Thanksgiving, traditionally a harvest festival in the United States, is widely celebrated as a day to express gratitude for abundance, family, and blessings. While it is rooted in specific historical and cultural contexts, its essence resonates universally. From a Hindu perspective, Thanksgiving aligns deeply with the spiritual practice of gratitude (kṛtajñatā), which is central to Hindu philosophy, rituals, and daily life.
In Hinduism, gratitude is considered a divine virtue (daivi sampad). The ancient scriptures emphasize it as an essential quality for leading a life of dharma (righteousness). The Bhagavad Gita speaks of devotion and humility as paths to self-realization, both of which require the acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of life and a deep sense of thankfulness.
The Vedic prayers, such as the Shanti Mantras, begin and end with gratitude. For example, the Gayatri Mantra is an ode to the sun’s life-sustaining energy, expressing thankfulness for its light and warmth. Similarly, the Isha Upanishad teaches contentment and gratitude, urging us to appreciate what is given without greed or attachment.
Thanksgiving’s origins as a harvest festival closely parallel Hindu harvest festivals like Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Onam. These celebrations honor the earth, the sun, and the forces of nature that sustain life. During Pongal in Tamil Nadu, for instance, gratitude is offered to Surya (the Sun God), Indra (the God of Rain), and even cattle, which are essential for agricultural labor.
The concept of Annadana (food donation) further reflects the Hindu emphasis on recognizing the sanctity of food and sharing it with others, much like the communal spirit of Thanksgiving meals.
Thanksgiving is also about gathering with loved ones, a tradition mirrored in Hindu festivals like Diwali. These celebrations center around family bonds, mutual support, and communal joy. The Hindu concept of kutumbakam (the world as one family) expands this idea, encouraging gratitude not just for one’s immediate family but for the entire community, including the environment and all living beings.
Unlike Thanksgiving, which is observed once a year, Hindu practices emphasize gratitude as a daily discipline. Rituals such as offering food to the Divine before eating, performing puja to honor the elements, and beginning the day with a prayer of thanks are ingrained in Hindu life.
A well-known practice is the tradition of bowing to one’s parents, teachers, and elders, expressing gratitude for their guidance and blessings. This aligns with the broader Thanksgiving theme of acknowledging those who have contributed to our well-being.
Sankalpa: Gratitude and Intent
In Yoga Nidra, a practice within Raja Yoga, the concept of Sankalpa (a heartfelt resolve or intention) involves gratitude as a cornerstone. Before setting intentions, practitioners reflect on what they are thankful for, creating a fertile ground for positive transformation. This practice mirrors the Thanksgiving tradition of reflecting on blessings before the feast.
Thanksgiving offers a moment to appreciate how gratitude transcends cultural and religious boundaries. From a Hindu viewpoint, the act of giving thanks is a spiritual practice that nurtures humility and strengthens our connection to the Divine. It is a reminder that abundance is a gift, not a right, and that it is our duty to honor and share it with others.
As Hindus engage with Thanksgiving, they can integrate its spirit into their broader worldview, celebrating not only material blessings but also profound gratitude for existence itself. Ultimately, Thanksgiving becomes more than a cultural celebration—it transforms into a universal affirmation of life’s interconnectedness and the beauty of gratitude.
Thanksgiving is not just a holiday but a spiritual opportunity to deepen our practice of gratitude. It invites us to honor the divine forces that sustain life, to celebrate our relationships, and to recognize the abundance within and around us. By embracing this universal value, we realize that Thanksgiving is not confined to a single day or culture; it is a timeless practice of living in harmony with the world.
Happy Thanksgiving to All
Hari Om Tat Sat
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