Bob Schwartz

“If the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘Thank-you’, that would suffice.”
Meister Eckhart (1260 – 1328), Catholic priest, theologian, philosopher and mystic

I read a column complaining that too many people say “thank you” too much. The writer’s point was that much of the time this is perfunctory and reflexive, and people often don’t mean it.

The above quote from Meister Eckhart is a fitting response.

“Thank you”, whether deeply felt or not, is an express acknowledgment that something has been given to you or done on your behalf. Even if the thanks are grudging—maybe even sarcastic—you may hear a message inside.

In some enlightened traditions, we are advised to offer thanks not just to those on our side but to those actively against us:

When I see beings of unpleasant character
Oppressed by strong negativity and suffering,
May I hold them dear – for they are rare to find –
As if I have discovered a jewel treasure!
Eight Verses on Transforming the Mind

Thank you.