How to Develop Gratitude | Kataññu Katavedi | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Buddhist Dhamma Talk

Ajahn Dhammasiha responds to a question how we can develop gratitude methodically.

Being grateful (Kataññū Katavedī) has been praised by the Buddha as belonging entirely to the sphere of a truly good person. However, he also pointed out that it is a rather rare character trait.

Gratitude may not always come naturally, so we have to make a deliberate effort to develop that character trait.

For example, we can start doing Buddha Pujas with an emphasis on a feeling of gratitude to the Buddha for pointing out the way leading to the end of all suffering.

Another good exercise is simply writing down a list of all the things we have received in our life from others that were beneficial and helpful to us.

Of course, we could just as well keep a list of all bad things we had to endure. Both lists are 'objectively' valid.

But how does it make us feel to dwell on them?

How do we feel after thinking for an hour about anything bad anyone may have done to us?

How do we feel after thinking for an hour about all the good we have received?

Simply doing that much will show us how much more enjoyable, emotionally uplifting, and leading to a sense of contentment it is to dwell on the 'gratitude list', rather than the 'complaints' list 😊

Ajahn also responds to a question about the meaning of 'timeless' as an epithet of the Dhamma.

Like when we chant the fundamental qualities of the Dhamma:

"The Dhamma has been well expounded by the Exalted One, visible here and now, 'TIMELESS'..."

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