Gratitude

Gratitude is warm and friendly feeling towards a benefactor; thankfulness. Gratitude is a sense of appreciation of favours received, accompanied with goodwill towards the benefactor. It is an emotion or sentiment of thankfulness, kindness or goodwill to a benefactor and a disposition to make a suitable return of benefits or services or, when no returns can be made, a desire to see the benefactor prosperous and happy. Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid. 

It is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. It is an indication of a noble nature. It is a virtue most deified. It is not only the memory of the benefit received from a good and kind man, but the homage of the heart rendered to him for his good deeds. Gratitude is the noblest of virtues, the most capital of all duties. Just as a river pours its waters into the ocean from which it drew its supply, so also a man of gratitude returns a benefit received from others. 

He looks upon his benefactor with reverence and love. If he is not able to return the benefit, he keeps it in his memory with kindness. He does not forget it during his whole lifetime. Be grateful to God, your Creator, for all the bounties He has given you. Pray to Him fervently from the bottom of your heart. Sing His glory. Remember Him at all times. Surrender your entire being to him, obtain His Grace and be happy forever. An ungrateful man is a miserable wretch in this world. His lot is pitiable, lamentable and deplorable indeed! This world abounds with ungrateful wretches. Be grateful. All will admire and revere you. You will reap a rich harvest of peace and immortal bliss. 

Harohara. Tat Twam Asi. Om Shanti.

Source: pg. 74, How to Cultivate Virtues and Eradicate Vices by Swami Sivananda