Hinduism and Buddhism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hinduism and Buddhism - Assignment Example Although it has well defined doctrines, in many ways Buddhism is identical to its mother religion Hinduism. However, there are numerous differing aspects that make both religions classical. Indian society during the Vedic period (Aryan Culture) consisted of four castes such as Brahmans (priests), Kshatriyas (kings), Vaishyas (farmers and business men), and Sudras (slaves). The noble castes Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed all social privileges; and menial jobs were allotted to lower castes. Social and religious injustice prevailed over the community in the forms of ‘untouchability’ and discrimination. The Sudras in fact were the invaded Dravidians who were not at all considered as human beings. Brahmins were cherished as the noblest status of birth to attain God; and lower castes did not have access to spiritual secrets or Vedas. Buddha was born in the royal family of Shakya clan but relinquished all worldly possessions in search of the real cause of human suffering. Unlike others he showed great compassion to all human beings irrespective of their castes. His broad concept of human brotherhood gained wide appreciation among people of all classes and sects. Although Buddha wanted to renovate the social setup, he believed that it could be possible only through self reformation. According to Hinduism, human life is bound to unending cycle of death and rebirth. One needs to realize the individual soul that is ‘Atman’ as the initial step to attain the ultimate freedom. If Atman is the individual self, Brahma/God is the supreme universal self that is the true treasure of eternal happiness. Therefore the meaning of individual life is to attain the Brahma. This actualization or salvation is known as Moksha. However, one can not easily attain it because it is determined by the law of cause and effect that is Karma. To illustrate, the status of one’s birth is determined by the deeds/karma

Strategies for increasing Customer Loyalty Essay

Strategies for increasing Customer Loyalty - Essay Example The airline industry is a case-in-point. Customer loyalty programs, while different in their form and detail, often have the same basic features. As Brook Consulting (2006) puts it, "many companies focus on rewarding customers who have repeat purchases . . . such reward programs have their place in assuring customer loyalty . . . however, if the product or service doesn't meet customer needs, no reward program will keep them returning." (my emphasis). The basic fact is that if a company offers a product or service that consumers desire then no customer loyalty program is really needed as the customers will return to give repeat business. This paper will analyze a number of different types of customer loyalty programs, from those that succeed to those of uncertain success to those that have not worked. There is a great variety of reward and loyalty programs currently in place. As Kim (2001) puts it, "in the marketplace we observe a diverse set of offerings, ranging from cash rewards, firm's free products or service, or free products or service of another firm in a different category". Thus, The question arises as to whether there is any method to the apparent madness of these customer loyalty programs. ... Wal-Mart is the largest retail company in the world. It provides a whole range of consumer goods from clothes to sports-ware to household items to food and automotive services. It sells virtually any consumer product that a customer could want, becoming almost ubiquitous in recent years. Recently it has also expanded its offerings to include on-site banking, hairdressing, tax advice and numerous other activities that it normally offers through outsourcing. Wal-Mart has no customer loyalty program because it does not need one. By the end of 2003, more than 100,000,000 /week visited Wal-Mart stores worldwide, and it had $256 billion in sales (Economist 2004). The very appearance of a Wal-Mart in an area seems to create its own self-contained customer loyalty program. None that is centrally organized is needed. Wal-Mart's customer loyalty is gained by offering the best prices on a whole range of products, together with a remarkably liberal return policy that allows a no-questions asked return on most goods up to three months after purchase. Wal-Mart currently employs more than 1.7 million people worldwide, with 1.3 million of them in America alone. This makes it the largest private employer in America, and probably the largest company that the world has ever known. Such massive size brings the obvious advantages of economies of scale. Thus Wal-Mart can offer the lowest possible prices on its products through its massive buying leverage with its suppliers. It can pick and choose its suppliers, and there is great competition to become a leader supplier to Wal-Mart. For about half of companies customer loyalty programs take on a more concrete, and risky dynamic, as they offer to

Economic effects on high school media centers (libraries) Dissertation - 1

Economic effects on high school media centers (libraries) - Dissertation Example Rather, there are some who fail to see the importance of having an updated, fully functional library in every school which hopes to produce the minds that will further develop the world. This factor has been a major downfall for the system, as each economic recession in these areas costs these high school media centers a significant portion of their funding. It is significant to study the numerous ways in which a recession can affect the functioning of the world. This is because the severity of a recession can be very pertinent to the quality of life in an economy, as it affects several aspects of the economy. As research shows, the effects of a recession are apparent in several important economic indicators, such as real personal income, retail sale and food services, industrial production and employment (Gascon, 2009). All these indicators show different ways in which the health of an economy can be measured. Exploring some other indicators, which are perhaps not so commonly used t o measure the wellbeing of an economy, may help give a deeper perspective on how the economy functions and affects people on an individual level. To understand the impact of an economic recession on the use and funding of library resources serves the purpose of such an indicator. This is because this factor represents an important way in which the community helps the youth develop intellectually and gain information on their own. Thus, measuring the effects on this factor following a recession indicates how much the youth’s education is impacted by a recession-stricken economy. If research proves a strong link between the two variables, this signals the need for the government and other authorities to monitor the effects of future recessions carefully so that they do not lead to irrecoverable damage. Effect on Role of Media Centers and Technicians The role of the media specialists of such libraries observes a notable effect in times of economic recession. According to some ex perts (n.d., 2010), their role becomes increasingly important in when an economic recession strikes a place like Georgia. This is because media centers such as the ones found in high schools or the ones open for the public are traditionally available to everyone as a free source of information, through the access of books, magazines, newspaper archives, CDs and other types of media. Thus, when people feel the negative effects of recessions and budget cuts, they approach these libraries for help (n.d., 2010). This can be to look for more sources of employment, to study further and gain further education or to try applying for a job with the civil services. These libraries are an immense help to such people. They are greatly helpful in assisting them in applying for jobs online, as well as finding study material for civil service exams. These libraries are also known for the help they offer these people in making their resumes, as well as obtaining further education which will be requ ired for other jobs. Thus, it is true that these US libraries serve a very important purpose for their citizens, especially in their times of need, which is

Culture Exercise Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Culture Exercise - Research Paper Example My great grandmother and her mother (both deceased) belonged to the Cherokee cultural group. My family is a nuclear one, and my mother (deceased) was the only child of my grandmother. My mother has three children including my sister and brother. My maternal grandmother is still living, and she is the head of the family where my elder sister, her two adult children, and five grandchildren live. My husband and I live in a separate house, and we have †¦ children. Language formulations All our family members speak, read, and write English; it is the primary language we use. The closest language formulation I could identify is the use of slang by my family members. It seems that none of my family members uses the language of Ebonics. Some common Cherokee slang is unique to this Native American tribal group, and they have originated as local dialects within the US Cherokee communities. The slang we use may be unfamiliar to someone who does not belong to this family culture. Religious belief system My family of origin follows a particular religious belief system. Our religious practices or denominations include Baptist, Holiness, and Christian Methodist Episcopal. There are no additional special rituals. Religious belief is particularly important to the family because it notably influences the way the family members lead their life. Except the religious belief system, no specific philosophy is followed by my family. Admittedly, the intensity of religious belief is declining from generation to generation. Power holder in the family In our family culture, female is the head of the most of the households because male members are absent from family due to their choice. In some cases, male members are not present in the family due to increased substance abuse or imprisonment. Today, many African American leaders are vehemently working to make male members aware of the importance of family living. They also strive to enable women to choose mates who would help raise th e family. Although my grandmother is the matron of the family, each household enjoys the power to make its own decisions. Female members are the decision makers in the family because male members pay less attention to family affairs. Individual importance As per the current family structure, primary importance is given to individuals rather than the family unit. However, this family philosophy is subjected to changes under certain circumstances. To illustrate this, there is a shift of focus from individuals to the family unit with the death of my grandmother’s brother on 22nd May 2013. Once everything associated with this death is resolved, the focus will be shifted to individuals again. Every individual has unique views; hence, he/she perceives and deals with things differently. I give more importance to the family unit than individuals. Therefore, I primarily focus on the needs of my grandmother, husband, and my children. Celebration of holidays The thanksgiving celebration is the major celebration of the family. For this celebration, every family member gathers at grandmother’s home. Usually, we all do not gather at a place for any other celebration. However, it seems that family members living outside grandmother’s home usually celebrate Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions at their own homes. Special rituals My grandmother’s grandmother was a slave and was not allowed to practice her traditional ways. As a result, her children were

English as a Second Language for Adult Immigrants (The Domain is Adult Term Paper

English as a Second Language for Adult Immigrants (The Domain is Adult Education) - Term Paper Example With the increasing number of adult immigrants in the USA and Canada, English language becomes a significant issue for people. Immigrants need to adjust with the foreign cultural environment and with the common language i.e. English. The major dispute concerning the English language within immigrants is that it creates verbal obstructions as well as misinterpretations, and can harm the effective communication within organizations (Charlotte Mecklenburg, 2002). Literature Review According to Burt (2004), knowledge and fluency in English is explicitly connected with financial self-sufficiency. Immigrants who are literate in languages except English are more probable to have temporary work and get less income as compared to those who are well-educated in English and have English as first language. Several surveys on the immigrants’ income in the USA depict that there is positive relations between English learning capabilities and salaries of immigrants. This is one of the major reasons that immigrants want expertise in English language both in speaking as well as in writing. Providing â€Å"English as Second Language (ESL)† lessons to immigrants is a useful method to resolve the English communication problem in the workplace. However, it can be observed that companies are reluctant about providing ESL lessons due to problems with regard to planning, expense, and a sense that providing ESL lessons are not their duty (Burt, 2004). ... ing citizenship, the demand of â€Å"English for Speakers of Other Language† (ESOL) in Canada and the USA is increasing constantly, and it is considered as one of the fastest growing constituents for adult education. The admission for English education is also inclined by the way of â€Å"Immigration Reform and Control Act† (IRCA) in the year 1986. Presently, the population assisted by English learning programs has changed significantly. The immigrant populations of the USA and Canada in present days are much different than past days with respect to size, origin and financial status. According to a Census survey in the year 2000, the number of Hispanic population was more than 58% compared to 1990. In order to fulfill the emerging requirements of English education for the immigrant population, huge numbers of qualified teachers are required. ESOL classes are often organized to accommodate for initial, transitional, and advanced level of expertise. On the basis of resour ces of organizations and requirements of students, different approaches, practices and technologies are used in ESL training. The major objective of ESL programs is to assist adult immigrants in accomplishing competency in English language. Majority of classes are developed on the basis of students’ needs and benefits, for instance, the ESOL classes can be aimed towards adult learners who have arrived in Canada or in the USA, and therefore include survival as well as life skills training in their programs. Other classes may incorporate ESOL guidelines with professional education and family knowledge, as well as citizenship and academic training. The governments always help immigrant learners to obtain necessary skills and knowledge so that they can become active performers in workplace and in society

Legalization of Marijuana in Arizona Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Legalization of Marijuana in Arizona - Essay Example Currently, taxation on Alcohol and Cigarettes has been beneficial for the federal government. Solely $9 billion are gained annually through the excise tax on alcohol and $25 billion through cigarettes. States collect approximately $5.5 billion through alcohol taxes. There are certain shortcomings in the system due to which legitimate amount is still not collected. Collection of the exact amount of money through taxes on alcohol and cigarettes would gather billions of dollars. Strong legislation and adequate measures for the collection of tax on marijuana will definitely help Arizona to accumulate billions of dollars. Legalization of marijuana should be done in such a manner that high taxes are applied to it. There is not the much abundant supply of marijuana in the country and it has been sold in the grey market at a high price. Eventually, legalization of marijuana and quotation of high prices would basically discourage people to spend money on it. At the same; tax collection throug h it would be advantageous. The legalization of marijuana would promote its usage in the country but due to high prices, people would not be able to purchase it which would be ultimately positive. Most of the users of Marijuana are teenagers, high prices would change their purchase behaviors and sales reduction would be seen. Legalization of marijuana would also enable State to keep the record of demand and supply, which is fundamental for economics and finance division of Arizona. The sale and purchase mechanism of marijuana is still prevalent beneath the table and it involves drug dealers, criminals, and mob gangs. Due to legalization, these unlawful business operators would get out of their hubs for business. Their presence in the market would basically escort police officials to find the culprits of smuggling and illegal trade. By catching these individuals, the economy of the country and state would rise as grey market and smuggling has destroyed nation’s economy.  

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Example for Free

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay To Kill a Mockingbird alludes to Atticuss warning to Scout not to shoot her rifle at mockingbirds because they do nothing to harm people or there crops they only provide lovely music for people to listen to. (p. 119) Without this warning in the story the title wouldnt make sense, it would just be an off shot statement oblivious to the surrounding story. The warning is cryptic at first glance but looking back one can interpret this as foreshadowing. Atticuss warning is later turned into a metaphor when Tom Robinson, an innocent man who picked cotton for Link Deas, is accused of raping a young woman whos house he walked by twice a day. This is where Ms. Lee creates the metaphor between the mockingbird and Tom Robinson, the crippled African-American man accused of rape. The mockingbird and Tom Robinson have several similarities, they are both innocent, and free of sin, they are both humble and try only to good and it is considered a sin to kill a mockingbird and a crippled man. Tom Robinson is a crippled African-American man being used as a scapegoat for a crime that never happened. He was proven innocent by a lawyer accepting of all races, yet was jailed by a jury unable to push aside a prejudice and end a portion of racism in small southern town. As readers we are led to believe that Tom Robinson was an innocent man accused for a crime that he didnt commit, and jailed by a court of intolerance. Tom Robinson was killed as a criminal but died as an innocent man, he did not commit the crime that was pressed upon him, and was wrongfully killed while serving time for his oppression. The title of To Kill a Mockingbird has very little literal connection to the plot, but it carries a great deal of symbolic weight in the book. In this story of innocents destroyed by evil, the â€Å"mockingbird† comes to represent the idea of innocence. Thus, to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence. Throughout the book, a number of characters (Jem, Tom Robinson, Dill, Boo Radley, Mr. Raymond) can be identified as mockingbirds—innocents who have been injured or destroyed through contact with evil. This connection between the novel’s title and its main theme is made explicit several times in the novel: after Tom Robinson is shot, Mr. Underwood compares his death to â€Å"the senseless slaughter of songbirds,† and at the end of the book Scout thinks that hurting Boo Radley would be like â€Å"shootin’ a mockingbird. † Most important, Miss Maudie explains to Scout: â€Å"Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but . . . sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird. † That Jem and Scout’s last name is Finch (another type of small bird) indicates that they are Scout is puzzled by this remark and asks Miss Maudie Atkinson about it. Miss Maudie says that: