Compare Chinese and Indian Creation Stories Essay

Creation stories or creation myths are narratives that explain how things began; they are usually passed down generations after generations. In almost every culture throughout the whole world there are a variety of versions of creation stories since the desire to know the origin of things around us is a common human instinct. Despite the differences between the cultures and countries, many common themes and elements can be found in their creation stories. In Both Chinese and Indian creation stories the creators of the earth are both a male human-being like figure with a nonspecific background. A long time ago the whole universe was coalesced into a cosmic egg, inside the egg there was nothing but darkness. Among these â€Å"Hundun( )† (a term was used to describe a nebulous state in Chinese) there was Pangu( ) who was resting for about 18,000 years, finally he woke up and feeling suffocated, so he decided to standup. However; he was wrapped tightly by this egg shell and he couldn’t even stretch his arms and legs. He pulled off one of his teeth and turned it into a huge axe and broke the egg shell into two parts with a powerful swing, the light part of the egg kept flying and became the sky (Yang) and the heavy part kept sinking and became the earth (Yin). Pangu was worried that the sky and earth would come back and close again. He decided to stand between them with his head supporting the sky and his feet on the earth, as time went by he grew taller and the sky and earth also got thicker each day. Another 18,000 years passed. Pangu used up all his strength and was convinced that the sky and the earth could stay separated forever. Finally he lay down and suddenly his left eye became the sun, his right eye became the moon; his breath became the wind and voice the thunder; his hair and beard became the shining stars and his arms formed the ground and the mountains; his blood formed the rivers and muscles the soil; his skin became the trees and flowers, teeth and bones turned into gold and minerals†¦ Similar to the Chinese Pangu creation story the Indian Pima’s creation story also started with a human-being like character whose name was Juh-wert-a Mah-Kai (â€Å"The Doctor of the Earth†). He was floating in the empty darkness and eventually decided to create the earth, the sun, the moon, the stars and eventually the world that he was satisfied with. As we can see there are essential elements or parallels between the two creation stories. They both agreed that the world was crafted by an otherworldly being that had the supernatural powers and the creation of the earth both happened upon waking them up. They both invested in the essential elements that existed on earth from themselves, such as the sun, the moon and the stars. In addition, it is easy to notice that the gender of the creators was male which indicated that in both culture male was the symbol of strength and power. In ancient China this idea was greatly reflected since the male heritage was extremely important as they were the dominated ones in the society. Female characters also played an important role in both Chinese and Indian creation stories. After Pangu separated the sky and the earth, there was a woman Nuwa( ) who was the only human-being existing on earth. She was wondering around and trying to find someone to talk to. However, the fishes and the birds could not understand her. She felt so lonely and as she stopped by a pond where she saw her shadow reflected in the water, suddenly she realized that she needed someone like her on this earth, so she decided to create more human-beings like herself using the yellow clay and mud near the pond. She also made animals out of them such as chicken, dogs, cattle and horses. This kind of mother figure can also be found in the Indian Iroquois creation story where in the upper sky world there was a pregnant woman who gave birth to two twin boys. Both Nuwa and the Indian sky woman were female creators that created human-beings without another male figure involved since the creation stories were told long before people understand the reproductive process and the humans in these stories were undefined creatures that usually possessed unusual power. More importantly they both emphasized the primary responsibility of women in human society as involved in biological reproduction. It is not hard to notice that there are also some common events which happened in both creation stories, such as floods. After human-beings were created by Nuwa, they started to reproduce offspring. Among them there were two characters-fire and water. There was a time that fire and water had a war. The four pillars supporting between the sky and the earth collapsed which led to the rising of the oceans and there was fire and floods everywhere. While Nuwa felt helpless that a giant turtle came to her and offered its legs, Nuwa was able to use them to replace the four pillars and put them between the sky and the earth again and everything went back to normal. However there still were some damages, the sky was slightly ilted towards the northwest side which was the reason why the sun and the moon went back to the west in the end of the day. Also the earth was slightly sunk towards the southeast which explained that all the water and rivers were running and gathering in that direction. In the Indian Puma’s flood story two snakes were made to try to stop the flood and the snakes were lying between the south and west, and after the flood people who were created in the story were settled down in different areas in same region where the Indians were found later on. The flood stories represented the recreation of the original earth that was created and explained the establishment of the orders of nature and societies. Turtle is also a common creature in both creating stories as we found in the Nuwa’s story and in the Indian Iroquois creation story a large turtle saved the sky woman and the back part of the turtle grew into an island of earth. In Chinese culture turtle is often treated as a magical animal, and it is one of the four guardians of the Chinese compass. It is commonly used to represent longevity and endurance in many other mythologies from different cultures since it has a long lifespan and the sturdiness of its back which was used as the implication for the origin of the earth. In conclusion, the Chinese and Indian creation stories are very similar in many aspects. They explained how the sky and earth were created from a state of darkness or â€Å"Hundun†, and how was everything established and reestablished on earth, and they also tried to explain nature phenomena with a logical sense before any scientific explanations were established. They served as the foundations of the social structure for each culture and reflected the religions and beliefs in different cultures. They are also used as great sources today for studying the origins of the cultures. Some people today may look at these stories and find them amusing because it contradicts with scientific facts and evidence. In addition, some of these stories have been used for other purposes such as cartoons, novels, and convey the philosophy of life in an acceptable way that plays a vital role in society.

The Economic Rationale for Toll Roads Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

The Economic Rationale for Toll Roads - Essay Example It will analyze the benefits and cost that are associated with tolling which is used widely in the world. But first let us take a close look at road transport system in the world n order to understand the rationale behind tolling. Road transport is perhaps the oldest mode of transport in the world. It has a long history that spins many years ago. This was due to various means of transport that could use roads. The earliest means of transport that was used on the road were animals. Donkeys, mules and horses have been recorded as the being the oldest means of transport that were used in the world at the beginning. The civilization that was taking place in Mesopotamia that led to the invention of the wheel revolutionized road transport as other means of transport were invented. Key among these means of transport invented at that time was carriages. At the same time, John Macadam developed what could be termed as the modern form of roads. Though his road did not use bitumen and other material used today, it gave travelers a comfortable ride. This was a big reap forward in the development of road transport. The development of macadam road led to the development of modern load. But perhaps the greatest development in the development of road transport was the invention of car by Daimler and others. ... Roads have facilitated movement of people and goods in all parts of the world. They have helped to link one community with another and one country to another. Movement of people and goods is or crucial importance in the development of our economic systems. Without proper transport mechanism in place, countries would be locked from the others and communities will be isolated. Thought there have been development of other means of transport from like railway and air transport, roads remain a choice of many people and it will taken long before road transport loses its value to the world. But why is road transport preferred by many people There are many reasons why road transport remains a choice for many people. Convenience Road transport is convenient for use. One can drive a personal car or use public transport means at any time one wished. If you compare road transport to others you will find that railway and air transport are always scheduled which means they may create some inconvenience. The convenience in road transport here comes with fastness since one can be able to travel from one place to the other without having to wait for some kind of scheduling to take place. Cheap Road transport is also cheap compared to others. It has been found that the cost of traveling from one state or from one town to the other using road transport is relatively cheap than using railway or air transport. This makes road transport a choice of many people. It will be found out that it is easy to own and maintain a personal car than personal jet or a train. These are just but some of the reasons why road transport remains a choice of many people in the world. But at the same time road transport is faced by many challenges

Broadcasting Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Broadcasting Industry - Essay Example The CSA also commands and gives financial support for academic research projects for communication. CSA has consultative powers and safeguards the general interests of viewers. It also licenses radio and TV commercial and public, terrestrial and cable and satellite. It conducts research and monitoring and considers complaints. A 1994 ruling negated the fact that the CSA has regulatory powers but it can take decisions that may be of general significance. Government has overall responsibility for the public sector especially in drawing up terms and conditions. CSA powers are limited to supervising the proper implementation of these requirements, although its opinions are binding. Cable operating networks have to seek authorization from the commune or groups of communes involved before seeking CSA approval. The Public Prosecutor consults the CSA before issuing satellite licenses. A 1989 judgement removed the CSA's power to determine general rules for programming. In addition to guarantees concerning pluralism, the CSA can also impose specific requirements in respect of terms and conditions. ... CSA can fine but cannot withdraw public licenses, but publishes observations. CSA can give notice to private licensee to comply with its requirements, suspend, reduce or withdraw licenses, impose financial penalty, and can order a statement to be broadcast. Codes of practice CSA code of practice for the protection of children and young people was introduced in 1996. It obliges broadcasters to issue warnings for certain programs. Cultural Diversity Defending and promoting French culture is the cornerstone of French broadcasting regulation. All governments have shared the view of media products being different from other merchandise. This is because media promote the country's identity and image. In Europe, it led to the EU's "Television without Frontiers"; directive, which recognised the principle of quotas in 1989. At the national level, this means obligations and restrictions as well as provisions to encourage national, French-language productions. These quotas are such that approximately 60% of movies and series broadcast in France have to be European and 40% from French-speaking countries. The quota system applied for radio stations should promote French singers, requiring 40% of songs to be in French or in a regional language (Eumap, 2005, 695.). Recently, the representation of the society's cultural diversity has also become an issue in French broadcasting as part of a general political agenda. The diversity of French society is reflected poorly on French television, but regulation is very difficult to implement. One reason for this is the French constitution in which all citizens are considered equal, whatever their origin. Ethnic groups are not to be identified and cannot be counted, and only negative discrimination can lead to legal

Monetary Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Monetary Policy - Essay Example A stock has no maturity date; the investor owns a portion of the business. Financial institutions move money from those with excess to those with shortage through financial instruments. Supply, investors, and demand, entrepreneurs, dictate the terms and conditions of the trades facilitated by the financial institution. Commercial banks, savings banks, formerly savings and loans, thrift institutions, securities traders and investment bankers, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies and pension funds all serve as financial institutions, but with differing regulations (Saunders and Cornett, 2007). The History and Current Role of the Federal Reserve System Mayer (2001) defines a central bank as a bank of issue, meaning it creates currency to represent wealth. Many American patriots like Tom Payne and Tom Jefferson thought only state chartered private banks should issue bank notes because governments that can pay bills by printing money generally did so. Money is a commodity, just like bread, eggs and butter. If the supply of money increases without value to back it up, inflation occurs and all prices rise (56). A central bank is a lender of last resort. When all banks clear their transactions through a central bank, the central bank smoothes volatility problems through loans. All banks remain solvent by leaving reserves at the central bank, and then the bank lends money to create more reserves. (57) The central bank regulates financial institutions. (79) In 1791, Alexander Hamilton convinced President George Washington to implement a central bank over the protests of Jefferson and Madison. By 1811, Madison became President and did not renew the charter. The end of the... Mayer (2001) defines a central bank as a bank of issue, meaning it creates currency to represent wealth. Many American patriots like Tom Payne and Tom Jefferson thought the only state chartered private banks should issue bank notes because governments that can pay bills by printing money generally did so. Money is a commodity, just like bread, eggs, and butter. A central bank is a lender of last resort. When all banks clear their transactions through a central bank, the central bank smoothes volatility problems through loans. All banks remain solvent by leaving reserves at the central bank, and then the bank lends money to create more reserves. The central bank regulates financial institutions. (79) In 1791, Alexander Hamilton convinced President George Washington to implement a central bank over the protests of Jefferson and Madison. By 1811, Madison became President and did not renew the charter. The end of the Civil War brought in a new central bank which, too, lasted about 20 yea rs. World War I, 1913, brought the Federal Reserve Act to form a compromised central bank with 12 regional banks. This compromise did not regulate disputes among the banks or with Washington, D.C. (Wells, 2004). As long as the gold standard was in place, the 12 banks could not print more money than was reserved. Friedman states (1994, p.250) â€Å"The 1974 removal of the prohibition against private ownership of gold in the United States was, somewhat paradoxically, a tribute to the end of gold’s monetary role†.

Production and Cost Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Production and Cost - Term Paper Example The article "Production and Cost" talks about the cost minimization and why it enhances the smooth operation of the organization and reduces raw materials wastage. Production should always be based on the best optimal way that emphasizes on customer value maximization. More importantly, proper controls on the production process and insistent of manufacturing only what is deemed necessary significantly reduces the cost of production. Natural resources and labor costs are the major expenses incurred in creating the final product. The optimum ordering levels should be maintained including the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) to enable smooth flow of production process. The natural resources, work in progress, and final goods must be honestly accounted for. Integration of organizational departments plays a pivotal role in minimizing the cost of production. Arguably, there is great need to reduce costs by considering both variable and fixed costs. Variable expenses can always be regulated to minimize the resulting cost of production. These are costs that increase as the output goes up and decreases when output reduces. Variable costs may comprise of natural resources and direct labor costs. They include costs such as electricity and overtime wages paid to workers involved in the direct production of goods. A company may, therefore, regulate its variable cost to minimize the cost of production. Fixed costs are exogenous hence unconnected with the output. The total fixed cost always remains independent for a long time.

GCC trade agreement Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

GCC trade agreement - Research Paper Example , the trade agreement encourages intraregional mobility of capital, technology, goods and capital; hence allowing member countries to easily access resources and goods that they don’t have comparative advantage. The monetary union also allows for easy economic exchange between the countries through the use of a single currency. There is also a trade agreement between GCC and European Union (EU). This trade agreement also affects the economies of GCC member states by expanding trade into new regions of Europe and improving the economic and social welfare of the people of the member states. Specifically, the FTA between GCC and EU enables member states to acquire imports at internationally competitive prices. This is achieved through reduced tariffs and other trade barriers between GCC member countries and the member countries of the EU. In article 1 of chapter 1 (Trade) of the 2001 economic agreement of the GCC, a common external tariff and a common customs regulation was established to enhance trade among members and prevent unfair competition from external corporations (GCC, 2001). Goods produced within any member country were also considered as the national products of each country. Furthermore, tariff and non-tariff barriers were eliminated. Article 2 provides rules on international economic relations whereby member states are required to negotiate collectively as GCC in order to serve the negotiating positions of member countries (GCC, 2001). Economic agreements with external trading partners should also be collectively concluded to serve the interests of member countries. Export and import rules and procedures, and commercial exchange policies of the region are also unified to enhance its collective negotiating power with international partners. Bahrain is one of the six members of the GCC which is affected by the trade agreement among the GCC member states. Unlike other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Bahrain does not rely on oil. The country

The Social Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Social Internet - Essay Example One of the oldest institutions that we have used as a place of social gathering and interaction has been the church. While church membership has fallen slightly in recent years, the Internet has been a revival for religious organizations. Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville SC downloaded 80,000 Internet sermons last year from their site (Hills, 2003). Many of these surfers would probably have never set foot inside a church. According to The Barna Group, by 2010 as many as 50 million Americans will rely on the Internet as their sole religious contact (as cited in Hills, 2003). Though the Internet has the power to move more people toward religion, it is clearly moving them away from the church and away from the social setting that was important for conversation and local news in previous decades. Just as the Internet can deliver religion to the people, it also has the capacity to deliver people to politics. Political contributions, debate, and interaction have soared in recent years. The Internet has made vast quantities of information instantly available for anyone who cares to search for it and has the potential to create a new form of electronic democracy. Yet, with all this information available, it is still incumbent upon the user to seek it out, read it, and digest it. Polat (2005) suggests that we are suffering from information overload and says we "[...] may become dependent on others to evaluate the available information" (p. 438).