Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
To Gift, But What To Gift?
The question “To gift or not to gift?” is not as taxing as “To Gift, but, what to Gift?” There isn’t anyone in this world who does not like receiving gifts (at least none that I know of!). The very thought of receiving a gift is most exciting.
It is definitely a lot of fun to be at the receiving end but what about all those times when you have to buy a gift for someone? That someone can be anyone: an important client, a business partner, an old friend, a new acquaintance, a member of the family or just someone you don’t care much about!!!
Do you find yourself clueless and confused? Do you hate picking out gifts for people for the simple reason that you just don’t know what to buy??
If this describes you, here is what you can do before you go out to buy a gift for someone:
Work Out Your Budget - Be very clear in your mind about how much it is that you can manage to shell out to buy a gift. Your budget will also be affected by such factors as what is the occasion, what does the person in question mean to you? etc. Always keep a clear range in your mind and this will definitely simplify the whole process of picking out just the right gift.
Go to the right Store - If you are not sure of what to buy as a gift, its best to go to a mall or a department store where you can find items ranging in type, size and cost. This way you can see a lot of things and then decide what gels with your idea of that perfect gift.
Think of the Person - If you know the person well, think of their tastes, likes, dislikes and personality. Try to find a gift that will make them happy! However, if you do not know the person very well, things may be more complicated. The best way to resolve this is to buy a gift that will suit anyone - a bouquet of flowers, wallet, pen set, books etc which make for perfect general gifts and suit all ages and personalities.
It is the thought that Counts - Last but not the least; don’t forget that eventually it is the thought behind giving a gift to someone that really counts. So when purchasing or giving a gift to someone, no matter how big or small, do it with good (warm) feelings and I guarantee you the person on the receiving end will definitely enjoy and appreciate it.
Picking out a perfect gift for someone can be quite an enjoyable and rewarding experience. So the next time you go gift shopping, enjoy yourself, have fun and make someone happy!!
It is definitely a lot of fun to be at the receiving end but what about all those times when you have to buy a gift for someone? That someone can be anyone: an important client, a business partner, an old friend, a new acquaintance, a member of the family or just someone you don’t care much about!!!
Do you find yourself clueless and confused? Do you hate picking out gifts for people for the simple reason that you just don’t know what to buy??
If this describes you, here is what you can do before you go out to buy a gift for someone:
Work Out Your Budget - Be very clear in your mind about how much it is that you can manage to shell out to buy a gift. Your budget will also be affected by such factors as what is the occasion, what does the person in question mean to you? etc. Always keep a clear range in your mind and this will definitely simplify the whole process of picking out just the right gift.
Go to the right Store - If you are not sure of what to buy as a gift, its best to go to a mall or a department store where you can find items ranging in type, size and cost. This way you can see a lot of things and then decide what gels with your idea of that perfect gift.
Think of the Person - If you know the person well, think of their tastes, likes, dislikes and personality. Try to find a gift that will make them happy! However, if you do not know the person very well, things may be more complicated. The best way to resolve this is to buy a gift that will suit anyone - a bouquet of flowers, wallet, pen set, books etc which make for perfect general gifts and suit all ages and personalities.
It is the thought that Counts - Last but not the least; don’t forget that eventually it is the thought behind giving a gift to someone that really counts. So when purchasing or giving a gift to someone, no matter how big or small, do it with good (warm) feelings and I guarantee you the person on the receiving end will definitely enjoy and appreciate it.
Picking out a perfect gift for someone can be quite an enjoyable and rewarding experience. So the next time you go gift shopping, enjoy yourself, have fun and make someone happy!!
Basic First Aid Tips
Prevention is better than cure but sometimes certain accidents may occur that cannot be prevented. In such cases, knowledge of some basic first aid tips can come in very handy for everyone and help in reducing their effects.
The first thing to do is not to panic. Depending on the mishap or the accident, here are some common sense first aid tips that you can follow until help arrives to prevent & reduce serious consequences -
1. Respiration : Check to see if the victim is breathing properly and his or her airways are clear. Artificial respiration like Mouth to Mouth or Mouth to Nose can help.
2. Fainting: Lay down the patient and loosen his clothing around the chest, neck and waist. It is advisable to turn their head to one side. Once he/she regains consciousness, give them some fluids. Consult a doctor immediately.
3. Fracture: If you suspect a fracture, immobilize the affected limb and keep it padded with support on either side of the joint. Consult a doctor immediately.
4. Burns & Scalds: If the victim is suffering from burns or scalds, cool the affected area with cold water until the pain reduces. Cover the blisters with a clean cloth. Give the patient plenty of fluids. Consult a doctor.
5. Bleeding: If the victim has got hurt and is bleeding, the first thing you should do is to control the bleeding and take care of the wound. The wound should be covered with a bandage or a clean cloth. The affected part of the body like the leg or arm should be given rest and kept elevated.
6. Bleeding Nose: In the case of a bleeding nose, make the patient sit up with his head slightly forward. The nose should not be blown and the patient should try to avoid breathing from the nose. A cold compress should be applied over the nose. Consult a doctor.
7. Animal Bite: Wash the affected area with soap and water. Consult a doctor immediately to find out what to do next. If a dog has bitten the patient, it is usually advisable to identify the dog and watch him for a few days.
8. Bee Sting: Remove the sting of the bee using forceps. Consult a doctor immediately.
Always keep the following numbers handy with you -
- Doctor, Ambulance service, taxi service, most reliable person to contact in case of an emergency. Note: If you are in doubt about what to do, it is better to do nothing as due to your ignorance, you may do more harm than good.
The first thing to do is not to panic. Depending on the mishap or the accident, here are some common sense first aid tips that you can follow until help arrives to prevent & reduce serious consequences -
1. Respiration : Check to see if the victim is breathing properly and his or her airways are clear. Artificial respiration like Mouth to Mouth or Mouth to Nose can help.
2. Fainting: Lay down the patient and loosen his clothing around the chest, neck and waist. It is advisable to turn their head to one side. Once he/she regains consciousness, give them some fluids. Consult a doctor immediately.
3. Fracture: If you suspect a fracture, immobilize the affected limb and keep it padded with support on either side of the joint. Consult a doctor immediately.
4. Burns & Scalds: If the victim is suffering from burns or scalds, cool the affected area with cold water until the pain reduces. Cover the blisters with a clean cloth. Give the patient plenty of fluids. Consult a doctor.
5. Bleeding: If the victim has got hurt and is bleeding, the first thing you should do is to control the bleeding and take care of the wound. The wound should be covered with a bandage or a clean cloth. The affected part of the body like the leg or arm should be given rest and kept elevated.
6. Bleeding Nose: In the case of a bleeding nose, make the patient sit up with his head slightly forward. The nose should not be blown and the patient should try to avoid breathing from the nose. A cold compress should be applied over the nose. Consult a doctor.
7. Animal Bite: Wash the affected area with soap and water. Consult a doctor immediately to find out what to do next. If a dog has bitten the patient, it is usually advisable to identify the dog and watch him for a few days.
8. Bee Sting: Remove the sting of the bee using forceps. Consult a doctor immediately.
Always keep the following numbers handy with you -
- Doctor, Ambulance service, taxi service, most reliable person to contact in case of an emergency. Note: If you are in doubt about what to do, it is better to do nothing as due to your ignorance, you may do more harm than good.
Role Of Teachers In A Student / Child's Life
Children are like clay in a potter's hands. Just as a potter gives a desired shape to the clay in his hands, so do children become what their parents make them. This is primarily the reason why the early growing years in a child's life are the most crucial and lay the foundation for developing their nature, personality and the individual self.
These days, more and more children live in a household where both parents are working and often, such children rely heavily on their teachers for help, advice and guidance. There is no denying the fact that the role of a teacher in a student's life is very crucial right from the time when a child joins a day care centre to the stage when he / she takes a step forward towards establishing a professional career.
My Teacher, My Caretaker : The first instance when an individual comes in contact with a teacher is when he / she is a toddler. A large percentage of working mothers all over the world send their children to day care where the child is taken care of, from morning to evening by teachers who feed them, play with them and take care of their every need.
My Teacher, My Friend : The concept of play schools has become quite popular. Before starting regular schools, many parents enroll their children to play schools where kids of similar age groups come in contact with one another. Here too, teachers become a child's trusted friend and teach kids to open their minds to new activities, thoughts and information.
My Teacher, My Knowledge Bank: Proper education is the need of the day if we want our country to progress. This is because every child must be given the best level of education possible and to achieve this, it is essential to develop proper infrastructure, open new schools in villages as well as cities and hire well trained, motivated teachers who can not only act as facilitators of education but also guide students and become a good role model for them.
Besides school education, the years spent in college also shape the future of individuals. Here again, Lecturers and Professors have the power to truly inspire these young individuals to develop their thought processes and choose the right path in their pursuit for quality education.
My Teacher, My Inspiration: Without even realizing it, teachers have the ability to create a strong like or dislike for the subject they teach their students. The most monotonous / serious subjects can be made interesting by an inspired and dedicated teacher.
Often text books and curriculums become outdated. However, an inspired teacher can overcome these issues by keeping themselves updated with new concepts, teaching methodologies, and technological breakthroughs.
It has been rightly said that 'children are the future of any country' and teachers play an important role in shaping their bright future.
These days, more and more children live in a household where both parents are working and often, such children rely heavily on their teachers for help, advice and guidance. There is no denying the fact that the role of a teacher in a student's life is very crucial right from the time when a child joins a day care centre to the stage when he / she takes a step forward towards establishing a professional career.
My Teacher, My Caretaker : The first instance when an individual comes in contact with a teacher is when he / she is a toddler. A large percentage of working mothers all over the world send their children to day care where the child is taken care of, from morning to evening by teachers who feed them, play with them and take care of their every need.
My Teacher, My Friend : The concept of play schools has become quite popular. Before starting regular schools, many parents enroll their children to play schools where kids of similar age groups come in contact with one another. Here too, teachers become a child's trusted friend and teach kids to open their minds to new activities, thoughts and information.
My Teacher, My Knowledge Bank: Proper education is the need of the day if we want our country to progress. This is because every child must be given the best level of education possible and to achieve this, it is essential to develop proper infrastructure, open new schools in villages as well as cities and hire well trained, motivated teachers who can not only act as facilitators of education but also guide students and become a good role model for them.
Besides school education, the years spent in college also shape the future of individuals. Here again, Lecturers and Professors have the power to truly inspire these young individuals to develop their thought processes and choose the right path in their pursuit for quality education.
My Teacher, My Inspiration: Without even realizing it, teachers have the ability to create a strong like or dislike for the subject they teach their students. The most monotonous / serious subjects can be made interesting by an inspired and dedicated teacher.
Often text books and curriculums become outdated. However, an inspired teacher can overcome these issues by keeping themselves updated with new concepts, teaching methodologies, and technological breakthroughs.
It has been rightly said that 'children are the future of any country' and teachers play an important role in shaping their bright future.
Cricket Controversies – A Legal Perspective
Cricket is known as the gentleman’s game. Englishmen used to play cricket to unwind themselves and have fun on a sunny day. However, today the game is fought – not played with all fury. Earlier Indians used to be at the receiving end in cricket. The soft and suave Indian players used to be abused and snubbed by the Aussies, English and even by the Pakistani teams. Suddenly things changed. Youngsters like Dhoni, Harbhajan, Sreeshant, and Ishant have made the team a formidable team which is not afraid to stare into the eyes of its opponents. The Indian cricket team’s visit to Down Under a few months back is an interesting study.
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) evokes different memories for different persons. The centuries scored, the five-wicket haul, innings defeats or the Ashes matches, all faded into oblivion when our own “Turbanator” – Harbhajan Singh was accused for calling Andrew Symonds – a monkey.
The ICC panel headed by Mike Procter immediately indicted Harbhajan for his remarks and subsequently served him a three Test ban. All hell broke out in India. People wanted to know whether calling anybody a monkey was so ‘unparliamentary’ that the Aussies could not stomach it. Others wanted to know how the bad mouthed and sledging Aussies could react when in the heat of the game somebody calls a player a monkey. Lawyers began discussing the ‘grave and sudden provocation’ that led Harbhajan to call Symonds a monkey. At the end of the day, a Judge was appointed to settle the seething dispute, before it snowballed into an acrimonious debate.
Justice John Hansen, a New Zealander, heard the matter in detail. All the Australian players including Captain Ricky Ponting and the Indian players including Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh were heard. Justice Hansen held that it was a case of miscommunication and that Harbhajan had only uttered the words – ‘teri maa ki’ and not ‘monkey’. He did not find that Harbhajan committed any serious offence to warrant a violation under level 3.3 of the ICC Code. It is another matter that in India you could be thrashed for uttering the words ‘teri maa ki’. Anyway, Harbhajan had a narrow escape and we all sighed a sense of relief.
At the height of the issue, could the Australian expel, banish or deport a foreigner who had racially abused one of its citizens?
Indians are certainly not unaware about what happens to our citizens if the Aussie authorities do not like the colour of your skin. What would have happened if the authorities there found that the very presence of Harbhajan was opposed to peace, order and social harmony? Symonds was after all a member of the local aboriginal community, who though slaughtered by the early British; are now the downtrodden there.
Article 13 of the International covenant of 1966 on Civil and Political Rights which provides that an alien lawfully in the territory of a State which is party to the Covenant may be expelled only pursuant to a decision reached by law and except where compelling reasons of national security otherwise require, is to be allowed to submit the reasons against his expulsion and to have his care reviewed buy and to be represented for the purpose before the competent authority. Oppenheim’s International Law (9th edition) in paragraph 400, 401 and 413 also express a similar view.
But would the aggressive posturing of the Indian cricket team would amount to aggression on Australian soil? The Aussie team members raised this issue at the time of hearing of the Harbhajan case. In the present times, aggression doesn’t mean war or armed hostility. The so-called animus belligerendi is a decisive factor. Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Symonds. Instead of Symonds proving the charges, it was left to poor Harbhajan to prove that he did not call Symonds a monkey. Though in Criminal Jurisprudence the general rule is that the burden of proof is on the prosecution but if any fact is especially within the knowledge of the accused, he has to lead evidence to prove the said fact. Harbhajan, if at all called Symonds a Monkey, did not refer to his community, race or creed but only to his antics on the cricket field, his athleticism, his vigour and endless energy. If he had called Jayasurya, an ‘Asura’ as referred to in the Ramayana, then he would have racially abused Jayasurya.
The respect with which we hold monkeys in India is unparalled. Thousands of temples of Hanuman across India bear testimony to this fact. Harbhajan certainly would never thought of the fact that Symonds was an aboriginal, who are known around Australia as monkeys. Harbhajan himself hails from the minority Sikh community in India. The million-dollar question is whether Symonds sledged or racially abused Harbhajan Singh by hauling him up unnecessarily in the ICC proceedings.
Every passionate Indian fan would have noticed how the umpires punish the Asian players especially the Indians and Pakistanis for the slightest fault but let-off the Australian or English players very lightly. For the same offending incident recently the Aussie player was fined only 10% of his match fee, but Gautam Gambhir was banned for a match. Cricket a gentleman’s game? You decide.
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) evokes different memories for different persons. The centuries scored, the five-wicket haul, innings defeats or the Ashes matches, all faded into oblivion when our own “Turbanator” – Harbhajan Singh was accused for calling Andrew Symonds – a monkey.
The ICC panel headed by Mike Procter immediately indicted Harbhajan for his remarks and subsequently served him a three Test ban. All hell broke out in India. People wanted to know whether calling anybody a monkey was so ‘unparliamentary’ that the Aussies could not stomach it. Others wanted to know how the bad mouthed and sledging Aussies could react when in the heat of the game somebody calls a player a monkey. Lawyers began discussing the ‘grave and sudden provocation’ that led Harbhajan to call Symonds a monkey. At the end of the day, a Judge was appointed to settle the seething dispute, before it snowballed into an acrimonious debate.
Justice John Hansen, a New Zealander, heard the matter in detail. All the Australian players including Captain Ricky Ponting and the Indian players including Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh were heard. Justice Hansen held that it was a case of miscommunication and that Harbhajan had only uttered the words – ‘teri maa ki’ and not ‘monkey’. He did not find that Harbhajan committed any serious offence to warrant a violation under level 3.3 of the ICC Code. It is another matter that in India you could be thrashed for uttering the words ‘teri maa ki’. Anyway, Harbhajan had a narrow escape and we all sighed a sense of relief.
At the height of the issue, could the Australian expel, banish or deport a foreigner who had racially abused one of its citizens?
Indians are certainly not unaware about what happens to our citizens if the Aussie authorities do not like the colour of your skin. What would have happened if the authorities there found that the very presence of Harbhajan was opposed to peace, order and social harmony? Symonds was after all a member of the local aboriginal community, who though slaughtered by the early British; are now the downtrodden there.
Article 13 of the International covenant of 1966 on Civil and Political Rights which provides that an alien lawfully in the territory of a State which is party to the Covenant may be expelled only pursuant to a decision reached by law and except where compelling reasons of national security otherwise require, is to be allowed to submit the reasons against his expulsion and to have his care reviewed buy and to be represented for the purpose before the competent authority. Oppenheim’s International Law (9th edition) in paragraph 400, 401 and 413 also express a similar view.
But would the aggressive posturing of the Indian cricket team would amount to aggression on Australian soil? The Aussie team members raised this issue at the time of hearing of the Harbhajan case. In the present times, aggression doesn’t mean war or armed hostility. The so-called animus belligerendi is a decisive factor. Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Symonds. Instead of Symonds proving the charges, it was left to poor Harbhajan to prove that he did not call Symonds a monkey. Though in Criminal Jurisprudence the general rule is that the burden of proof is on the prosecution but if any fact is especially within the knowledge of the accused, he has to lead evidence to prove the said fact. Harbhajan, if at all called Symonds a Monkey, did not refer to his community, race or creed but only to his antics on the cricket field, his athleticism, his vigour and endless energy. If he had called Jayasurya, an ‘Asura’ as referred to in the Ramayana, then he would have racially abused Jayasurya.
The respect with which we hold monkeys in India is unparalled. Thousands of temples of Hanuman across India bear testimony to this fact. Harbhajan certainly would never thought of the fact that Symonds was an aboriginal, who are known around Australia as monkeys. Harbhajan himself hails from the minority Sikh community in India. The million-dollar question is whether Symonds sledged or racially abused Harbhajan Singh by hauling him up unnecessarily in the ICC proceedings.
Every passionate Indian fan would have noticed how the umpires punish the Asian players especially the Indians and Pakistanis for the slightest fault but let-off the Australian or English players very lightly. For the same offending incident recently the Aussie player was fined only 10% of his match fee, but Gautam Gambhir was banned for a match. Cricket a gentleman’s game? You decide.
Dharmic Religions : An Overview
Religion - the greatest among man made inventions - originated in the form of certain questions against which there prevailed scope for establishment. The establishment is reckoned as the taste of majority, at a particular time, over both tangible (physical) and intangible (spiritual) areas. Establishment itself has no consistency, as it undergoes either rejection or modification over some span of time.
India has a unique feature of welcoming foreign religions like Christianity, Islam as well as witnessing the origin and development of religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The second set of religions are often collectively called Dharmic religions.
All religions had been influenced by the natural characteristics of the place, from where they originated. Dharmic religions recommend vegetarian style of food, which may be due to the influence of the then Indian scenario - vast vegetation. At the same time, the relatively dry places like Arab, Israel-Palestine contributed to the meat-eating habit of Christianity, Islam, and Jewish. Though the religions claim its principles as as the key way for the entire humanity, in fact, they are created for those people who originated around those places. Thus there exists the prominent distinctive feature among religions and it may be the root-cause for various cultural and religious riots.
Hinduism
Hinduism, the very ancient religion of the world, has its origin in a progressive way unlike other religions. The religion imbibed its basics far before million centuries, from the then Harappa and Indus valley civilizations. Hinduism provides a vast body of scriptures. It is impossible to define the principles and theories of Hinduism as it consists of both thesis and anti-thesis, both having the same importance. While the Dvaita (dualist theory) points out the existence of both God and human soul, the theories like Advaita (non-dualist theory) say both are same. The early Sanyasis and Gurus handled both spiritual and science theorems simultaneously. These scriptures expose a vast range of theology, philosophy, and myth providing spiritual insights along with guidance on the practice of dharma (religious living).
Among such texts, Hindus reckon the Vedas along with the Upanishads as being among the foremost in authority and antiquity. Other important scriptures include the Tantras, Puranas and the epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Bhagavad-Gita, a deeply profound conversation excerpted from the Mahabharata, is widely seen as summarizing the spiritual teachings of the Vedas.
Brahman and Atman
According to the Advaita theologies of Hinduism, Brahman (the greater Self or God) is in the highest sense and non differentiated from the world and its beings. Brahman is also sometimes seen as synonymous with the concept of Paramatma (Supreme Spirit), whereas, Atman is deemed as one’s true ‘inner self’. Advaita philosophy declares that ultimately Brahman is beyond mere intellectual description and can be understood only through direct spiritual experience, where the 'knower' and the 'known' are subsumed into the act of 'knowing'. The goal is to "wake up" and realize that one's atman, or soul, is really identical to Brahman, the upper soul.
On the other hand, Dvaita Vedanta and related devotional schools, understand Brahman as a Supreme Being who possesses personality. In these conceptions, Brahman is associated with Vishnu, Shiva or Shakti depending on the sect. Brahman is seen as fundamentally separate from its reliant souls so, in achieving liberation, individual beings experience God as an independent being.
According to the Advaita school of philosophy, the individual self and greater Self are not fundamentally distinct. They argue that the "Self" of every individual person is identical with the greater Spirit. The Upanishads say, whoever gains insight into the depths of his own nature and becomes fully aware of the atman as the innermost core of his own Self will realize his identity with Brahman and will thereby reach Moksha. According to the Dvaita school, the atman is not identical with Brahman, which is seen as being God with personality and the atman is dependent on God. Moksha depends on the cultivation of love for God and on God's grace.
Karma, Samsara and Moksha
Karma translates literally as action, work or deed and is often described as the "moral law of cause and effect". According to the Upanishads, an individual, known as the jiva-atma, develops samskaras (impressions) from actions, whether physical or mental. This cycle of action, reaction, birth, death, and rebirth is a continuum called samsara. The notion of reincarnation and karma is a strong premise in much of Hindu thought. The Bhagavad Gita states that “As a person puts on new clothes, discarding old and torn clothes, similarly an embodied soul enters new material bodies, leaving the old bodies”. Samsara provides ephemeral pleasures, which lead people to desire rebirth to enjoy the pleasures of a perishable body. It is thought that after several reincarnations, an atman eventually seeks unity with the cosmic spirit –Brahman.
The ultimate goal of life, referred to as moksha, nirvana or samadhi, is described as the realization of one's union with God; realization of one's eternal relationship with God; realization of the unity of all existence; perfect unselfishness and knowledge of the Self; liberation from ignorance; attainment of perfect mental peace; or detachment from worldly desires. Such a realization liberates one from samsara and ends the cycle of rebirth.
Vedic Literature
While they have not been dated with much certainty, even the most conservative estimates date their origin to 1200 BC or earlier. Hindus revere the Vedas as eternal truths. There are four Vedas (called Rig, Sama- Yajus and Atharva).
The Rigveda is the first and the most important Veda. Each Veda is divided into four parts: the primary one, Samhita, contains sacred mantras in verse. The other three parts form commentaries, usually in prose, which are historically believed to be slightly later in age than the Samhita. These are: Brahmanyas, Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. The Upanishads focus on spiritual insight and philosophy whereas the Vedas focus on rituals. The Upanishads discuss Brahman and reincarnation.
The Naradeya Purana describes the mechanics of the cosmos. Ithihas include Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Bhagavad-Gita is an integral part of the epic Mahabharata and one of the most popular sacred texts of Hinduism and it is described as the essence of the Vedas.
Also widely known are the Puranas, which illustrate Vedic ideas through vivid narratives dealing with deities, and their interactions with humans. A more controversial text, the Manusmriti or "Code of Manu", is a prescriptive lawbook which instructs the society codes and defines caste-system.
Varnas and the Caste System
Hindus and scholars debate whether the caste system is an integral part of Hinduism sanctioned by the scriptures or an outdated social custom. Although the scriptures contain passages that can be interpreted to sanction the Varna system, they contain indications that the caste system is not an essential part of the religion, and both sides in the debate can find scriptural support for their views. The oldest scriptures, the Vedas, place little emphasis on the caste system, mentioning it rarely and in a cursory manner.
Hindu society has traditionally been categorized into four classes, called Varnas. It is argued that in ancient times, the Varnas were merely labels based upon occupation. The Varnas were Brahmins: teachers and priests; Kshatriyas: warriors and kings; Vaishyas: farmers, merchants, and businessmen; and Shudras: servants and labourers.
In the Vedic Era, there was no prohibition against the Shudras (which later on became the low-castes) listening to the Vedas or participating in any religious rite the case. But later caste-system become a prominent allegation from the cultural reformers, when it turned to be considering Shudras as lowest class and they denied of social justice.
India has a unique feature of welcoming foreign religions like Christianity, Islam as well as witnessing the origin and development of religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The second set of religions are often collectively called Dharmic religions.
All religions had been influenced by the natural characteristics of the place, from where they originated. Dharmic religions recommend vegetarian style of food, which may be due to the influence of the then Indian scenario - vast vegetation. At the same time, the relatively dry places like Arab, Israel-Palestine contributed to the meat-eating habit of Christianity, Islam, and Jewish. Though the religions claim its principles as as the key way for the entire humanity, in fact, they are created for those people who originated around those places. Thus there exists the prominent distinctive feature among religions and it may be the root-cause for various cultural and religious riots.
Hinduism
Hinduism, the very ancient religion of the world, has its origin in a progressive way unlike other religions. The religion imbibed its basics far before million centuries, from the then Harappa and Indus valley civilizations. Hinduism provides a vast body of scriptures. It is impossible to define the principles and theories of Hinduism as it consists of both thesis and anti-thesis, both having the same importance. While the Dvaita (dualist theory) points out the existence of both God and human soul, the theories like Advaita (non-dualist theory) say both are same. The early Sanyasis and Gurus handled both spiritual and science theorems simultaneously. These scriptures expose a vast range of theology, philosophy, and myth providing spiritual insights along with guidance on the practice of dharma (religious living).
Among such texts, Hindus reckon the Vedas along with the Upanishads as being among the foremost in authority and antiquity. Other important scriptures include the Tantras, Puranas and the epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Bhagavad-Gita, a deeply profound conversation excerpted from the Mahabharata, is widely seen as summarizing the spiritual teachings of the Vedas.
Brahman and Atman
According to the Advaita theologies of Hinduism, Brahman (the greater Self or God) is in the highest sense and non differentiated from the world and its beings. Brahman is also sometimes seen as synonymous with the concept of Paramatma (Supreme Spirit), whereas, Atman is deemed as one’s true ‘inner self’. Advaita philosophy declares that ultimately Brahman is beyond mere intellectual description and can be understood only through direct spiritual experience, where the 'knower' and the 'known' are subsumed into the act of 'knowing'. The goal is to "wake up" and realize that one's atman, or soul, is really identical to Brahman, the upper soul.
On the other hand, Dvaita Vedanta and related devotional schools, understand Brahman as a Supreme Being who possesses personality. In these conceptions, Brahman is associated with Vishnu, Shiva or Shakti depending on the sect. Brahman is seen as fundamentally separate from its reliant souls so, in achieving liberation, individual beings experience God as an independent being.
According to the Advaita school of philosophy, the individual self and greater Self are not fundamentally distinct. They argue that the "Self" of every individual person is identical with the greater Spirit. The Upanishads say, whoever gains insight into the depths of his own nature and becomes fully aware of the atman as the innermost core of his own Self will realize his identity with Brahman and will thereby reach Moksha. According to the Dvaita school, the atman is not identical with Brahman, which is seen as being God with personality and the atman is dependent on God. Moksha depends on the cultivation of love for God and on God's grace.
Karma, Samsara and Moksha
Karma translates literally as action, work or deed and is often described as the "moral law of cause and effect". According to the Upanishads, an individual, known as the jiva-atma, develops samskaras (impressions) from actions, whether physical or mental. This cycle of action, reaction, birth, death, and rebirth is a continuum called samsara. The notion of reincarnation and karma is a strong premise in much of Hindu thought. The Bhagavad Gita states that “As a person puts on new clothes, discarding old and torn clothes, similarly an embodied soul enters new material bodies, leaving the old bodies”. Samsara provides ephemeral pleasures, which lead people to desire rebirth to enjoy the pleasures of a perishable body. It is thought that after several reincarnations, an atman eventually seeks unity with the cosmic spirit –Brahman.
The ultimate goal of life, referred to as moksha, nirvana or samadhi, is described as the realization of one's union with God; realization of one's eternal relationship with God; realization of the unity of all existence; perfect unselfishness and knowledge of the Self; liberation from ignorance; attainment of perfect mental peace; or detachment from worldly desires. Such a realization liberates one from samsara and ends the cycle of rebirth.
Vedic Literature
While they have not been dated with much certainty, even the most conservative estimates date their origin to 1200 BC or earlier. Hindus revere the Vedas as eternal truths. There are four Vedas (called Rig, Sama- Yajus and Atharva).
The Rigveda is the first and the most important Veda. Each Veda is divided into four parts: the primary one, Samhita, contains sacred mantras in verse. The other three parts form commentaries, usually in prose, which are historically believed to be slightly later in age than the Samhita. These are: Brahmanyas, Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. The Upanishads focus on spiritual insight and philosophy whereas the Vedas focus on rituals. The Upanishads discuss Brahman and reincarnation.
The Naradeya Purana describes the mechanics of the cosmos. Ithihas include Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Bhagavad-Gita is an integral part of the epic Mahabharata and one of the most popular sacred texts of Hinduism and it is described as the essence of the Vedas.
Also widely known are the Puranas, which illustrate Vedic ideas through vivid narratives dealing with deities, and their interactions with humans. A more controversial text, the Manusmriti or "Code of Manu", is a prescriptive lawbook which instructs the society codes and defines caste-system.
Varnas and the Caste System
Hindus and scholars debate whether the caste system is an integral part of Hinduism sanctioned by the scriptures or an outdated social custom. Although the scriptures contain passages that can be interpreted to sanction the Varna system, they contain indications that the caste system is not an essential part of the religion, and both sides in the debate can find scriptural support for their views. The oldest scriptures, the Vedas, place little emphasis on the caste system, mentioning it rarely and in a cursory manner.
Hindu society has traditionally been categorized into four classes, called Varnas. It is argued that in ancient times, the Varnas were merely labels based upon occupation. The Varnas were Brahmins: teachers and priests; Kshatriyas: warriors and kings; Vaishyas: farmers, merchants, and businessmen; and Shudras: servants and labourers.
In the Vedic Era, there was no prohibition against the Shudras (which later on became the low-castes) listening to the Vedas or participating in any religious rite the case. But later caste-system become a prominent allegation from the cultural reformers, when it turned to be considering Shudras as lowest class and they denied of social justice.
Making the Right First Impression in your New Job
You’ve got a new job and you’re really looking forward to giving it your best. The next step is to direct all your energies into giving your 100% in making just the right first impression on the job. This is because the first few days on a new job are crucial and set the right tone for times to come.
Here are some simple tips that can prepare you for the new job and help you to make the right first impression –
1. Dress smartly and professionally – The way you dress and your overall appearance says a lot about you degree of professionalism. Being well groomed is definitely more appreciable than having an unkempt look.
2. Value time and be punctual – In the first few weeks on the job, everything you do is under close scrutiny. Hence, make sure to reach office on time. It is also recommended to leave only around the time when everyone else is leaving.
3. Maintain a Good Attendance – Avoid being irregular especially during the first few months on the new job. By being at work on time everyday, you will display your professional attitude and create a good first impression.
4. Become a Team Worker & be friendly & positive – Don’t wait for other to approach you and make you feel comfortable. Instead, you’re the initiative to introduce yourself to your co workers. Aim at learning their names quickly. Be positive, energetic and proactive. The sooner you show your team spirit and your ability to work as a part of a team, the better.
5. Ask Questions clear your doubts & learn – The first few weeks are important as they set the tone for the future. Hence, make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. It is okay to be inquisitive and ask questions. Show your eagerness to learn and grasp as much as you can as quickly as possible.
6. Stay away from gossip – Avoid playing any role in office politics. Every organization has its share of gossip mongers and if you are able to identify them, early on, try to steer clear of them.
7. Maintain a good rapport with your boss – Every once in a while, have a light hearted conversation with your boss and let him / her know of your progress.
Here are some simple tips that can prepare you for the new job and help you to make the right first impression –
1. Dress smartly and professionally – The way you dress and your overall appearance says a lot about you degree of professionalism. Being well groomed is definitely more appreciable than having an unkempt look.
2. Value time and be punctual – In the first few weeks on the job, everything you do is under close scrutiny. Hence, make sure to reach office on time. It is also recommended to leave only around the time when everyone else is leaving.
3. Maintain a Good Attendance – Avoid being irregular especially during the first few months on the new job. By being at work on time everyday, you will display your professional attitude and create a good first impression.
4. Become a Team Worker & be friendly & positive – Don’t wait for other to approach you and make you feel comfortable. Instead, you’re the initiative to introduce yourself to your co workers. Aim at learning their names quickly. Be positive, energetic and proactive. The sooner you show your team spirit and your ability to work as a part of a team, the better.
5. Ask Questions clear your doubts & learn – The first few weeks are important as they set the tone for the future. Hence, make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. It is okay to be inquisitive and ask questions. Show your eagerness to learn and grasp as much as you can as quickly as possible.
6. Stay away from gossip – Avoid playing any role in office politics. Every organization has its share of gossip mongers and if you are able to identify them, early on, try to steer clear of them.
7. Maintain a good rapport with your boss – Every once in a while, have a light hearted conversation with your boss and let him / her know of your progress.
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