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

Shinto - Essay Example 1. Koshitsu Shinto, or the Shinto of the Imperial House, which includes the rituals performed by the Emperor. Until 1945 the Emperor was considered to be the descendant of Amaterasu, the most worshipped Shinto deity. Nowadays he is referred to as the "symbol of the state and of the unity of the people" in Japanese Constitution. Shoten and Nai-Shoten, the male and female clergy help the Emperor to perform the rituals. The most important ritual is Niinamesai, the offering the first fruits from the harvest to the deities. 2. Jinja Shinto, or Shrine Shinto. The most widespread form of Shinto in Japan. Until 1945 the followers of Shrine Shinto worshipped the emperor as a living god. This form of Shinto puts the emphasis on the importance of the shrines. Shinto is one of the most tolerant religions worldwide. Nowadays it has the elements of Buddhism, and of some other religions. Shinto accepts the elements of other religions, and Shintoists are usually very tolerable forwards the beliefs that are different from the ones they hold What is peculiar about Shinto is that while it has been a main Japanese religion for thousands of years, it has always shared is cultural and spiritual role with other religious movements, like Buddhism and Confucianism. Some researchers eliminate the four phases of the historical development of Shinto: Before the arrival of other religions in Japan Shinto and other religions together in Japan The Meiji reinterpretation of Shinto in the 19th century Shinto after World War II (Religion and Ethics, Shinto) Scott Littleton, the author of the comprehensive guide towards Shintoism, states that the Shintoistic iconographic evidence appears when the more complex Yayoi culture arrives (300BCE - 300CE) (2002). It is reported that before the 6th century CE there was "no formal Shinto religion, but many local cults that are nowadays grouped under the Shinto" (Religion and Ethics, Shinto). The ancient beliefs and customs were first written in the Kojiki [records of ancient matters], which were prepared under the imperial order and completed in 712 AD. (Reader, 1998) At that times Shinto was different from the religion we know nowadays. From the scientific point of view, the sets of beliefs that existed among different tribes that inhabited the territory of contemporary Japan cannot be referred to as "religion". In the minds of the ancient Japanese their beliefs were just a part of the world that surrounded them. Their beliefs were secularized, and used in their day-to day existence. The ancient Japanese developed Shinto to explain the world they saw around. Lots of natural phenomena were incomprehensible for people who lived at those times, thus they had to invent explanations. It's well known that the things people don't understand scare them the most. Like all the other ancient belief systems, Shinto was developed to help ancient people cope with their

Exam2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Exam2 - Assignment Example At that time, the rent would be $ 10000 per month. The next question which arises is that, whether the entire amount of $ 4000000 would be given from internal sources of financing or an external loan should also be taken. If external loan is taken, then it would be obtained to an amount of $ 2000000 having an interest of 5% per year. If the building is constructed in 2017, then the accumulated amount of $ 4000000 can also be invested and an interest on such investment @ 3.5% would be obtained. The cost of the building would also be incrementing by 2.5% per year. Return on Investment has been calculated by taking into consideration that the interest rate on the investment of $ 4000000 is 3.5%. Question 1 Return on Investment Particulars Amount (in $) Invested Amount 4000000 Return on Investment for the year 2013 (from October to December) 35000 Return on Investment for the year 2014 140000 Return on Investment for the year 2015 140000 Return on Investment for the year 2016 140000 Tota l Return on Investment 455000 Return on Investment (in Percentage) 11.375% The return on investment is a performance measure that is used for evaluating the efficiency and accuracy of any investment (Megginson & Scott, 2008). It is an effective performance measuring tool, which helps in taking appropriate decisions by the company (Rachlin, 1997). It helps in avoiding flaws in the managerial decisions taken by any company. If the accumulated amount of $ 4000000 is invested, then an annual interest @ 2.5 percent would be earned every year till 2017. The interest earned in the 1st year is 35000 and the interest earned in next three years is $ 140000 each year. Total interest earned is $455000. Return on investment is 11.375%. Question 2 Inflation rate is described as the continuous increase in the price level of goods and services. It is calculated as the annual percentage rise. Findlay is the name of a city in Ohio, United States. The Inflation rate of United States, as projected by I nternational Monetary Fund, has been shown below: (International Monetary Fund, 2012) Within the time period of 2014 to 2018, the inflation rate as assessed by the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index would rise to some extent and then it would remain constant at a rate of 2 percent (CBO, 2013). Determination of the projected annual inflation rate of Ohio is also necessary. ‘The Ohio Department of Transportation’ has estimated the Inflation Rate of Ohio to be: High Most Likely Low 2013 8 % 5.7% 3% 2014 10% 5.5% 3.5% 2015 8.95% 5.9% 3.5% 2016 7.5% 4.5% 1.5% 2017 7% 4% 1% Question 3 It has been stated that the value of the building would be increasing by 2.5 percent every year starting from 2014. The increment has been shown in the following table: Particulars Amount (in $) Present value of the building 4000000 Value of the building in 2014 4100000 Value of the building in 2015 4202500 Value of the building in 2016 4307562.5 Value of the building in 2017 4415251.5 6 Net Increase 415251.56 It can be seen from the above mentioned table that the value of the building increased yearly. The value of the building in 2014 increased to $ 4100000. It increased to $ 4202500 in the year 2015. In the year 2016, the value increased to $ 4307562.5 and finally in the year 2017, the value increased to $ 415251.56. Question 4 Option 1 Paying the whole amount from the internal sources of financing

There are three pairs of questions below Article

There are three pairs of questions below - Article Example The Yoga of the Gita is founded on two major terms: ‘Vairagya’ and ‘Abhyasa’. While it may be difficult not to use â€Å"and† between the two closely related terms, the connector â€Å"and† should be used carefully because the two terms basically refer to the same thing. The two go hand in hand. An individual cannot practice ‘Vairagya’ in one day and practice ‘Abhyasa’ on another day. The two go together and are like the head and tail of a coin. Essentially, there is usually no time variation between the practice of ‘Vairagya’ and ‘Abhyasa’. People must be adept and skillful in ‘Vairagya’ and ‘Abhyasa’ simultaneously. While individuals have to be withdrawn, they must also be concentrated at the same time. This is reflected in non-attachment and steadfastness, which form the major principle in Yoga of Bhagavad-Gita. The ultimate meaning is that individuals must be very observant. A person must ever be cautious and is not supposed to forget this important virtue. â€Å"Pramada† or weakness is perceived to be a big mistake in a bid to perfect one’s soul. An individual needs to be an expert in connecting ‘Vairagya’ and ‘Abhyasa’. As the Gita tells us, the art of expertnesses in itself manifests Yoga, which is referred to as Yogah Karmasu Kausalam. Yoga is also the ability of an individual to present himself to daily life issues and to acclimatize to different scenarios. This is because according to Gita, each situation is a timeless incidence. Despite the fact that Bhagavad Gita is perceived to be an archaic text of yoga, it has limited coverage of practical yoga. The Gita conforms to Arjuna’s urge for divine assistance. Krishna provides solutions to Arjuna’s questions on ways to explore his internal holiness in order to take charge of his worldly mandates (Prakash, 2009). Yoga takes the form of Karma yoga, which is the service yoga, jnana yoga, which is a yoga that concerns knowledge, especially self-knowledge and finally, bhakti yoga, referring to the yoga of dedication or devotion to love. Bhakti yoga is the most important off all forms of yoga in the Gita. In the Gita, there are various forms of yoga that fundamentally refer to a single thing. The other forms yoga are all belong to bhakti-yoga. The divergence is only in the level of emphasis (Prakash, 2009). Bhakti-yoga is the perfection of all other forms of yoga and hence stands out as the most important form of yoga. Q2b. The following quotes form the main foundation of the principle of the doctrine of Conditioned Genesis: â€Å"When this is, that is; This arising, that arises; When this is not, that is not; This ceasing, that ceases† This principle of conditionality, relativity as well as interdependence clarifies the process of life from birth to death. It explains how life comes about, exists and progresses (Rahula, 1974, p. 53). According to the doctrine of Conditioned Genesis, life does not happen like a sequence of reactions but reflects a string of recurring events. Every element is conditioned and is conditioning at the same time. The doctrine of Conditioned Genesis is as such cyclical and not similar to a sequence of reactions. The doctrine of Conditioned Genesis holds that the notion of an abiding and eternal gist in man is a bogus belief and only a mere psychological projection. The assessment of the twelve elements of the doctrine enables

Retail Marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Retail Marketing - Case Study Example Tesco PLC is the largest British retailer based on both global and local shares. Traditionally, the UK-based international retailer specializes only in the distribution of food products but it currently adds other goods and services to its product portfolio which ranges from clothing to consumer electronics to consumer financial services to internet services to internet service and consumer telecom. Last February 26, the company announced a total annual turnover of 33.974 billion and reported a pre-tax profit of 1.962 billion. It is estimated that in every 8 UK retail sales, 1 is spent on Tesco. Tesco is currently one of the world recognized retailers. The phenomenal success of Tesco as a retailer is recognised even in the global arena. The company lags behind Wal-mart in terms of global sales, staying ahead of other retail giants like Carrefour, and Home Depot. The company's success and even mere existence in the strategies it employs to capture new markets and retain its current buyers. Its well-crafted marketing strategy is a huge factor becomes a main driver in the company's success. However, as the company focused on capturing other geographical regions in the world, it is irrefutable that the Tesco also needs to modify its current domestic strategy and design other strategies taking into account the features and issues in the new market. Together with other large global companies, the strategies employed by Tesco are met by a lot of criticisms from commentators. As societal marketing is becoming a trend and a common feature in the businesses, it is imperative that Tesco adapts ways to mitigate the identified harmful effects of these issues in its operations. This report will look at the phenomenal success of Tesco PLC both in the United Kingdom and other geographical markets. The first section will identify and explain the key success factors in its operation. Recognizing that marketing is fundamental in its operation, an in-depth exploration of its marketing mix will also be done. Another section will be devoted to the issues and challenges faced by Tesco when trying to capture foreign markets. The last part will look at the implications of Tesco's rapid growth in the market environment and the possible recommendations on how to minimize its harmful effects. The report will conclude with its findings. II. Tesco's Success Drivers As with any business organization, the success of a retailer is based on having a distinct competitive strategy. Accordingly, retailers' competitive advantage should come from critical success factors in the value chain. Market oriented and customer focused companies undoubtedly become successful in their industries as they focus on understanding customer needs, motives and patronage decisions. The current business arena shows companies being transformed into lean organizations as they evaluate their value chains and including only processes which add value to the customers. The evolution of new technologies which drives competition into higher intensity calls for a system for which to hear, understand, and respond to customers' needs in order to succeed. The factors discussed above become the most important tenets of retailer's success.

Macroevolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Macroevolution - Essay Example It focuses mainly on the changes which occur above the levels of species (Levinton, 67). In contrast with the micro evolution, it refers to the evolution changes within a species population. The process of specification fall within the purview depending on the forces thought to drive it. Comparative genomics, developmental and paleontology, contribute most of the evidence for patterns and the process which can be classified as macroevolution. Annelida is commonly known as segmented worms which are found in the deepest marine sediments and the city park yards. During the 20th century, Annelida was divided into three main subgroups oligochaeta, polychaeta and Hirudinea (Levinton, 88). Leeches and earthworms are similar to annelids for most people. The polychaeta comprise extent of the divergence of the Annelida and is found near the marine habitat. There are even pelagic polychaeta, which swims, preying on the other plankton and few groups exist in fresh water and the moist environment s. Around nine thousand species of polychaeta are recognized, and the overall systematics groups remain unstable. The oligochaeta and Hirudinea comprise of several other species form a clade which can be referred either clitellata or oligochaeta. It is possible the group may well belong to polychaeta; this makes polychaeta similar with Annelida. There is evidence supporting that all annelids have recently been groped as a single group. The common system used to divide polychaeta was Errantia; his was essentially a system to convenience with no aim of characterize evolutionary relationships. Recent analyses of the Annelida and other groups have resulted into new classification of polychaeta. The group split into two groups palpate and Scolecida. Scolecida contains species less than 1000; these worms are all couch form to another. Palpate have the majority of polychaeta and is also divided into aciculate and canalipalpata. Aciculate are approximately half the polychaeta species and la rgely aggress the old taxonomic group Para podia. Arthropods have taken over almost all the environment on the surface of the earth. Pieces supporting the evidence run that more species of the arthropods are multi celled animals, but that is only true for the expound species and more hobbyists are added to that list for insects. The phylum arthropod is divided in two subphyla, which are named according to their mouthparts but have several differences. The chelicerae’s, named for mouthparts derived from the appearance of the legs and the chelicerae, they do not have antennae found in the subphylum. The chelicerates have six pairs of appendages. One pair of chelicerae is followed by a pair of pedipalps, legs which are adapted with other purposes rather than walking. The horse crab is an old group which has five pairs of legs and no pedipalps; it resembles a shield with two eyes and a tail. They live in sandy zones; have been existing for a long time looking much similar as they are today. The evolutionary theory, they suggest that creatures are suited to an environment which has remained stable for a long time which would change. When exposed to direct radiation chemicals, which mutate animals DNA, changed molecules. The process of mesmerisation is known in drosophila. The metameric pattern can be extended to arthropods and other related animals. The known diversity of metameric process should evolutionary interprets the relationship between their developmental and morphological features. We view the aspects of drosophila development which involve Para segmentation and compartmentalization patterns. The regularities are compared with what is known as phenomena in other crustaceans, onyochophorans and millipedes. The Annelida segments and hypothetical soft bodied which cannot be

TMA1 Revised Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TMA1 Revised - Essay Example s it, his transgression - of lending fire to the humans he is credited with having created - was punished by Zeus in the form of a notoriously cruel curse. Prometheus would be bound to a rock in the Caucasus and an eagle would eat his liver all day; whatever had been consumed during the day would regenerate overnight and the eagle would be back the next day, continuing this cycle of torture ad infinitum. Prometheus was finally freed from this curse by Zeus’s son, the hero Heracles, and was later allowed to regain his position as god, though still bound by a symbolic ring and a piece of the rock he was tied to as a reminder of his punishment (Grimal 1996). The poet Hesiod’s account of the Prometheus myth in his Theogony is considered one of its most authoritative versions. In his version, the story of Prometheus’s first notable deception of Zeus - the incident where Prometheus disguises the ox bones with fat and the flesh with the ox hide and fools Zeus into choosing the apparently valuable but actually worthless bones - is described in clearly partisan terms. Prometheus is referred to as â€Å"devious and wily† while Zeus is called â€Å"far-seeing† and his wisdom is repeatedly praised - â€Å"Zeus, whose wisdom is immortal†; â€Å"Zeus in his wisdom† and so on. (Morford and Lenardon 2003). We are also told in this version that Zeus â€Å"was not unaware of this [Prometheus’s] trick.† The illustration Atlas and Prometheus, from a 6th century BCE engraving on a Laconian cup, is also interesting in its suggestions (Morford and Lenardon 2003). Atlas is pictured as looking on helplessly, while his brother, Prometheus, is attacked by the eagle. Prometheus is seen tied to a column and Atlas with the weight of the skies on his shoulder. There is also a snake on the extreme left which appears to be attacking Atlas. The representation of both these tormented Titans in the same panel emphasizes the might and wrath of Zeus and may have been a common image among

Compare a presidential system with a parliamentary system. Choose one Essay

Compare a presidential system with a parliamentary system. Choose one country that represents each system. Explain their legislative, executive and judicial br - Essay Example He stays in office as head of government for six years with no re-election. His functions primarily revolve around the implementation of laws, policies, and, development plans for his country. In the parliamentary system adapted by Great Britain, there is a fusion in the three branches of government. The executive branch of Britain is composed of the Queen who is considered the chief of state and the Prime Minister as head of government. The Prime Minister is elected by the members of the legislative branch. He has no definite term of office as the conduct of elections is decided on by Parliament. The legislative branch of government of Mexico has two chambers-the upper (Senate) and the lower (Chamber of Deputies). They have the power to pass laws, ordinance, impose taxes, declare war, and approve the national budget. Some members of the Senate are voted through direct popular vote, some are voted per state. The members of the lower chamber are voted per district based on proportional representation. The legislative branch of Great Britain, called the House of Parliament, is also bicameral-composed of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. This branch serves as the supreme legislative body of Britain and its territories. The House of Lords is largely made up of appointed members, with a small percentage who are voted by hereditary peerage. The members of the House of Commons are elected via popular vote every four or five years. The distinct feature about British Parliament is that they control the executive branch of the government. As opposed to the Legislative branch of government in the presidential system, the executive and legislative branches of government are independent from each other. The judicial branch of government in Mexico is divided into the federal and state systems. It has a Supreme Court of Justice composed of magistrates and auxiliary judges who