Today is Thanksgiving Day. Most stories on the history of Thanksgiving talk about the feasting celebration of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans that took place in the year 1621. The feast was not called "Thanksgiving." It was more of a traditional harvest festival like 'Pongal' in India. The feast, like Pongal, is believed to be an expression of thanks to God for the bountiful harvest.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. I am not sure why Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. However, over the years, the feasting tradition of giving thanks to God seems to have transformed itself into a holiday revelry. On Thanksgiving Day, families and friends usually gather for a large meal. Most schools and colleges declare a week-long vacation, as many students return home to unite with family members. Gifts are also exchanged as Thanksgiving is considered as a time to show love and appreciation for closest friends and family.
It is also a time to reflect upon many of life's blessings that we take for granted. While I can think of abundant small things to be thankful for (starting from the hot cup of brewed coffee that I relish every morning), I can list at least ten important things that I enjoy.
1. A cosy warm bed to sleep in without the nuisance of mosquitos and bed bugs.
2. Hot shower, dry towels and clothes to provide the comfortable feeling in me.
3. The most beautiful smile of my little grandson Vivek and the happy time I spend with him.
4. The opportunity and inclination to pray everyday morning and perform my daily rituals.
5. The pleasure of listening to my charming granddaughter and escorting her to school.
6. The choice of delicious vegetarian food items and God-given appetite & digestive power to consume them.
7. A computer that works faithfully on a reliable intenet connection.
8. An acceptable report from the doctor on my general health.
9. My growing interest in ancient scriptures that I once thought were beyond my understanding.
10. The love and deep concern of all family members to my well-being.
I am thankful to the Almighty for providing me all those little things that contribute to contentment in my life. Taking this opportunity, I like to quote the following mantra in Sanskrit with its meaning:
Sarve bhavantu sukhinah: May every one be happy
Sarve santu niramayah: May every one be free from all diseases
Sarve bhadrani pashyantu: May every one see goodness in every thing
Ma kaschit duhkha bhaag bhaveet: May none be unhappy or distressed
Om shanti, shanti, shantih: Om peace, peace, peace!
May all be happy, may all be free from sickness, may all see things good, and may none have misery. Om peace, peace, peace!
Happy Thanksgiving!
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. I am not sure why Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. However, over the years, the feasting tradition of giving thanks to God seems to have transformed itself into a holiday revelry. On Thanksgiving Day, families and friends usually gather for a large meal. Most schools and colleges declare a week-long vacation, as many students return home to unite with family members. Gifts are also exchanged as Thanksgiving is considered as a time to show love and appreciation for closest friends and family.
It is also a time to reflect upon many of life's blessings that we take for granted. While I can think of abundant small things to be thankful for (starting from the hot cup of brewed coffee that I relish every morning), I can list at least ten important things that I enjoy.
1. A cosy warm bed to sleep in without the nuisance of mosquitos and bed bugs.
2. Hot shower, dry towels and clothes to provide the comfortable feeling in me.
3. The most beautiful smile of my little grandson Vivek and the happy time I spend with him.
4. The opportunity and inclination to pray everyday morning and perform my daily rituals.
5. The pleasure of listening to my charming granddaughter and escorting her to school.
6. The choice of delicious vegetarian food items and God-given appetite & digestive power to consume them.
7. A computer that works faithfully on a reliable intenet connection.
8. An acceptable report from the doctor on my general health.
9. My growing interest in ancient scriptures that I once thought were beyond my understanding.
10. The love and deep concern of all family members to my well-being.
I am thankful to the Almighty for providing me all those little things that contribute to contentment in my life. Taking this opportunity, I like to quote the following mantra in Sanskrit with its meaning:
Sarve bhavantu sukhinah: May every one be happy
Sarve santu niramayah: May every one be free from all diseases
Sarve bhadrani pashyantu: May every one see goodness in every thing
Ma kaschit duhkha bhaag bhaveet: May none be unhappy or distressed
Om shanti, shanti, shantih: Om peace, peace, peace!
May all be happy, may all be free from sickness, may all see things good, and may none have misery. Om peace, peace, peace!
Happy Thanksgiving!
No comments:
Post a Comment