Adi Shankara stated, " chittasya SuddhayE karma," meaning that the actions we perform should lead to the purification of the mind. It is also said, " krutaghnasya nivruttayE “ implying that our actions should help eliminate ingratitude; in essence, this means everyone should cultivate a sense of gratitude.
We often hear the word "gratitude." It is our duty to acknowledge and remember the help or services rendered by others and to express our thanks to those who have assisted us.
We should conduct ourselves with gratitude, constantly remembering the deities, our ancestors, the parents who gave us life, provided the means and the physical form necessary to attain liberation. We must remain grateful to those who have helped us.
It is said that one should not remain indebted to the Devas (divine beings), Pitrus (ancestors), and Gurus (teachers). Repaying these debts is the true expression of gratitude.
Today what we are is only because of the sacrifices done by our parents. We should always be grateful to them.
Sastras suggested to do some rituals to remember, honor and please our ancestors. The rituals are not beyond our capacity.
Even if we provide food to some poor and needy people on the death day of our father, mother and if possible ancestors, they feel happy about our services and bless. They will not curse us but if they feel ill of us and our ingratitude, it's not good for us. We will land in some troubles.
They may include issues like “ financial difficulties, illness, accidents, inability to finalize a marriage despite repeated efforts and childlessness “.
Better we spare some time, do required rituals to keep ancestors not unhappy.