Buddhism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Buddhism - Essay Example Mahayana or the ‘lesser vehicle’ is the physical, mental and spiritual discipline to maintain the purity of mind and body. As stated in the Yoga Darshana Upanishad, â€Å"not to do any ill-being in the act, in a word, in thought, that is ahimsa according to the Veda, for the Atman is present everywhere, inaccessible to the senses, in all beings; recognizing atman in them, that is true ahimsa†. It teaches compassion, ascesis, and contentment. The Lotus Sutra explains the infinite possibilities open to man. People have an infinite capacity to be good or bad. Through the Lotus Sutra, man can realize that it is possible to change for the better. Second, it teaches that all things are manifestations of the great life-force of the universe. In short, all things are coexisting and necessary for existence. Hinayana or the ‘greater vehicle’ can be equated to Theravada. The teachings concentrate on the four Noble Truths as defined by Buddha. For all these, the first Noble Truth is to be comprehended; the second is to be abandoned; the third is to be realized while the fourth is to be developed. In order to do this, there is a need to reconcile the physical senses and desires to a person’s mental concept of the things ‘desired’ by man. It teaches the concept that nothing is permanent, thus there is nothing significant when it pertains to anything physical in nature. With the recognition that everything is an offset from desire, there is a need to purge the mind of desires by recognizing the Four Noble Truths. (De Bary, 1969). 3. The Four Noble Truths form the very heart of Buddha’s teaching. It consists of the ‘Dukkha’ or suffering, the origin of suffering, the end to suffering, and lastly, the path to the end of suffering. Firstly, it must be recognized by an individual that there is suffering (Dukkha). Second, one must realize the origin of one’s suffering and it is attached to three kinds of desire (tanha): desire for sense of pleasure (kama tanha); desire to become (bhava tanha); and desire to get rid of

Discussion Forum Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Discussion Forum - Article Example Certain definite steps are required to be pursued for the purpose of successful implementation of the relevant process of EMR. It offers significant information related to diverse eruption of diseases and their treatment throughout the entire nation. Introduction In the past, physicians and medical staff used to record the details of patients in papers. Presently, maintaining particulars of patients through papers has been changed to electronic method of recording. This is commonly conducted through Electronic Medical Record (EMR). It is believed that automated or computerized way of medical documentation will prove to be an apposite method for synchronizing as well as enhancing the healthcare related services delivered to the patients. EMR has been observed to bring in a new technological revolution to the healthcare industry. It is considered to be a legal form of record about the details of patients (Boulus, n.d.). Overview of Electronic Medical Record An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is a process of storing information of the patients with the assistance of computers. It comprises all the basic information that is supposed to be required for treating as well as nursing the patients. It stores information about the patients which entails both clinical as well as demographic information for future references (Garets & Davis, 2006). It is beneficial to have an EMR in a medical facility as it helps in accessing information from any computer. It involves less time as information can be updated and retrieved speedily rather than keeping records in papers. Therefore, it can be stated that it is a safe medium of storing information of the patients quickly. It provides valuable information about a patient to the doctor at any time for better decision-making as well as for the benefit of a patient. Thus, it creates prospect for doctors to gain a detailed comprehension about a patient through exchanging and sharing information (Shortliffe & Barnett, 2004). The effec tive execution of EMR includes eight steps which are as follows: Firstly, it needs to be ensured that the accurate form of EMR is chosen at the healthcare centre. It needs to be thoroughly checked that the right technology has been installed by the technicians who are trained and specialized in it and are willing to provide support after installing that software. The concerned EMR service provider should offer it with a guarantee which would assist in protecting the investment of the investor installing this technology (Sappington, 2009). Secondly, selecting and choosing a team leader who has a positive attitude is considered to be the following step. The team leader should be enthusiastic in reminding the staff regarding EMR implementation and its related efficiencies. The predetermined objectives related to the application of the system needs to be made apparent to provide a lucid comprehension of the related expectations to the staff (Sappington, 2009). Thirdly, for structuring a plan regarding the installation of an EMR, a conversation needs to be held with the service provider about the application of the mentioned system and the kind of training that needs to be offered to the staff. The installation of the system should be done in idle hours so that the regular operational process remains uninterrupted. Additionally, training should also be provided by the professionals in

The Impact Of Global Media On Identity

The Impact Of Global Media On Identity Nowadays, major changes are taking place in the information and communications media as a result of new technological forms being delivered to us. Morley and Robins (1995) seem implicitly take this view when they write about our senses of space and place [] are being significantly reconfigured (Morley and Robins, 1995: 1). They are exemplifying the new communications geography constituted by global networks and information flow which result in proliferated crisis of the national sphere. The changes described are effects of an ongoing process called globalization which we are all aware of as nowadays it is one of the main buzzwords. Moreover awareness extends to the fact that we are living in times of growing cultural globalism where global media has a significant impact on our lives. Therefore the aim of this paper is to discuss the relationship between global media and its impact on national identity and culture. For some, through Western domination there is a homogenization and sameness forming across the world. Global culture is being shaped by international entertainment conglomerates and for that reason becomes standardized. A discussion in the first part of the paper as a result will be formed around this topic. In contrast, the second part of the analysis will focus on the works of other writers who believe that we are living in the age of hybridised cultures, which borrow elements from each other but irremediably remain distinct. For the purposes of this paper we must establish what is meant by terms identity and culture. Identity will refer to portrayal ones hold for them and with which they identify, while culture should refer to a variety of practices which generate meanings (Barker, 1999: 9). Creation of the Global Media The time after the 1980s led to major changes in terms of new communication technologies, digitalization of information and increase in deregulations and privatization in different sectors, including media. Privatization mostly affected United States what brought a direct impact upon the degree of exclusivity of the markets, allowing other players to improve their own standards and overall stamp economically (Morley Robins, 1995). The free market allowed other organizations to gain more dominance in the global arena. All of the changes resulted in other countries privatizing their telecoms (Thussu, 2006). The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) conducted a push toward creation of protected markets of World Trade Organization (WTO) which is holding up the structure of the free flow of information. WTO also led the way for penetration of Western markets to Asia and Latin America (Thussu, 2006). The crucial benefit of this was that key players were not more able to wholly dominate the markets to a significant degree as was the case prior to such legal regimes. The progress in technology and telecommunications made possible the transfer of extremely large data to any part of the world within seconds what unquestionably had a huge impact on economy and trade. Additionally, the growth of digitalization and new technologies like computers, mobiles or satellites allowed fast and cheap communication around the world. It had an impact on growing international businesses which could be now operate by electronic marketplace (Herman McChesney, 1997). Privatization and ongoing competition in satellites caused the domination of few nations within the market. USA and Britain being main controllers even of Intelsat which is an intergovernmental association providing international broadcast system created in order to run a global satellite system offering satellite capacity on a non discriminatory basis (Morley Robins, 1995). Once again, this proved that the countries with advanced technology have the ability to set and implement the policy agenda. As the global carriers enlarged in number, the United States run operators had to privatize their own satellite systems in order to make the market for satellite services more commercial. These changes made the Transnational Companies (TNC) the highest beneficiaries what resulted in drastic changes in the shape of the new world economy. As expected the biggest world media conglomerates started planning on how to get the highest profit which as a consequence, inspired debate about the deterioration of media plurality and democracy (Thussu, 2006). As a result of these changes a global media sector was formed which made individuals all over the world aware and able to gain knowledge about other countries. Media became a key and for many the only one medium to discover the world. Global Media and Homogenization of Culture The discourse of cultural homogenization presents globalization as synchronization to the demands of a standardized consumer culture, making everywhere seem more or less the same (Tomlinson, 1999: 6). This view sees the impact of global media in the cultural sphere in a very pessimistic manner. Frequently, many believe it to be a powerful tool with an aim to destroy cultural identities (Tomilson, 2003). The kernel of truth stems from the era before global media when there was a strong in form local connection between geographical place and cultural experience which were defining cultural identity. That was a time where individuals identity was just something which they simply had as an existential possession or heritage. Globalization therefore has swept like a flood tide through the worlds diverse cultures, destroying stable localities, displacing peoples [] homogenization of cultural experience (Tomilson, 2003: 269). This anecdote indicates therefore that globalization is some form of destruction for cultural identity and a threat to particular forms of national identity. Homogenization of cultures therefore in a stronger manner means, the appearance of one single culture embracing all people and replacing the variety of other cultural systems that have been present. In a broad sense, this pessimistic idea of the creation of one global culture is called cultural imperialism (Tomlinson, 1999). This theory also was one of the earliest based on cultural globalization which discussed the flow of American values, for example, consumer goods and lifestyles all around the world. Cultural imperialism hence focuses on American domination over Europe of the West over the rest for creation of global culture. There are two visions created out of this view about the global culture. The first is the focus around the Westernization of the world. And the second will be idea of global culture being dominated by capitalism (Tomlinson, 1999). Both of those will be now discussed. Westernization is seen as a drive toward standardization of lifestyle around the world. It is a global spread of a social and cultural totality (Tomlinson, 1999: 90). Europe produced a single world market integrating even the most savage communities into the one machine (Latouche, 1996: 19). One-way cultural currents flood from the countries of the Centre over the entire planet (Latouche, 1996: 20). From the ways how people dress and what they eat to the music that they listened to, culture flows from centers of creation into the Third World through the mass media (newspapers, radio television, films, books, video). All of it is produced and spread worldwide by monopolized, powerful transnational media groups as a result of changes in global media (previously discussed) after 1980s. This flood of cultural products therefore only indicates desires and needs of it recipients. Latouche is calling this process a propaganda as it strangles all cultural activity among the passive recipient s of this messages who read it as the way how they are supposed to live (Latouche, 1996: 21). For Latouche Westernization is thus anti-cultural and driven by desire to create a world of uniform culture. To succeed in their goal the destruction of all other ways of life (that is non-western) is necessary. However, there is a paradox situation in here. West by trying so hard to homogenize the world shall result in loss of its own socio-cultural advantage. Those who believe cultures to be directed towards the process of homogenization also consider it to follow capitalism and therefore the global economy which it defines. These views led phrases like McDonaldization, Coca-colonization or Disneyzation to be born. In particular mentioned concepts refer to the worldwide homogenization of societies throughout the impact of multinational corporations, where all of them are originally exported from America (Pieterse, 2004). In this matter, globalization is connected with market economy, where particular brand images are standardized and distributed all around the world. Many aspects of what one may describe as cultural, from food to global currency can be considered. These are the perfect examples of global capitalist monoculture and cultural synchronization. McDonald has come to occupy a central position in American not only in the business industry, but also in popular culture. It is one of the most powerful and influential developments in our society as it succeeded worldwide. The reason of its high achievements is connected with the fact that it offers consumers, workers, and managers efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control which is necessary in the business industry. As such a powerful institution, it has an impact on a wide range of undertakings and of course the way of life of many individuals in and around the world and its impact is still accelerating. Another irrational effect of McDonaldization is increased homogenization (Ritzer, 2000: 135) as any McDonald restaurant you go to, no matter where it is around the world you know what to expect. You know what kind of products will be offered to you and you can be certain that they will be prepared for you in the same way everywhere (Ritzer, 2000). On the other hand, there are many nations which invaded the McDonalds business model to develop indigenous versions. Therefore by some it is seen more as a global localization or hybridisation rather than homogenization. This will be discussed in the latter part of this paper. Globalization as hybridisation and deterritorialization Prior to understanding the concept of hybridisation it is wise to make clear that it does not refer to total deprivation of own national identity. Contrarily it emulates a potential of benefiting from other cultures and incorporating new knowledge with the old one side by side. We cannot discuss the aspect of hybridisation without analysing the deterritorialization of cultural heritage. By deterritorialization is meant not only the travel and transformation of culture but also everbroadening horizon of mundane experience (Tomilson, 1999, cited in Xue, 2008: 113). Therefore, this flow of deterritorialized cultures allows transforming other cultures more accurately producing new ones by hybridity (Xue, 2008). The deterritorializing character of the globalization process is its property of diminishing the significance of socialgeographical location to the mundane flow of cultural experience (Tomlinson, 2003: 273). What has to be understood from these definitions is that there was a transformation made in our usual model of cultural existence which now brings globalized influences into our locally situated in our countries lifeworld. For example, many different satellite channels broadcasts different genres which are likely to influence general perception of in dividuals taste. Fashion TV for instance demonstrates the mainstream transfer of whats hot, and whats not, signaling fashion trends from major fashion runway shows across the world and therefore influencing individuals style (Tomlinson, 2003). Pieterse (2004) sees hybridisation as the solvent between the polar perspectives (Pieterse, 2004: 57) as this concept gains the meaning from relationship between homogenization and polarization. Within society there is a group of people called cosmopolitans, who are open-minded to embrace some changes, are able to settle in other cultures or are willing to completely loose their personal identity (homogenization). On the other hand, there are fundamentalists who believe that the world should stay with traditions and cultures remaining unchanged. These beliefs can be called polarization. As a result people who believe in hybridization neither deny changes completely, nor absorb fully in new cultures they were introduced to. They essentially form a stance on the mid-point (Pieterse, 2004). Hybridisation brings transformations to cultures. It is the cut n mix of cultural forms in the process of globalization. It refers to the growth of culture which it occurs when a cultural product incorporates and combines different cultural practices (Pieterse, 2004). There is a lot of evidence strengthening the thesis which now will be analysed. As mentioned earlier, McDonalds, in terms of homogenisation of society, can also act as a good example of hybridization. Fusion cuisine means the creation of indigenous versions on terms of the choice of foods in order to adapt to local conditions. In Norway there is a sandwich called McLaks with grilled salmon, while in Japan you may order chicken Tatsuta with fried chicken, cabbage spiced with soy sauce and ginger. Italy provides pasta with their burgers, while in Germany you may order a beer with your meal (Ritzer, 2000). All of these are unique cultural adaptations which hence acknowledge that foods choices must be tailored to meet a variety of needs expected in specific cultures around the world. By the same token restaurants also adapt the way it operates to local social environment. As stands, in Hong Kong food chains are tailored around the need for teenagers to hang and socialize. Conversely in Taiwan it is a rare public space not dominated by men as it did not develop from traditional Chinese cultural structures where men have more rights than women (Ritzer, 2000). This blending of local features into global products has been called glocalisation as the global and local is reinforcing (Lull, 2000: 252). Another conglomerate which is dominating in the world is Viacom, the owners of MTV. The channel distributes in over 82 countries and actively promotes: think globally, act locally. In the different countries it is broadcasted, tailored versions of the channel are offered to meet the tastes of customers. For instance, through the aspect of localization MTV Asia came to existence as a result of joint venture between Rupert Murdochs Star television and Viacom in 1992. The language used by network is Hinglish which is a hybrid language of Hindu and English (Herman McChesney, 1997). Globalization as a process of hybridization gives rise to a global mlange (Pieterse, 1993: 1) where the cultures are mixing and borrowing some elements from each other. Conclusion For the past 20 years we were facing dramatic changes in our world being result of globalisation processes. Improvements in technology and telecommunications made free flow of information possible. The world market became dominated by USA and some of the Western countries. Privatization had an impact on more competition and the formation of strong TNCs. Western countries became powerful through investments in infrastructures. Developments in communication services paved the way for global media therefore open the door of the world for many people what resulted in either hybridization or homogenization of national identities and cultures. Some may see it as negative changes, others will disagree. There are also those who as Tomlinson believe that globalization produces a globalized culture rather than a global culture (Xue, 2008). However no matter what point of view one will chose there is no doubt that global media are affecting many nations and their identities and cultures. Words: 2,510

What is the Meaning of Freedom? :: What Does Freedom Mean?

Freedom is often spoken of in what can be referred to as a loose sense of the word. One country has more freedom than another; a twenty-one year old has more freedom than a fifteen year old. What exactly does this word mean? For different people it may mean different things, but there has to be an equilibrium that can be reached in order to determine the meaning of freedom itself. In one form, freedom can mean that a person has "exemption from an obligation."* If only the root (free) is looked at, it can be interpreted that one is "not under the control or power of another."* However often the latter definition is used, it is also disagreed with, and for good reason: there is always a ruler, although the ruler may not necessarily be in the form of a person or group of persons. Take, for instance, the human body. It consists of basically three things, as far as ruling powers are concerned: prudence, will, and raw appetite. Raw appetite can be looked at as what we have without reason, will is what can control raw appetite (or desires that we have without reason), and prudence is that which provides a choice between will and raw appetite. Prudence has the ability to choose between the two options. This is just one example of how a ruler must always exist, although it may not have a physical form. Taking this into consideration, the meaning of freedom can further be explored. Perhaps it can be defined as having the liberty to choose who/what the ruler is to be. For, since nothing can exist without having some form of rule, if people are not permitted to choose what the ruling factor is, then that would not be considered having freedom. What is the Meaning of Freedom? :: What Does Freedom Mean? Freedom is often spoken of in what can be referred to as a loose sense of the word. One country has more freedom than another; a twenty-one year old has more freedom than a fifteen year old. What exactly does this word mean? For different people it may mean different things, but there has to be an equilibrium that can be reached in order to determine the meaning of freedom itself. In one form, freedom can mean that a person has "exemption from an obligation."* If only the root (free) is looked at, it can be interpreted that one is "not under the control or power of another."* However often the latter definition is used, it is also disagreed with, and for good reason: there is always a ruler, although the ruler may not necessarily be in the form of a person or group of persons. Take, for instance, the human body. It consists of basically three things, as far as ruling powers are concerned: prudence, will, and raw appetite. Raw appetite can be looked at as what we have without reason, will is what can control raw appetite (or desires that we have without reason), and prudence is that which provides a choice between will and raw appetite. Prudence has the ability to choose between the two options. This is just one example of how a ruler must always exist, although it may not have a physical form. Taking this into consideration, the meaning of freedom can further be explored. Perhaps it can be defined as having the liberty to choose who/what the ruler is to be. For, since nothing can exist without having some form of rule, if people are not permitted to choose what the ruling factor is, then that would not be considered having freedom.

Executive Summary of Spritzer

This report will be based on the Spritzer Group, one of the largest bottled water producers in Malaysia (Spritzer, 2010). This report will contain an analysis and evaluation of Spritzer Group based on the annual reports which contains the financial statements of the last 5 years from 2007 to 2011. The methods of analysis will be categorized in the main four financial ratios of the company which is to measure the profitability, liquidity, efficiency and gearing. The profitability ratios will measure how efficiently the company manages its operations and uses its assets to generate net income.It consists of the profit margin, return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). The liquidity ratio which is also known as the short-term solvency focuses on the current assets and current liabilities, which is important to the short-term creditors, usually within a one year period. Hence, it comprises of the current ratio, quick ratio and cash ratio. The efficiency ratio is a measure of the asset management or turnover which is used to identify how the assets are used to generate sales.It includes the inventory turnover, days’ sales in inventory, receivables turnover, days’ sales in receivables, total asset turnover and capital intensity. The gearing ratio is also known as the long-term solvency which discusses on the company’s long-run ability in order to meet its requirements. It consists of the total debt ratio, debt-equity ratio, equity multiplier, times interest earned ratio and cash coverage ratio (Jordan, Westerfield and Ross, 2011).All of the calculations will be provided and can be found in this report. As follows, the results of the data analyzed shows that on a 5 year annualized basis, the ratios are most of the time in-line with the industry averages. In particular, some of the areas that have improved in comparative performance over the years are inventory turnover, profit margin, ROA and ROE. While the areas which are not performing t oo well are the liquidity and gearing.Hence, some recommendations will include: to reduce borrowings to improve the liquidity, to improve the days’ sales in receivable as it has been quite constant for the last 5 years and rely less on creditors and debt financing to improve the gearing. The report finds that the company’s future will be capable of being stable as over the 5 years, it has been performing satisfactorily despite certain downfall in a few areas. As for the limitations, it will be further discussed in the conclusion of the report.

A Funny Incident Essay

Hostel life is not without its disadvantages. The rich students get sufficient money from their parents and therefore spend lavishly. The poor boarders also urge their parents to increase their monthly allowance and spend their hard earned money on luxuries. The company of the rich also makes them pick up their bad habits. They start smoking. Some of them take to intoxicants and thereby ruin themselves. Another great defect in hostel life is the mismanagement on the part of the warden. The food supplied is simply unworthy of consumption by the students. The result in most cases is that in spite of the congenial atmosphere, they lose in health; they begin to hate the food supplied. In contrast to this is the life at home. The atmosphere at home, the love of parents, the affection bestowed on them by their brothers and sisters, the food they are supplied — all make them grow up into bright young boys and girls. A casual survey of the life of hostelers reveals the fact that most of the students who get into a merit list are those who have lived at home and not in hostels. The fact is that a boarder has limited time at his disposal for studies because of the rigid control; there are games and limited hours of study. The turning off of light at the time when they would like to study is a stumbling block in their way. When we examine the advantages and disadvantages of life in the hostel, we are convinced the home life is the best for the students

Being Filipino essays

Being Filipino essays I guess most Filipino have a lot of pride. They are the ones that have screen names like pinoy this or pinay that. Let me explain what a pinoy is, it is a Filipino boy and a pinay is a Filipino girl. Filipinos be representing especially with the little flags in their car window like me. The type of cars that you would usually see those flags are in those little rice rockets called Hondas. Most of the younger generation that show the most pride dont really know their own culture. The younger generations of Filipinos seem to have all this pride in being Filipino which you should be proud to be but lose there culture. Most young Filipinos dont even know how to speak the language or cant even understand the language. If you ask me to talk in Filipino I wouldnt be able too. I bet if you ask a majority of Filipino teenager if they could speak Filipino they wouldnt be able to. The reason I believe why Filipino teenagers cant speak is because English and Tagalog (Filipino dialect) are the two main languages in the Philippines and when they immigrate here the main language is English so most parents would just speak to there children in English. So I guess partly that it isnt our fault being emersed in American culture and not knowing how to speak contribute to the loss of our culture. A lot of Filipinos now know that they are losing their culture and are doing something about it. Most colleges and university have a Filipino clubs, which set up performance, and talent show showing traditional folk dance and music. This is great for many youth to learn about Philippines culture. Every year the Filipino youth association holds a festival showing dance and different types of the Filipino culture to the younger generation. These things do attract the teenage audience and allows them to learn and have fun while there doing it. Filipinos came from the Philippines and came here to ...