LEISURE
This oil painting of a dog was an inspiration from a photograph to catch the
melancholy
deeply felt . It is one of those popular screen savers. How successful it
is, is left to your judgement . Animals do feel joy and sorrow. Not
surprising when we learn that even plants feel and respond to the moods of the
people who nurture them. Then what makes human life unique ? Some one said that
it is the gift of 'laughing'. 
Is
it really a gift ? It is just a way of expression, which nature has endowed all
animals like, for example, dog wagging its tail. It is said animals or birds lack 'manas'
or the ability to contemplate. Their life is lead by the instinct of that
particular moment. Be it a claim for supremacy in a herd or protection of their
young ones. These are temporary phases. However the power to contemplate seem to
be the source of
all problem for humanity. Sense of insecurity, greediness to accumulate,
jealousy etc are all result of man's concern for a secured life which birds and
animals do not care about. Jesus rightly said " Look at the
birds flying around :they do not sow seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns
; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them ! Aren't you worth much more than
birds ? Can any one of you live a bit longer by worrying about it ?
(
Matthew 6.26-27)
But then without contemplation can we ever comprehend the greatness of god ?