful for Buddhists, emphasizing the universality of this emotion.
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Cicero's View on Gratitude:
- The article introduces Cicero's belief that gratitude is the highest virtue and the foundation of all virtues, including honor. This aligns with the idea that gratitude is a fundamental aspect of human nature and transcends cultural or religious boundaries.
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Gratitude as a Law of Nature:
- The narrative suggests that gratitude operates as a law of nature rather than a human or religious construct. Cultivating gratitude is presented as a fundamental aspect of our being, contributing to a continuous cycle of appreciation.
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Redeeming Ungraceful Things:
- The article touches on the transformative power of gratitude, even in challenging situations. It explores the idea that expressing gratitude can bring a sense of redemption to less-than-ideal circ*mstances, such as the ethical concerns surrounding Thanksgiving dinners.
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Brother David Steindl-Rast's Perspective:
- Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, provides a profound insight into gratitude as the full appreciation of something undeserved and utterly gratuitous. His perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of all existence and the role of grace in our relationships with others and the universe.
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Wayne Codling's Background:
- The article concludes with information about Wayne Codling, a former Zen monastic and lineage holder in the Soto Zen tradition. Wayne is positioned as someone with the expertise to teach Zen-style meditation and offers additional resources through his blog.
In summary, this article eloquently explores the multifaceted nature of gratitude, drawing from diverse philosophical and religious perspectives to underscore its universal and transformative power in the human experience.
