THE TWO COURSES

It is in man’s nature to acknowledge his benefactor. Gratitude is an innate sentiment that arises whenever man is given something. Modern man’s ideology is based on instant pleasure and gratification: to find immediate pleasures, with no concern for the morrow. Man seeks to derive these pleasures from the bounties of nature provided to him by God. These blessings are a direct provision of God, none have been made by man. It is the Creator who has created all these things. But modern man has only taken these bounties of nature completely neglecting the Giver. He uses these blessings of God, but he has left the Creator of the blessings aside. Abandoning the Creator, man has selectively appropriated only the creation. He has abandoned a Godoriented life, adopting a worldly life in its place. It is in man’s nature to acknowledge his benefactor. Gratitude is an innate sentiment that arises whenever man is given something. In the present age, man has again directed this sense of gratitude towards the created instead of the Creator. Instead of acknowledging God as the Giver, his heartfelt feelings of gratitude are directed towards the beings and things created by God. Listen to what people have to say today or read about what they write― you will find many such examples. Anyone can see these examples in his daily life. Here is one such article published in The Times of India, New Delhi, March 18, 2008. The author of the article is Donna Devane. Be Happy Here and Now "Gratitude fills my soul as I enjoy my computer, more about my home, enjoy the feeling of a hug from my daughter. There is so much to be grateful for each moment of each day. I find that where gratitude goes, joy flows, spend a few moments throughout the day with thought shifter statements. A few of the thought shifter statements that I use are―I am so happy and joyful to believe. I am so happy and grateful for this wonderful mind, and body that allows me to enjoy touch, taste, sound, and movement. I am so happy and grateful for my family, and friends, and the love we share. I am so happy and grateful for my computer, my internet, my ability to type and share with friends all over the world." Today, a number of people are afflicted with tension and stress. What is the reason behind this? It is because man fails to properly nourish this natural urge of gratitude that he possesses. Making full use of the bounties provided by the Creator, he fails to acknowledge the Creator.