Take a Leap

Once every four years we get an extra day. The year that normally ends with 365 days in 2012 will end with 366 days. This year we are leaping. In every other month, the 29th day is just another day that passes without any adulation but perhaps because it happens only once every 4 years, February 29 gets special attention. We think of all the strange things that could happen on this day - a birthday, women proposing marriage, getting married or any other dramatic ideas that erstwhile escape our imagination.

Today BBC has a 10 things about February 29 that I thought was interesting. So to celebrate the elusiveness of today, here they are.

King of Secrets

For a while work has kept me busy but this morning I got the time to visit one of my favorite sections of The Hindu, an Indian newspaper. The first article I clicked on immediately caught my attention with its opening sentence. Not only did it apply to my busy schedule over the past couple of days but it calmly help put things in perspective.

"During the brief life span of individuals, the natural tendency in many is to make a mark in life and strive for a career that would enable one to lead a comfortable life of prosperity. These pursuits take up a huge chunk of time and many bypass the chance to explore the higher purpose of human life."

Yep, we do get caught up with everything that promises a better life, a better tomorrow. In the daily monotony we fail to realize this entire existence has a higher purpose and a greater meaning. So naturally after this first sentence, the next thought that came into my mind is the Gita where Krishna tells Arjuna, do your duty and don't expect any rewards. The rewards will come in the form of spiritual enlightenment, only if you do your work with detachment AND with absolute commitment. Arjuna goes on to ask why this knowledge is important, and Krishna replies “One should know because this knowledge will be able to liberate one from the cycle of birth." He adds that this knowledge is capable of releasing one from everything that is inauspicious and from bondage. Unfortunately, our lives are a bondage and our quest is lofty; to reach for that which is the King of Secrets. Such knowledge, while may seem inaccessible is perfectly attainable only if we wish for it badly enough.

I needed to read this today, it grounded me and brought me back to my reality which had faded in the past several weeks. I am grateful to the universe for the reminder.

The complete article is here.