Welcome to the November 2020 edition of the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India Newsletter. This month we share inspiring thoughts from Paramahansa Yogananda on the spiritual benefits that come to you when you focus on the Divine Source with a heart filled with gratitude.
Paramahansa Yogananda on Practising
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving and praise open in your consciousness the way for spiritual growth and supply to come to you. Spirit pushes Itself out into visible manifestation as soon as a channel is opened through which It can flow. You should be thankful for everything at all times. Realize that all power to think, and speak, and act comes from God, and that He is with you now, guiding and inspiring you.
Open your eyes and see the good that you now have, and then keep alert and alive to recognize each new manifestation as it comes to you. Speak with devotion to the Father and thank Him for all the good things of life. He is with you always, and nothing can interfere with success if you acknowledge the divine Power within you.
The All-Sufficient One does not need our thanks, however heartfelt, but when we are grateful to Him our attention is concentrated, for our highest benefit, upon the Great Source of all supply.
The basis for your gratitude should not be material prosperity. Whether your worldly possessions be many or few, you are still rich in gifts from God. Love Him, not for the outward things He may give you but for His gift to you of Himself as your Father.
My heart is so thankful; it is overcome by His kindness. He has given me everything that I had wanted in this life; but, above all, He has given Himself. Such gratefulness I feel! He who played hide-and-seek in my heart — He is now ever near. He is hiding behind the audacity of all “real” manifestations. He is there, waiting for you. There is no need for you to wade through suffering. Run to Him. The Most Beloved is waiting; His arms are open to receive you and spiritualize you and immortalize you.
