2.1. A Spiritual Perspective
Spirituality enhances a person’s ability to be grateful.
Gratitude is highly prized in Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. A common theme across world religions, is that of worship with gratitude to God.
“You have no cause for anything but gratitude and joy.” - Buddha
In Judaism, gratitude is an essential part of the act of worship. All things come from God, and prayers also incorporate gratitude.
In Islam, followers are encouraged to be grateful, and Islamic teaching emphasizes the idea that those who are grateful will be rewarded with more. SHAKIR - “one who is grateful.” The Pillar of Islam calls and encourages believers to pray to God five times a day thanking him for his greatness. Pillar of Fasting exists to put the believer into a state of gratitude.
In Christianity, the Bible has over 60 verses related to gratitude. For example: “Give thanks on all circumstances; for this is the will of God.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:38. Martin Luther believed that gratitude was a basic Christian attitude, where God is seen as a selfless giver of all good things. Gratitude as a virtue that shapes not only emotions and thoughts, but actions and deeds as well. Jesus also gave thanks before performing miracles.
Gratitude crosses all traditions…
Lau Tzu - “Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing like in, the whole world belongs to you.”
Krishna - whatever he has offered, he excepts with joy.
King David spoke of giving thanks to the whole world, for everything between the heavens and the Earth.
Gratitude is expressed and found in tribal cultures as well as First Nation cultures. Shawnee Native American Leader Tecumesh (1768-1813) said: “When you were rise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food in the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.” Native cultures have given thanks for what they want before they have it, and often use elaborate ceremonies and rituals to put as much energy into their gratitude as possible.
Gratitude appears in Arabic and Chinese Proverbs.
Gratitude has also been studied by Philosophers.