Sri Bharatamata

   Ashtottaram 37

 

 

37) OṀ KRUṪAJNATĀNUGRAHA BHŨMYAINAMAH:

    OṀ (AUM) - KRU-ṪA-JNA-TAA-NU - GRA-HA-

                                      -BHOO- MYAI- NA--MA- HA

 

(Krutajnaṫa: means-Expression of gratitude; Anugraham: means-help, acceptance, kindness)

 

 

 

'If someone helps you, how small it may be, you should remember that rest of your life'- is the teaching of our parents, teachers, elders and well-wishers and we have been following that advice all our life. Maharṣhi  Vālmīki, the celebrated author of the great epic in poetry- Rāmāyaṇam, before he wrote this, he was told by Brahmarṣhi Nārada muni about the sixteen great and noble qualities (sho'daśakaḷalu) that go to make a perfect man, that is Lord Sri Rama. Born as a human being and ruler, Lord Sri Rama stood as the symbol of Dharma (righteousness) and if somebody showed a kind gesture to Him; Rama always remembered that and talked about it all the time, and on the other hand if somebody harmed Him or hurt Him with unkind words, He would forget that right away and never talked ill of that person. That is the virtue of Sri Rama and He stood as an example of what gratitude should be. We are very fortunate to be born on the land which was purified by the touch of Lord Sri Rama's lotus feet.

 

If somebody does a good deed to a Hindu, he looks forward anxiously to reciprocate something bigger good deed to that person. I cannot definitely say that this is happening now a days in India but at least it used to be a norm in olden days. Now everyone is infatuated with western culture, especially our children who do not even move a stick when asked to and they have the attitude that 'what is in it for me if I do it for you?' Even grownups are showing the same attitude. However, it became a fashion to say 'Thank you' for everything which is very mechanical and just a lip service; and there is no emotion or sincerity in that expression. Sometimes, pet animals like dogs are far superior to humans in showing their gratitude and affection towards its master and it protects the one who feeds and cares for them. When an intruder comes, it barks and alerts the household; and even attacks the stranger.

 

Our parents, teachers and elders teach us from childhood onward how to be grateful and thankful to people who are kind to us in time of need and to show gratitude toward those who are helpful to us and reciprocate them with similar gestures and actions. Those who listens good advice will always follow that path. Even today in India, we still come across those kinds of people in our life.

 

The land which teaches us to show the gratitude and to be thankful throughout our life, to those who are kind to us, is 'Kruṫajnatānugraha Bhūmi'.