Gratitude Meditation

Question 1

Who does gratitude meditation usually focus on?

Answer 1

If we can develop a profound sense of gratitude toward our mother for her kindness, we can extend this to others by recognizing that, through rebirth, countless others have been at various points our mother.

Question 2

Traditional Tibetan gratitude meditation

Answer 2

Whether I was in her womb, being born, or growing up, she fed me and clothed me. She gave me her most precious belongings. She acted as though the status of a universal monarch would be inadequate for me… To the best of her ability she protected me from dangers and led me to happiness. She is therefore a source of great kindness. So, on my part, too, to reciprocate her kindness, I must protect her from suffering and lead her to happiness.1

Question 3

What questions do we ask during Naikan practice?

Answer 3

n the surface Naikan is a simple practice structured – one might even say quite rigidly – around three questions:
• “What have I received from this person?”
• “What have I given to this person?”
• “What trouble and difficulties have I caused to
this person?”