Hinduism and Buddhism Essay Example for Free

Hinduism and Buddhism Essay There are many religions in the world. Two of the most popular religions in the world are Buddhism and Hinduism. These two religions are very old religions. The ideals, tenets and aspects of these religions have been embraced by many individuals and by many other religions over time. In looking closely at these two religions, it is noticeable that there are similarities and parallelisms between the Buddhism and Hinduism religions. Buddhism naturally shares many ideas with Hinduism (Brodd, Sobolweski, 2003, p. 75). This is not surprising because of the roots and history of these two religions. But despite what could be considered as similarities or even close ties found between Buddhism and Hinduism, there are professionals who noted how lines are set and differences are established between the two religions. Similarly, the differences that underlie in the paths leading towards the particular directions of the specific religion, may it be Buddhism or Hinduism. Buddhists teachings or Dharma not to be confused with the related Hindu doctrine of dharma, or ethical duty are in some respects difficult to understand (Brodd, Sobolweski, 2003, p.  75). Ideas that share parallelisms or similarities, in one point or another, like the idea of dharma in Buddhism or Hinduism, or the state of improved sense of self, or self awakening, of the elevation of the spiritual self in a higher plane through the tenets and practices inspired by religion, are all important in the practice, observation and exercise of religion. The role of these aspects is important in understanding why or why not humans subscribe to religion and its religious ideals. In consideration of these ideas, this paper will explore the discussions about Buddhism, Hinduism, Dharma and the complexities involved in the motivations; reasons and rationale on why or why not individuals immerse themselves in the ideals of these religions particularly on dharma or why individuals criticize the religion; and the aspects they often point out as footholds of their arguments, pro or against these religions and its ideals, tenets, beliefs and impact on thinking, attitude and behavior. What is dharma? Followers of the Hindu belief believe that the dharma refers to the ethical code or the sense of responsibility one places on one’s self. While dharma in Buddhism refers to the teachings that one of the most important persons in Buddhism – Siddhartha Gautama – taught the followers of this particular religion. As a set of teachings or as a moral or ethical code, the two ideas of dharma are all about inspiring people to do actions which would be considered as â€Å"good† or â€Å"ideal. † Neither the dharma in Hinduism nor the dharma in Buddhism espouses the action which can be considered as â€Å"bad†, â€Å"ill-willed† or â€Å"malicious†. Because of that, the ideas of dharma go hand in hand with practice of religious fervor. One should follow the dharma in Buddhism or the dharma in Hinduism even with the presence of an ultimate personal deity to whom one must provide an account of ones actions, thoughts, etc. The ideas involving the dharma in both religions and the reasons why a person practices and observes the dharma is closely related with the practice and consciousness on doing things that the person believes will earn him or her favor or good graces of his or her own personal god or deity. The idea is this it is reconcilable to have ones faith and ones religious actions feature actions in tune with and in accordance to the dharma (both in Buddhism and in Hinduism) and actions that one might believe are actions approved by his or her own god. The pursuit of what is right in ones mind is often related to the pursuit of doing what he or she thinks god would have wanted him or her to do. The teachings of the gods and deities of the major religions is about moral right. Dharma is always about doing what is morally right because Buddha did not teach or preached to the people about doing the wrong things. This situation is suitable especially in this day and age wherein individuals are not always exclusive to one religion anymore. Catholic Christians are welcoming the ideals and practices from other religions including Buddhism and Hinduism and the idea of dharma. Handling these two side by side is not impossible since they compliment each other and do not contradict each other. With this, dharma is observed even if there is also the pursuit of accountability of action for one’s specific personal god because the choice of actions runs in similar directions and not in opposing or contradicting pathways. Even if the action of the person is geared towards pleasing his or her own personal deity or god, the same action can be done following the Dharma. It would not conflict with the religion. On the contrary, it can be used to improve the actions of the individuals. Following the Dharma will result in the creation of a behavior that results to actions that are favorable to the gods and consistent with the ideals of the religion and is favorable and consistent to the ideals of Dharma as well. For example, Buddhists and Hindus can do things the right things so that when the time comes that they are called for their accountability, they can say that they did good things consistent to the religious belief. Their actions are motivated not just by religion or religious directions but also by the directions of the Dharma. Their actions can be considered as something better. It is ideal for an individual to not just act based on what their religion dictates but also based on what the Dharma dictates because it makes peoples actions more morally sound (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p. 137). Simply said, Dharma is about doing in accordance to what is right and what is wrong. Everybody has their own dharma, that is to say the duty which is important to themselves there are certain things which he should do and certain things that he should not do (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p. 137). This paradigm exists side by side with religious beliefs and this ideal can be used to improve religious practices in the effort to gain the approval of a persons god/deity. Dharma in Buddhism is an ideal that helps an individual possess an ideal set of behavior; while the idea of Dharma in Hinduism has a similar role in a persons life. In this concept, both Hinduism and Buddhism shares the similarity of providing the people/believers with a mindset or thinking/behavior paradigm that can help them act in a way that is more acceptable and helps them live more harmoniously with each other. Dharma guides a person. One should focus on his or her own Dharma in accordance with the details and characteristics of his/her life (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p. 137). It is very, very important to follow ones own dharma and not somebody elses (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p.  137). One of the characteristics of some of the religions in practice today is the presence of the concept of punishment and enticement/rewards. Religion, through its tenets and through the leaders of the religion that manage the â€Å"faithful†, always reminds the followers about the set of punishment waiting those who do not follow the pack and the rewards in store for those who do as the religion says. In some aspects of some of the religions today, the tenets of the religion include setting behavioral guidelines. In these guidelines, behaviors of the members which are against the guidelines deserve punishment often severe like the Christian/Catholic practice of excommunicating members, as well as the threat of ending up in fiery or frozen realm of torture and suffering for the soul like hell. While the behavior of the members of the religious congregation which are consistent to the ideals and guidelines of the religion deserve merit and later on, reward, which often comes in non-physical form like good things happening to the soul and the promise of a better afterlife. This sometimes becomes an important point when criticisms are raised. There are critics that believe that the creation of the punishment/reward system in these religions dictate the behavior of the members. They do not experience a genuine spiritual growth unlike what happens to individuals who experience a change in their lives because of the result of reflection, meditation and actions which are not enforced behind the power of threat and punishment. For example, some of the members act as dictated because they are fearful of the punishments, or some act as dictated because they want to get the rewards promised by their religion. The concept of the Dharma tradition provides no such direct punishment or reward system. Dharma in Buddhism and in Hinduism is focused on guiding an individual with the prospect that the person can achieve a state. But this is not akin to the idea of reward because achieving that state does not end or stop, rather it is pursued everyday. It is only a genuine sense of self and a genuine appreciation of what has changed in life which can truly say if the pursuit of the Dharma tradition either in Buddhism in Hinduism has been successful and effective. Vis-a-vis, there is no punishment for those who would not follow. This particular aspect of Buddhism/Hinduism is not about giving out punishment; but instead explains to the individual how doing, otherwise, can result to making one’s life more difficult than necessary. One might set out to understand and follow the Dharma in both traditions even without the concept of punishment or enticement. One of the aspects of the idea of Dharma that can convince anyone to follow this ideal with or without the punishment/enticement is because it is more than just about the self. Dharma, in both Buddhism and Hinduism, is about the sense of balance of the person in the universe. If the person has reached the consciousness, wherein his or her concern is more than his or her physical body or more than the sake of his or her physical existence (including consideration of material things and the pursuit of concepts related to the physical, material self/world like the worldly concept of material/temporary reward, etc), punishment and enticement which are limited to the physical existence becomes non-bearing or non factor. Instead, the person focuses on growth that makes the individual more focused on how he or she is in tune or living harmoniously with the rest of the universe (Ramen, 2007, p. 40). Dharma is more than just a set of rules to be a good person; it is the fundamental law that binds the universe together (Ramen, 2007, p. 40). In support of this argument, the author also added that to go against the Dharma is to defy the universe and that in following Dharma is to be in harmony with all things (Ramen, 2007, p. 40).

How to Write an Essay :: Writing an Essay

Find a subject you care about and which you in your heart feel others should care about. It is this genuine caring, not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and seductive element in your style. -- Kurt Vonnegut Learning how to write an essay can be a maddening, exasperating process, but it doesn't have to be. If you know the steps and understand what to do, writing can be easy and even fun. Below are brief summaries of each of the ten steps to writing an essay. 1. Research: Begin the essay writing process by researching your topic, making yourself an expert. Utilize the internet, the academic databases, and the library. Take notes and immerse yourself in the words of great thinkers. 2. Analysis: Now that you have a good knowledge base, start analyzing the arguments of the essays you're reading. Clearly define the claims, write out the reasons, the evidence. Look for weaknesses of logic, and also strengths. Learning how to write an essay begins by learning how to analyze essays written by others. 3. Brainstorming: Your essay will require insight of your own, genuine essay-writing brilliance. Ask yourself a dozen questions and answer them. Meditate with a pen in your hand. Take walks and think and think until you come up with original insights to write about. 4. Thesis: Pick your best idea and pin it down in a clear assertion that you can write your entire essay around. Your thesis is your main point, summed up in a concise sentence that lets the reader know where you're going, and why. It's practically impossible to write a good essay without a clear thesis. 5. Outline: Sketch out your essay before straightway writing it out. Use one-line sentences to describe paragraphs, and bullet points to describe what each paragraph will contain. Play with the essay's order. Map out the structure of your argument, and make sure each paragraph is unified. 6. Introduction: Now sit down and write the essay. The introduction should grab the reader's attention, set up the issue, and lead in to your thesis. Your intro is merely a buildup of the issue, a stage of bringing your reader into the essay's argument. (Note: The title and first paragraph are probably the most important elements in your essay. This is an essay-writing point that doesn't always sink in within the context of the classroom. In the first paragraph you either hook the reader's interest or lose it.

A Framework for Sustainable Port Security Essay

This research was conducted to determine the best ways in which United States can protect its ports which are the main source of economic connection with the world from terrorist attacks. The research question that implies here is; How important ports are for the U. S economy? And what measures can be taken to protect ports from terrorist attacks without affecting the economic activities? Is there a hypothesis or thesis or central argument that is clearly stated or implied? If so, what is it? The central argument was clearly portrayed and it depicted that even though a port may be viewed as a collection of assets but the port actually is a complex system consisting of loosely coupled sub systems, Secondly importance of organizational interrelationships that must exist in order to avoid the acts of terrorism and difficulties in bringing together the private and public entities that have a stake in port security system and finally the negative impact on economy that might occur due to port security interventions must be understood and curtailed. Does the Author answer the â€Å"So what? † Were you convinced that the study was worth doing? The research provided a brief sketch of how terrorist threats should be dealt with and it demonstrated how set of security interventions can be classified in respect of how they will affect the economy. It also identified that the primary aim of terrorist is to hurt our economic viability of ports and maritime systems. So security measures should be designed in a way that they do not harm the economy. Is the study unique in any way? The study was unique in a way that it defined the weakness; differ in threat, type of attack and potential consequences of each subsection separately implying that risk reduction intervention should be different for each sub system. The system was divided into four sub systems which are as follows: †¢ Containerized cargo †¢ Petrochemical cargo †¢ Bulk cargo †¢ Ferry passengers The owners and operators of containers are reliable as they are established companies and follow a fix route and schedule; the threat comes from the lack of ability to identify what is inside the container as these containers are sealed. System interventions should be designed in a way that they identify, track and secure the contents of container. The threat to petrochemical subsystem is that fire/explosion can be caused by any attack on the vessel containing dangerous material or the hijacking and use of vessel as a weapon. The management should ensure that the vessels are operated by trusted operators and it should increase the marine and terminal fire fighting capabilities in order to deal with any hazardous consequences. Bulk cargos are not owned by reliable operators so measures should be taken to make the system of ownership more transparent the cargos should be inspected before arriving to the port and a trusted shipper program should be shaped in an attempt to deal with these uncertainties. Ferries are locally owned and operated by government authorities, the terrorist attacks on these ferries can cause mass destruction so the passengers and vehicles should be inspected properly and they require a mass casualty response which is not available in most ports. What are the main points of the article? Following are the main points of article †¢ The large part of US trade is dependent upon shipping (Ports and maritime systems) and it is the main source of economic connection with the world. †¢ The aim of terrorist attacks on US ports is to destroy the US economy †¢ Emphasis should be given to organizational interrelationships in order to avoid acts of terrorism †¢ The port security should involve a step by step procedure and the terrorist attacks should be looked as a chain starting from threat factors and ending at the delayed consequences that the attack will have. †¢ The current scenario of defense is poor because the accountable authorities are less likely to be informed about report of immediate threats, secondly the weaknesses associated with the complex economic system are not properly understood and the risks are not easier to anticipate accurately. †¢ A port consists of different sub systems and each sub system requires different security measures. †¢ Each port has different sub system, an important step in determining the vulnerability of a particular port is the information of which sub system is operating in that port. This information is also essential to design a consequence management strategy for each port. What kind of literature review is provided and/or what sources are cited? How well does it fulfill that purpose? Following are the major sources of information for the study †¢ Barriers to port security †¢ Perspectives on the use of risk assessment to address terrorism †¢ Terrorism as hazard; a new species of trouble †¢ Crisis and emergency management †¢ Organizing for homeland securities. The sources were perfectly in line with the purpose of study and were quite helpful in finding out the essential information which was needed for the study. The literature review provided was of both qualitative and quantitative nature which made the arguments more strong How well does the Author explain their method of collecting and analyzing data? Could you replicate the study based upon the article before you? The method of collecting and analyzing the data was not clearly mentioned in the study and it could have been better and much easier for the readers to make judgments if the author would have defined the methods of collecting and analyzing the data. Is there any discussion of variables? Is so, how? Does the Author look at alternative points of view? The author did not look at the alternative points of view which could have made the study more interesting and commendable; there was ambiguity regarding the discussion of variables, still the study was worth doing and appreciable. Do the studies findings support the authors Goals or Thesis? How valid are they? The study was in line with the thesis and it found out that how significant US ports are for the economy and how important it is to devise a separate security strategy for each port. The importance of organizational interrelationship was defined; and the author discussed the responsibilities of each state in order to strengthen the organizational interrelationships. The study supported the thesis by answering the negative impact that US economy will have if security interventions are not planned adequately. The figures that were given regarding the risk management approach, organizational interventions and responsibilities were also helpful in tracking the threats and tactics to deal with those threats. However, the main emphasis of the study was on the physical attributes of the port and the differentiation between each port. The study found out that different security models can be prepared by comparing the cost associated for applying the model versus its effectiveness, but the purpose is not to prepare a list of models but to find out the most cost effective model. Does the conclusion follow from the evidence provided? Are you persuaded by it? Why or Why Not? The conclusion followed the findings of the study and described the danger of terrorist threats to US ports and the reason behind these threats is to hurt the US economy. So the security measures should be taken in away that they don’t dent the economy. Does the Author address the implications of these results? If so, how comprehensively is this done? The author looked at the broader perspectives and pointed out the areas which are needed to be work upon but in depth analysis of each aspect was not done the author touched different issues which were necessary and essential to curtail the possibility of dangerous consequences and the adverse effects that terrorism might have on the economy. Do you notice other strengths and limitations of this study? The study was done in an organized manner and numerical figures and solid sources were used to make the article stronger; the usage of diagrams also made it unique and substantial. However, more up to date sources could have made the research more effective and worthy.

Key Success Factors of Apple Inc - 2065 Words

1. Abstract Introduction – Introducing Apple Inc. (One of the largest company in computer industry), and the meaning of Key Success Factors as well as the main objective of the Research Paper. Relation to Previous Research – By analyzing different researches, we can have a whole picture of Apples success and see whether there have any managerial implication. Proposed Methods and Reflections – By using a questionnaire with different questions to respondents via Internet, we can analyze the data to reflect Apples recent key success factors. Conclusion – Brief summary of the key success factors of Apple Inc. which make it have a market share of 14% in U.S. and 3% in the world. 2. Introduction Apple Inc. is an American Multinational†¦show more content†¦Comprehensive Business Analysis†. The author of this work confirms that Apple Inc. is a successful maker because of the following elements of its strategy. First of all, it is due to the company’s constant innovations (virtually, the company is called one of the most innovative one in the country). Second, products of Apple are stylish, are characterized by usability and increased speed and memory. Besides, Apple is a company with a very strong brand, in other words, is good positioned. About this fact the following research speaks — â€Å"From computer geek to style icon† (Behind Apples Strategy: Be Second to Market) The researcher is discussing about the importance of the brand revitalizing as one of the most efficient factors of the success. Having narrowed its followers’ share to a â€Å"Specialist† brand, the company has returned its former reputation as the most fashionable computer maker in the market. Due to much attention to its customers, the company has created its own base of loyal ones who, as witness some sources, has great expectation about future company outputs. In other word they are confident of quality of Apple’s devices. This confidence alongside with effectively paying off all debts has led to overvaluing of the company in the financial markets. One of important factors of the success is the one which gives the company the possibility to compete in the market. It is margin expansion. Due to largeShow MoreRelatedApple Computer, Inc Case Study 141554 Words   |  7 PagesApple Computer, Inc case study 14 Apple has created a unique and powerful reputation and product line that continues to be innovative and fresh to the consumer for the last 30 plus years. Apple has continued to be an industry leader for hardware and in the recent years faces the extremely fast-paced market of media and software products including the global marketplace. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths: * Having alliances with other strong and popular businesses is a major plus point for Apple ComputerRead MoreAnalyzing And Evaluating Apple Inc.1179 Words   |  5 PagesIn examining and evaluating Apple Inc.’s 10-K report, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, we set out to provide a financial analysis of the company and develop a broad audit plan. We provide a breakdown of the company’s industry, primary products, raw materials used, sales, assets, number of employees, location, key economic factors related to the industry, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, as well as an analysis of Apple’s financial strength. SecondlyRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.944 Words   |  4 PagesMain Body Statement of Problems and Purpose of Analysis Apple Inc. in 2012: Can it sustain its growth and defend against new competitive threats? The purpose of analyzing Apple Inc. is to determine if as an international company operating in a competitive global market Apple can sustain its lead over its main competitors. Having looked at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threats of Apple Inc. the analysis will focus on how the company will use its brand name and customer’s loyalty to gainRead MoreDifferent Dimensions Of Apple s Products And Services1573 Words   |  7 Pagesreport will explore the different dimensions of Apple’s products and services, the major factors in the external environment that can potentially impact on its success, influence of key stakeholders on financial performance, and contentious corporate social responsibility issues surrounding the company. The Nature, Structure, and Types of Apple’s Products and Services Apple is famous for leading-edge products. Founded in 1976 , the company essentially dealtRead MoreApple Inc.1194 Words   |  5 PagesApple Computer Inc. Strayer University Bus 499 January 29, 2012 Professor Erica Atkins Abstract This paper describes the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. This paper will also describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. We will also describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple’s future. This paper will further explain how Apple’s strategy stands up against industry rivalry. In closing we willRead MoreInternal External Factors Of Managment Essay1733 Words   |  7 PagesExternal/Internal Factors Introduction Since the start of apple in 1976 apple has established a unique reputation in the consumer electronic industry. Apple started out as a computer company and expanded into other electronics within the last decade. Apple has about 35,00 employees world wide and had world wide annual sales of 32.48 billion in its first fiscal year ending September 29,th 2008. (Para Amitt, Singh 2004) This paper will explore how Apple used the Four levels of managementRead MoreExternal Analysis Of Apple Inc.1400 Words   |  6 PagesExternal analysis of Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is a United States based technology giant. It is one of the largest companies in the world in terms of market capitalization and sells its products worldwide under various brand names. Just like most companies, Apple operates inside an environment that it cannot control, known as the external business environment. Political factors Like most companies, Apple is subject to influence by the political realm of a country. Being a multinational company also increasesRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.970 Words   |  4 PagesApple Corporation has revolutionized the technology industry though offer unique design to attract customer. In the process, Apple Inc. is aware of the weakness of the industry and pose itself into the industry with an outstanding performance results. Apple Corporation can classified with four reason that Apple became success: innovative, First, one of the factors that lead to Apple’s success is the Apple former CEO, Steven Jobs. He is the soul of Apple. He credited to first sustainable music downloadingRead MoreApple INC analysis1748 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Of Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is globally renowned as one of the leading companies, especially for its specialization in the personal computers and consumer electronics industry. The company is most well-known for the iPod, a digital music player and Macintosh, a personal computer released in 1984. Co-founded by Steve Jobs in 1976, the company was named under Apple Computers Inc. and its initial product Apple IIe gained relative popularity and success. The release of the Macintosh revolutionizedRead MoreMarketing Environment : Apple Inc.1467 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Apple Inc. was founded on the 1st of April, 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steven Wonziak (apple-history, 2014) initially selling desktop computers and then developing into innovative markets such as laptops, mp3’s, mobile phones and tablets. Apple Inc. (apple) has a reputation for redefining technology and making it appealing and functional for all market segments. Most recently, Apple Inc., alongside their latest iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus models have branched into the market of smart watches