Divine Qualities: Gratitude

Q. I can say I have practically no knowledge of the scriptures; but I believe in GOD - in all gods. Prior to coming to the US, I used to pray a lot. However, after coming here I have reduced that, apparently for no particular reason. But I have started praying to my parents, because I feel that by serving one's parents, one can serve God. I would like to understand what really is a person's duty - is it to serve God directly or to serve his parents and reach God through them?

Q. How to understand the mercy which descends from Sri Guru? How can/do we recognize such mercy? Must we endeavor to receive such mercy?

To address this question, I would like to quote this very nice purport from Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya Lila 19.152 which talks about the word Guru- prasada or spiritual master's mercy.

Q. I have been (and continuing to be) in a constant attack of very intense miseries since the last 6 years. I am very fortunate and grateful for the association of devotees since the last 4 years. However sometimes I am so worn out and exhausted physically and mentally that I just want to be left alone for months being a recluse. This is partly because I'm forced to act happy and enthusiastic (amongst devotees or non-devotees) when there is so much mental agony, anguish and anxiety that is constantly bombarding my mind.

Q. I read in digest 189 that "who does not follow the regulative principles is not fit for chanting (kirtana)". I am struggling with my attachments and find it difficult and sometimes or most times not motivated to chant. I feel very bad and sometimes dejected due to my own way of life of not watering the seed of devotion I received due to the mercy of devotees and especially one devotee.

Q. How do i overcome fear because of impatience either in spiritual path or in material affairs...because impatience bring tension and i get disturbed mentally?

Q. 1. How do I make sure that my gratitude for my spiritual master and those guiding me day-by-day in my spiritual life keeps on increasing, and does not become interrupted?

Below is an answer I gave to a similar question asked by someone else about hearing from a single source.

Digest 227

Q. I have so much contamination and materialism in my heart that it is disturbing my consciousness when I am associating with devotees. Greed and envy for spiritual gain is coming to my mind sometimes.

By the mercy of Krishna and Prabhupada, I have got this wonderful association. I don't know how long will I have such good fortune and mercy. What should I be meditating on and what should be my consciousness when I associate with devotees, such that I don't keep thinking of just gaining or gaining more out of it.

Service is what I look for but it's not all the time. Please guide me in this.

Q. What is meant by mercy of spiritual master? How to develop gratitude? Can you please explain these in a practical way so that I can apply them in my daily life?

Q. I need your guidance. By the Grace and the Kindness of Krishna Almighty, I have progressed in my life in terms of my standard of living, and have acquired a respectable job that does not give me physical stress at all, (though there is a considerable amount of mental stress). I am happy, there is no doubt, but the drawback is, I have involved myself a lot into materialistic attractions of this world - MAYA.

Q. What is the cause of self pity? How can we overcome it?

Self pity stems from improper understanding of the self. The self, or spirit soul, is fully satisfied and secure by virtue of his relationship with Krishna. The pure soul is decorated with all auspicious qualities and is unfettered by any material limitation.