“There are two persons who are rare in the world. Which two? First, the one who volunteers to help others selflessly (pubbakari). And second, the one who is grateful (kataññu) and helps in return (katavedi).” (Anguttara-nikāya)*
On 21 August 2015, Bro. Kho went to the St. Joseph Private School Buddhist Club weekly meeting and helped ‘plant’ the “Gratitude Tree”, where club members then had fun expressing their gratitude towards those who have helped them in the past. Gratitude is one of the hallmarks of a noble character. Buddha has declared gratitude as one of the Highest Blessings in the Mangala Sutta. This is indeed well supported when modern day psychologists have found gratitude to be beneficial to one’s emotional well-being. Hopefully, the “Gratitude Tree” planted in the hearts of the club members will not be easily uprooted.
May all beings learn to cultivate gratitude.
*For further reading regarding gratitude, please refer to this e-book: gratitude in the buddhas teaching
Students having fun expressing their gratitude on cards which were then pasted on the “Gratitude Tree”
Yeah! Mission accomplished. Did you see the Gratitude Tree? (literally and metaphorically speaking)