On Makar Sankranti, as we celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest, we should express gratitude to the Supreme Lord for the blessings of sunlight, rain, and abundance that lead our minds turns toward the light of spiritual wisdom.

Gratitude is the acknowledgement of life’s gifts to us. It is focusing on our blessings rather than our problems. It is the appreciation of the little miracles all around. It is living life with a sense of awe.

हमें दीपावली ऐसे मनानी चाहिए कि वह हमारे जीवन को आध्यात्मिक रूप से प्रकाशित करे, अर्थात् भगवान को हम अपने हृदय में लाएँ। भगवान प्रकाश के समान हैं और माया अंधकार के समान। जैसे ही हम भगवान को अपने भीतर लाते हैं, मन का अंधकार स्वयं मिट जाता है।

Deepavali means 'rows of light.' Let's celebrate it by welcoming the Lord, the true light, into our hearts. When the Lord is present, the darkness of the mind automatically disappears.

Rather than feeling miserable by focusing on what you 'lack,' count your 'blessings' and fill your heart with gratitude.

When we subdue our selfish desires, we wake up to a higher purpose that God has in store for us and realise that the universe is not hostile to life. Rather, it is generous and eager to bestow infinite blessings and opportunities for the soul to evolve and manifest its divine destiny.

God’s eternal law is very simple: Those who do sharanagati (surrender) unto Him receive His grace.

Brahma jnana, or knowledge of God, cannot be attained by self-effort. It is received by His grace, which must be attracted through bhakti.