The Four gratitudeS

I. Foreword:

In daily life, parts of a person's achievements depend upon the favors from others, society, and all

living beings. As a Buddhist, one is also favored by the Three Jewels (Tam Bảo), because they help to

cultivate one's wisdom. Therefore, to build up a good personality and to recognize the relationships of

life; one should know, understand, and appreciate the four Gratitudes.

II. Four types of gratitude:

The four gratitudes consist of parents, teachers and friends, the mother land and her society, and the

Three Jewels.

1. Gratitude to parents: During the nine months of pregnancy, the mother feels unhealthy and loses a

lot of nutrition and sleep. When giving birth, she has to endure all the pain which makes her feel

like her intestines are being cut apart. The father, on the other hand, is nervously running errands

to supply the needs for the mother in labor, and praying for the safety of the mother and unborn

child. When the child is born, the parents have to take care of daily activities such as feeding and

nurturing. When their child is ill, they can hardly eat or sleep; they are always with the child to

take care of him. When the child is grown, they educate him to become a good person.

2. Gratitude to teachers and friends: In gaining our knowledge and intelligence, the teachers guide

us in proper understanding. Teachers and friends always encourage and guide us when we

encounter difficulties. Today, our understanding, reading, and writing skills are a result of the

teachings and guidances of our teachers and friends.

3. Gratitude to the mother land and her society: The land we are living in now consists of

contributions from the founders, establishers, industrializers, lawmakers and law enforcers.

These people establish peace, happiness and a secured society for one to live in.

4. Gratitude from the Three Jewels: To save all living beings from suffering, the Shakya Mauni

Buddha left the worldly materials to seek the right path. Buddha had overcome problems, traveled

many places, and preached His teachings. Buddha's Teachings give one understanding, the truth,

and the realization of what is right. Buddha has shown the right methods for one to practice so

that we can escape the cycle of reincarnation, and to live in a pure and happy world.

III. Ways to demostrate gratitude:

1. Respect, obey, and take care of our parents

2. Obey our teachers, study hard, and always respect and love our teachers and friends.

3. Be a good citizen, cultivate our traditions, build up morality, help people to go into the right

direction, do business to raise the society's standard of living.

4. Research, practice, and propagate Buddha's teachings; always take refuge in the Buddha,

Dharma, and Sangha; show respect when making offerings to the Sanghas.

IV. Conclusion:

Not distinguishing between the rich and poor, a person needs to know and realize the Four Gratitudes

and appreciate them. As a Buddhist, taking gratitude from all living beings and the Three Jewels, one

should always appreciate the Four Gratitudes by practicing Buddha's teachings.