GRATEFULNESS

Gratefulness means gratitude, thankfulness, a sense of obligation, appreciation, and an inclination to return kindness.

Founder Maiji lays stress on gratefulness in these words: “If one can’t love, he can at least serve. If he can’t serve, he can at least be grateful.”

For any blessing received from Mai-Maiji, one should be grateful. Thanksgiving to Mai-Maiji is more important than prayer for oneself.

Gratefulness is one of the most effective principles of self-development under Mai-ism.

Gratefulness is expressed in the following terms:

Jai Mai Jai Markand Mai
Jai Markand Rupa Mai
Jai Markand Rupa Markand Mai
Bhagavatya kritam sarvam
Na kinchid avashishyate
Jai Mai Jai Markand Mai
Jai Markand Rupa Mai
Jai Markand Rupa Markand Mai

The couplet means that the Most Merciful Mother Mai has done everything; nothing remains to be done.

Mai, being so prompt to remove the source of misery, danger, or fear immediately upon the devotee merely remembering Her, it is incumbent upon the devotee to offer thanks in the above terms. In the path of devotion to Mother Mai, thanksgiving has much greater importance than even the prayer for relief itself.

Gratitude is the heart’s memory. One who receives a good turn should never forget it; one who does a good turn should never remember it. Gratitude is a duty that ought to be paid, but which none has a right to expect.