Benefit administration method Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Benefit administration method - Essay Example Some of these issues could include, the data collection techniques, the purpose and scope of carrying out the research study as well as the type of research being carried out. In fact, according to Neuman, the dimensions considered by researchers will dictate the type of research study (2003). To elaborate, when time is the purpose of study, then the scope of the study will be either longitudinal or cross-sectional. On the other hand, the scope of the study will either be descriptive, exploratory, or explanatory if dimension is the scope of the study. Equally important, in times whereby dimension of study is the quantitative data collection technique, then the researchers will perform surveys, study existing statistics, carry out experiments as well as examine content analysis to ensure data validity. As such, quantitative measurement is generally a deductive process which involves constructing an idea or a concept then coming up with a measure that will enable the researcher to obtain empirical data. It is thus worth noting that quantitative management process starts with a conception and concludes with definite, concrete indicators. It is these definite, concrete indicators that researchers use to attain numerical data that is used for analysis. Therefore, the concept of quantitative research in general encompasses factors such as measurement, design, and sampling. This is due to the fact that quantitative research is established on a deductive methodology that places an emphasis on a comprehensive planning before carrying out data collection or data analysis. To repeat, in undertaking this research, we aim at not only understanding the concept of benefit administration, but how it influences the overall employee satisfaction in an organization. As such, we decided to gather information regarding benefit administration through conducting a survey. In addition to the survey, we carried out a number of structured and unstructured interviews that would

Statement of Purpose Essay Example for Free

Statement of Purpose Essay After a good deal of self-evaluation I have decided to pursue graduate studies in Management Information Systems. It is my undying interest and constant endeavour in the field of Mathematics and Statistics, that made me what i am today and had been a strong motivational force for all these years. After considering my aptitude and the type of work that I enjoy most, I am convinced that I want to take up a career in research in Data Analysis. This decision followed naturally after carefully considering my academic background, the areas of my interest, and my ultimate professional ambition, which is to pursue a research career as a Data Analyst. A Strong Vigor to expertise in Optimal Data Development and Data Integrity and to be a part of the powerful technological workforce in Management and Information systems are the objectives to my Graduate Study. It would play a pivotal role in acuminating my skills, earn proficiency and enhance my professional exposure. It largely aids me in gaining hands-on experience and acquire specialization in the field of data analytics. It has been my constant endeavor to strengthen my technical skills as well as venture beyond the confines of my professional work experience. The fulfillment, the enrichment and the mere experience of each of these endeavors have been both a source of tremendous inspiration and a guiding force in sculpting my academic objective of pursuing a Masters degree in Management Information Systems. After completing my under graduate study in Electronics and Communication Engineering, I worked with Tata Consultancy Services as a systems engineer where I got a chance to whet my appetite for information management field, data analytics in particular. Taking on the challenges given to me from day one to completing close to fifty projects till date, my knowledge has increased many folds. Working as a software engineer mainly in the database field handling the data of multiple clients like Century Link, Agilent, Sony East and West, Petco, Telephonica my main assignments were to handle the information in a systematic and secure way. I played multiple roles from design of a data model for a particular client to loading and analysis of data by performing rigorous performance tuning of the procedures developed. My seniors have been appreciative of my capabilities of handling the tasks and have been increasing my responsibilities. I was part of the software team from the preliminary investigation of the software development to the final review. And here where I knew the importance of the data analytics and data turned information. My working environment is also one of the motivating factors that pushed me towards obtaining a degree in Information Systems. My role in my current project is to develop a data model, source the client data into our database using sourcing agentS like Remedy or CMDB and analyze the sourced data for optimization. We have to develop a data model according to client requirement and design efficacious procedures for transforming the data as desired. Simultaneouly we develop complex queries which the GUI team uses to show the data in the portal(Reporting Tool). Complexities involved understanding the structure of data in the client ticketing tool, getting the complex database querys right checking multiple databases which contain enormous amount of data. This experience not only highlighted the importance of information management but also made me aware of the various challenges involved in dealing with the critical data of an organization. Locating incorporating new information rapidly, apart from having to break down understand complex content compelled me to think out of the box. This not only increased my problem solving capabilities but helped my team achieve results complete the projects well before the given deadlines. My ability to reach defend independent conclusion has also helped increase my intellectual maturity. During my Undergraduate course, I got an opportunity to learn C and Data Structures. These course works made me realize that i have a indefatigable determination and vigour for programming which urged me to learn few other programming languages such as C++, Java and Shell Scripting though they were not a part of my curriculum. I have always wanted to understand these concepts thoroughly, while being more interested in logic-based subjects than those that required learning by note. Apart from Academics, I actively organized and volunteered various fests technical as well as cultural, which paved a way to develop and enhance my leadership capabilities. I have enjoyed the responsibility of handling a team while organizing a fest by leading them upfront in all activities and was equally appreciated by my professors as well as my fellow students. I also had a strong appetite for sports especially cricket from my childhood which made me a part of my high School and University Teams and won many district level accolades. Understanding my own limitations learning from it has been a humbling experience. It has taught me to be hardworking, persistent, sincere goal oriented. I yearn to reach high levels of efficiency by following the best practices laid out. Management Information Systems has become one of the most important aspects of our life and now it has a greater influence on our world than it has ever been before. Organizations are increasingly relying on information systems to provide support in decision making in operational activities, management functions and for increased effectiveness in its various business areas. As a twenty first century professional, the ability to understand business on a global scale will be highly prized and hence it fascinates and motivates me to learn more and more about it. Now, having worked for more than 3 years, I feel that I am maturing as a professional should pursue a graduate program to cement my capabilities. Through the experience gained from my work, I developed excellent analytical and technical skills and improved my problem-solving abilities. To look beyond and extend my capabilities i realized the need to develop the technical and management interdisciplinary skills necessary to design, create, and maintain computer-based business processing applications or study the emerging needs of corporations in the areas of information technology management or complex project management. To realize my career goal of learning complex information management methods, I clearly must enhance my abilities in these as well as other areas of business. My advisors recommended me of your university on the basis of high demand for your graduates in the job market and the research work currently in progress. After going through the brochure, I realized that there also exists a vast gamut of opportunities from the oraganization of course in three disciplines. In addition, from the communication I had with the current students pursuing MIS at your esteemed institution, I have come to a conclusion that the graduate program at your department would suit my interests extremely well. Besides this, the quality of teaching, infrastructure, accommodation services, student support and career services are at their best as per international standards. It is therefore, just the right place that will equip me with unparalleled academic and professional skills and will enhance my personal growth as a Business Technologist. I plan to carry on advanced study of Databases, as well as related fields e. g. Algorithms, not only through coursework but also by participating in one of the several ongoing projects. Upon graduation from the University, I will seek a position which focuses primarily on decision support systems and developing new insights and understanding of business performance based on data and statistical methods that i learn from my graduation. I am aware of the kind of dedication, resilience and resolve I will have to show over the years. I believe that my association with the MIS department will be a mutually profitable one. Finally I take this opportunity to thank you for enabling me to express myself and if given an opportunity, I am confident that I will uphold the academic excellence of the department with my capabilities and diligence. I sincerely hope the admissions committee will share my confidence and give me the privilege of continuing with my studies at this esteemed institution.

Developing a Hypothesis

Developing a Hypothesis Definitions of hypothesis: The hypothesis is outlined as following: â€Å"Hypotheses square measure single tentative guesses, smart hunches –assumed to be used in fashioning theory or coming up with experiments supposed to tend an immediate experimental take a look at once possible†. (Eric Rogers, 1966) â€Å"A hypothesis may be a suppositious statement of the relation between 2 or additional variables†. (Kerlinger, 1956) â€Å"Hypothesis may be a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between AN freelance and variable quantity.†(Creswell, 1994) Hypothesis is that the main a part of analysis. its vital because it suggests new ways in which of doing the analysis. typically experiments square measure solely conduct to check a hypothesis. Decision-makers typically face things whereby theyre curious about testing hypotheses on the premise of accessible info so take choices on the premise of such testing. In scientific discipline, wherever direct information of population parameter(s) is rare, hypothesis testing is that the typically used strategy for deciding whether or not a sample information provide such support for a hypothesis that generalisation is created. so hypothesis testing permits U.S.A. to form chance statements concerning population parameter(s). The hypothesis might not be tried completely, however in follow its accepted if its withstood a essential testing. Before we have a tendency to make a case for however hypotheses square measure tested through totally different tests meant for the aim, itll be acceptable to elucidate clearly the that means of a hypothesis and also the connected ideas for higher world organisation derstanding of the hypothesis testing techniques. WHAT IS A HYPOTHESIS? Ordinarily, once one talks concerning hypothesis, one merely suggests that a mere assumption or some supposition  to be tried or disproved. except for a research worker hypothesis may be a formal question that he intends to  resolve. so a hypothesis is also outlined as a proposition or a group of proposition set forth as AN  explanation for the prevalence of some such cluster of phenomena either declared simply as a  provisional conjecture to guide some investigation or accepted as extremely probable within the lightweight of  established facts. very often a research hypothesis may be a prophetical statement, capable of being tested  by scientific ways, that relates AN variable to some variable quantity. for instance,  consider statements just like the following ones: â€Å"Students WHO receive counseling can show a larger increase in creative thinking than students not  receiving counselling† Or  Ã¢â‚¬Å"the automobile A is performing arts furthermore as automobile B.† These square measure hypotheses capable of being objectively verified and tested. Thus, we have a tendency to could conclude that  a hypothesis states what we have a tendency to square measure searching for and its a proposition which may be place to a take a look at to  determine its validity. Characteristics of hypothesis: Hypothesis should possess the subsequent characteristics: (i) Hypothesis ought to be clear and precise. If the hypothesis isnt clear and precise, the  inferences drawn on its basis cant be taken as reliable. (ii) Hypothesis ought to be capable of being tested. during a swamp of untestable hypotheses, many  a time the analysis programmes have over-involved. Some previous study is also done by  researcher so as to form hypothesis a testable one. A hypothesis â€Å"is testable if alternative  deductions is made up of it that, in turn, is confirmed or disproved by observation.†1 (iii) Hypothesis ought to state relationship between variables, if it happens to be a relative  hypothesis. (iv) Hypothesis ought to be restricted in scope and should be specific. A research worker should keep in mind  that narrower hypotheses square measure typically additional testable and he ought to develop such hypotheses. (v) Hypothesis ought to be explicit as so much as doable in most straightforward terms in order that identical is  easily comprehensible by all involved. however one should keep in mind that simplicity of hypothesis  has nothing to try to to with its significance. (vi) Hypothesis ought to be in keeping with most illustrious facts i.e., it should be in keeping with a  substantial body of established facts. In alternative words, it ought to be one that judges settle for  as being the foremost possible. (vii) Hypothesis ought to be amenable to testing inside an affordable time. One shouldnt use  even a superb hypothesis, if identical cant be tested in affordable time for one  cannot pay a life-time aggregation information to check it. (viii) Hypothesis should make a case for the facts that gave rise to the necessity for rationalization. This means  that by exploitation the hypothesis and alternative illustrious and accepted generalizations, one ought to be  able to deduce the initial downside condition. so hypothesis should truly make a case for what  it claims to explain; it ought to have empirical reference. The null hypothesisrepresents a theory that has been hints, either as a result of its believed to be true or as a result of its to be used asa basis for argument, however has not been tried. Has serious outcome if incorrect call is made! The alternative hypothesisis an announcement of what a hypothesis take a look at is about up to ascertain. Opposite of Null Hypothesis. Only reached if H0is rejected. Frequently â€Å"alternative†is actual desired conclusion of the researcher! The method of hypothesis testing is summarized in four steps. we are going to describe every of those four steps in larger detail in Section eight.2. 1. To begin, we have a tendency to establish a hypothesis or claim that we have a tendency to feel ought to be tested. for instance, wed need to check the claim that the mean range of hours that kids within the us watch TV is three hours. 2. We have a tendency to choose a criterion upon that we have a tendency to decide that the claim being tested is true or not. for instance, the claim is that kids watch three hours of TV per week. Most samples we have a tendency to choose ought to have a mean near or up to  3 hours if the claim we have a tendency to square measure testing is true. therefore at what purpose can we decide that the discrepancy between the sample mean and three is therefore massive that the claim  we square measure testing is probably going not true? we have a tendency to answer this question during this step of hypothesis testing. 3. Choose a random sample from the population and live the sample mean. for instance, we have a tendency to might choose twenty kids and live the time unit (in hours) that they watch TV per week. 4. Compare what we have a tendency to observe within the sample to what we have a tendency to expect to watch if  the claim we have a tendency to square measure testing is true. we have a tendency to expect the sample mean to be around  3 hours. If the discrepancy between the sample mean and population mean is tiny, then {we will|well|we square measure going to} possible decide that the claim we have a tendency to are testing is so true. If the discrepancy is simply too giant, then we are going to possible conceive to reject the claim as being not true. The method of hypothesis testing is summarized in four steps. we are going to describe every of those four steps in larger detail in Section eight.2. 1. To begin, we have a tendency to establish a hypothesis or claim that we have a tendency to feel ought to be tested. for instance, wed need to check the claim that the mean range of hours that kids within the us watch TV is three hours. 2. we have a tendency to choose a criterion upon that we have a tendency to decide that the claim being tested is true or not. for instance, the claim is that kids watch three hours of TV per week. Most samples we have a tendency to choose ought to have a mean near or up to  3 hours if the claim we have a tendency to square measure testing is true. therefore at what purpose can we decide that the discrepancy between the sample mean and three is therefore massive that the claim  we square measure testing is probably going not true? we have a tendency to answer this question during this step of hypothesis testing. 3. choose a random sample from the population and live the sample mean. for instance, we have a tendency to might choose twenty kids and live the time unit (in hours) that they watch TV per week. 4. Compare what we have a tendency to observe within the sample to what we have a tendency to expect to watch if  the claim we have a tendency to square measure testing is true. we have a tendency to expect the sample mean to be around  3 hours. If the discrepancy between the sample mean and population mean is tiny, then {we will|well|we square measure going to} possible decide that the claim we have a tendency to are testing is so true. If the discrepancy is simply too giant, then we are going to possible conceive to reject the claim as being not true. Step 2: Set the standards for a choice. to line the standards for a choice, we have a tendency to state the extent of significance for a take a look at. this can be the same as the criterion that jurors use during a criminal trial. Jurors decide whether or not the proof bestowed shows guilt on the far side an affordable doubt (this is that the criterion). Likewise, in hypothesis testing, we have a tendency to collect information to point out that the null hypothesis isnt true, supported the probability of choosing a sample mean from a population (the likelihood is that the criterion). The probability or level of significance is often set at five-hitter in activity analysis studies. once the chance of getting a sample mean is a smaller amount than five-hitter if the null hypothesis were true, then we have a tendency to conclude that the sample we have a tendency to designated is simply too unlikely and then we have a tendency to reject the null hypothesis. Level of significance, or significance level, refers to a criterion of judgment upon that a choice is created relating to the worth explicit during a null hypothesis. The criterion relies on the chance of getting a data point measured during a sample if the worth explicit within the null hypothesis were true. In activity science, the criterion or level of significance is often set at five-hitter. once the chance of getting a sample mean is a smaller amount than five-hitter if the null hypothesis were true, then we have a tendency to reject the worth explicit within the null hypothesis. The alternative hypothesis establishes wherever to position the extent of significance. keep in mind that we all know that the sample mean can equal the population mean on the average if the null hypothesis is true. All alternative doable values of the sample mean square measure commonly distributed (central limit theorem). The empirical rule tells U.S.A. that a minimum of ninety fifth of all sample suggests that fall inside concerning two customary deviations (SD) of the population mean, that means that theres but a five-hitter chance of getting a  sample mean thats on the far side two South Dakota from the population mean. For the youngsters  watching TV example, we are able to seek for the chance of getting a sample mean  beyond two South Dakota within the higher tail (greater than 3), the lower tail (less than 3), or both  tails (not up to 3). Figure 8.2 shows that the choice hypothesis is employed to  determine that tail or tails to position the extent of significance for a hypothesis take a look at. Step 3: reckon the take a look at data point. Suppose we have a tendency to live a sample mean up to  4 hours per week that kids watch TV. to form a choice, wed like to judge  how possible this sample outcome is, if the population mean explicit by the null  hypothesis (3 hours per week) is true. we have a tendency to use a take a look at data point to work out this  likelihood. Specifically, a take a look at data point tells U.S.A. however so much, or what number customary  deviations, a sample mean is from the population mean. The larger the worth of the  test data point, the any the space, or range of normal deviations, a sample  mean is from the population mean explicit within the null hypothesis. the worth of the  test data point is employed to form a choice in Step four. The take a look at data point may be a mathematical formula that permits researchers to  determine the probability of getting sample outcomes if the null hypothesis  were true. the worth of the take a look at data point is employed to form a choice relating to  the null hypothesis. Step 4: build a choice. we have a tendency to use the worth of the take a look at data point to form a choice  about the null hypothesis. the choice relies on the chance of getting a  sample mean, only if the worth explicit within the null hypothesis is true. If the chance of getting a sample mean is a smaller amount than five-hitter once the null hypothesis is true, then the choice is to reject the null hypothesis. If the chance of getting a sample mean is bigger than five-hitter once the null hypothesis is true, then the choice is to retain the null hypothesis. In sum, there square measure 2 choices a research worker will make: 1. Reject the null hypothesis. The sample mean is related to an occasional chance of prevalence once the null hypothesis is true. 2. Retain the null hypothesis. The sample mean is related to a high chance of prevalence once the null hypothesis is true. The chance of getting a sample mean, only if the worth explicit within the null hypothesis is true, is explicit by the p worth. The p worth may be a probability: It varies between zero and one and may neer be negative. In Step 2, we have a tendency to explicit the criterion or chance of getting a sample mean at that purpose we are going to conceive to reject the worth explicit within the null hypothesis, that is often set at five-hitter in activity analysis. to form a choice, we have a tendency to compare the p worth to the criterion we have a tendency to set in Step two. A p worth is that the chance of getting a sample outcome, only if the worth explicit within the null hypothesis is true. The p worth for getting a sample outcome is compared to the extent of significance. Significance, or applied mathematics significance, describes a choice created regarding a worth explicit within the null hypothesis. once the null hypothesis is rejected, we have a tendency to reach significance. once the null hypothesis is preserved, we have a tendency to fail to achieve significance. When the p worth is a smaller amount than five-hitter (p < .05), we have a tendency to reject the null hypothesis. we are going to talk over with p < .05 because the criterion for deciding to reject the null hypothesis, though note that once p = .05, the choice is additionally to reject the null hypothesis. When the  p worth is bigger than five-hitter (p > .05), we have a tendency to retain the null hypothesis. the choice to reject or retain the null hypothesis is named significance.

On the Virtues of Private Property in Locke and Rousseau Essay

On the Virtues of Private Property in Locke and Rousseau John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau, following their predecessor Thomas Hobbes, both attempt to explain the development and dissolution of society and government. They begin, as Hobbes did, by defining the â€Å"state of nature†Ã¢â‚¬â€a time before man found rational thought. In the Second Treatise[1] and the Discourse on Inequality[2], Locke and Rousseau, respectively, put forward very interesting and different accounts of the state of nature and the evolution of man, but the most astonishing difference between the two is their conceptions of property. Both correctly recognize the origin of property to be grounded in man’s natural desire to improve his life, but they differ in their description of the result of such a desire. Locke sees the need and purpose of society to protect property as something sacred to mankind, while Rousseau sees property as the cause of the corruption and eventual downfall of society. Although Rousseau raises interesting and appl icable observations, Locke’s argument triumphs because he successfully shows the positive and essential effect of property on man. In order to examine either philosopher’s views on property and its origins, it is necessary to go back to the beginning of human development, as it were, and discuss their different conceptions of the state of nature. As opposed to Hobbes whose vision of the state of nature was a state of war, Locke’s state of nature is a time of peace and stability. â€Å"We must consider what State all Men are naturally in, and that is, a State of perfect Freedom†¦A State also of Equality, wherein all the Power and Jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another.† (Locke, Second Tre... ... we have can never be a negative. However, Rousseau’s vision of ambition being the downfall of society is flawed. Individuals may be corrupted and may fall, but innovation improves greater society more than it hurts it. Locke successfully argued this, and is further shown to be on the mark by how much his vision resembles our present day society in comparison to Rousseau’s predictions. [1] Locke, John. The Second Treatise. Ed. Peter Laslett. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1988. [2] Rousseau, Jean Jacque. Discourse on Inequality. Ed. Victor Gourevitch. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1997. [3] All text citations for Second Treatise will be given in the format of â€Å"chapter.paragraph†. [4] All text citations for Discourse on Inequality (also called the Second Discourse) will be given in the format of â€Å"part.paragraph†. On the Virtues of Private Property in Locke and Rousseau Essay On the Virtues of Private Property in Locke and Rousseau John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau, following their predecessor Thomas Hobbes, both attempt to explain the development and dissolution of society and government. They begin, as Hobbes did, by defining the â€Å"state of nature†Ã¢â‚¬â€a time before man found rational thought. In the Second Treatise[1] and the Discourse on Inequality[2], Locke and Rousseau, respectively, put forward very interesting and different accounts of the state of nature and the evolution of man, but the most astonishing difference between the two is their conceptions of property. Both correctly recognize the origin of property to be grounded in man’s natural desire to improve his life, but they differ in their description of the result of such a desire. Locke sees the need and purpose of society to protect property as something sacred to mankind, while Rousseau sees property as the cause of the corruption and eventual downfall of society. Although Rousseau raises interesting and appl icable observations, Locke’s argument triumphs because he successfully shows the positive and essential effect of property on man. In order to examine either philosopher’s views on property and its origins, it is necessary to go back to the beginning of human development, as it were, and discuss their different conceptions of the state of nature. As opposed to Hobbes whose vision of the state of nature was a state of war, Locke’s state of nature is a time of peace and stability. â€Å"We must consider what State all Men are naturally in, and that is, a State of perfect Freedom†¦A State also of Equality, wherein all the Power and Jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another.† (Locke, Second Tre... ... we have can never be a negative. However, Rousseau’s vision of ambition being the downfall of society is flawed. Individuals may be corrupted and may fall, but innovation improves greater society more than it hurts it. Locke successfully argued this, and is further shown to be on the mark by how much his vision resembles our present day society in comparison to Rousseau’s predictions. [1] Locke, John. The Second Treatise. Ed. Peter Laslett. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1988. [2] Rousseau, Jean Jacque. Discourse on Inequality. Ed. Victor Gourevitch. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1997. [3] All text citations for Second Treatise will be given in the format of â€Å"chapter.paragraph†. [4] All text citations for Discourse on Inequality (also called the Second Discourse) will be given in the format of â€Å"part.paragraph†.

Stolen :: essays research papers

Jimmy and Ruby are the most obvious victims in Stolen, but all suffer in their different ways. Discuss The most obvious victims in a tragedy like the Stolen generation are those in whom the pain and suffering endured is visible to all. Jane Harrison’s ‘Stolen’ presents Ruby and Jimmy as the most obvious victims but not necessarily the greatest, as may be naively assumed. The remaining characters, Anne, Shirley and Sandy all suffer huge depths of despair, yet their suffering appears to lessen to some degree in the eyes of the viewer/reader due to their hope, determination and stability which in some ways assist them in attempting to resolve their problems and become reunited with their loved ones. The physical and sexual abuse experienced by Ruby and Jimmy is horrifying and obviously very visible to others. The loss that Ruby and Jimmy suffered was a loss of dignity and to the extent that they were both unable to keep fighting â€Å"I just can’t [fight] no more† or hold on to any hope of reuniting with their families because their pain was too great â€Å"they stuck a knife into me heart† The children were deceived with the hopes of being cared for â€Å"matron said they’re gunna take one of us home† and when they understood the truth they were disheartened and lost in silence â€Å" I promised not to tell† Jimmy and Ruby both led very tragic lives by the closing scene of the play, implying that perhaps they are the greatest sufferers because of their obvious pain. Jimmy the playful young boy has had his heart ripped apart by the hope â€Å"I’m finally gunna meet my mother† of finally reconnecting with his mum and the despair of her death, and takes his own life as a melancholy eccentric prison inmate â€Å"I’m going now, to be with my mother† Unlike Jimmy, Ruby has the chance to be with her family again, â€Å" Sis, we’ve come to take you home† but her mental and emotional state is beyond repair after the damage done to her, â€Å" don’t live in no home anymore† In â€Å"Ruby’s family come to visit† it appears Ruby is inevitably set to live a lonely and disjointed life†¦if she continues to even have the strength or will to live. A victim of loss, like Ruby, Shirley speaks on behalf of both children and mothers who have lost the family because of the ‘welfare’ system.

During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar Essay

During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon. Thorough out the kingdom of Nepal the goddess Durga in all her manifestations are worshiped with innumerable pujas, abundant offerings and thousands of animal sacrifices for the ritual holy bathing, thus drenching the goddess for days in blood. Dashain commemorates a great victory of the gods over the wicked demons. One of the victory stories told is the Ramayan, where the lord Ram after a big struggle slaughtered Ravana, the fiendish king of demons. It is said that lord Ram was successful in the battle only when goddess Durga was evoked. The main celebration glorifies the triumph of good over evil and is symbolized by goddess Durga slaying the terrible demon Mahisasur, who terrorised the earth in the guise of a brutal water buffalo. The first nine days signify the nine days of ferrous battle between goddess Durga and the demon Mahisasur. The tenth day is the day when Mahisasur was slain and the last five days symbolise the celebration of the victory with the blessing of the goddess. Dashain is celebrated with great rejoice, and goddess Durga is worshiped throughout the kingdom as the divine mother goddess. In preparation for Dashain every home is cleansed and beautifully decorated, painted as an invitation to the mother goddess, so that she may visit and bless the house with good fortune. During this time the reunion of distant and nearby relatives occur in every household. The market is filled with shoppers seeking new clothing, gifts, luxuries and enormous supplies of temple offering for the gods, as well as foodstuffs for the family feasting. Thousands of sheep, goats, ducks, chicken and water buffalo are prepared for the great slaughter. All types of organisations are closed for ten to fifteen days. Labourers are almost impossible to find; from the poor to the rich, all enjoy the festive mood. Anywhere you go the aroma of ‘Vijaya Dashami’ is found. The first nine days of Dashain are called nawa ratri when tantric rites are conducted. In Nepal the life force is embodied in the divine energy and power of the female, depicted as goddess Durga in her many forms. All goddess who emanated from goddess Durga are known as devis, each with different aspects and powers. In most mother goddess temples the deity is represented simply as a sacred Kalash, carved water jug or multiple handed goddess holding murderous weapons. During these nine days people pay their homage to the goddess. If she is properly worshiped and pleased good fortunes are on the way and if angered through neglect then misfortunes are around the corner. Mother goddess is the source of life and everything. The first day of Dashain is called Ghatasthapana, which literally means pot establishing. On this day the kalash, (holy water vessel) symbolising goddess Durga often with her image embossed on the side is placed in the prayer room. The kalash is filled with holy water and covered with cowdung on to which seeds are sown. A small rectangular sand block is made and the kalash is put in the centre. The surrounding bed of sand is also seeded with grains. The ghatasthapana ritual is performed at a certain auspicious moment determined by the astrologers. At that particular moment the priest intones a welcome, requesting goddess Durga to bless the vessel with her presence. The room where the kalash is established is called ‘Dashain Ghar’. Generally women are not allowed to enter the room where Dashain puja is being carried out. A priest or a household man worships the kalash everyday once in the morning and then in the evening. The kalash and the sand are sprinkled with holy water everyday and it is shielded from direct sunlight. By the tenth day, the seed will have grown to five or six inches long yellow grass. The sacred yellow grass is called ‘Jamara’. It is bestowed by the elders atop the heads of those younger to them during the last five days when tika is put on. The jamara is taken as a token of Goddess Durga as well as the elders blessing. As days passes by regular rituals are observed till the seventh day. The seventh day is called ‘Fulpati’. On this day the jamara to be used by the royal household is brought from their ancestral royal house in Gorkha about a hundred and sixty nine kilometres away over the hills north west of the valley of Kathmandu. A parade is held in the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace. The fulpati, i. e. the procession bearing the jamara and other items necessary for the tika, is brought from Gorkha after a three day walk and most of the government officials are eagerly waiting for the fulpati parade to arrive at Rani Phokari in the afternoon. Rani Phokari area is filled with hundreds of government officials meticulously attired in the traditional formal dress. In fulpati, the royal kalash filled with holy water, banana stalks, jamara and sugar cane tied with red cloth is carried by Brahmans from the ancestral royal house on a decorated palanquin under a gold tipped and embroidered umbrella, led by the military platoon of the royal priest. The government officials also join the fulpati parade. Whilst the fulpati parade is heading towards the old royal palace, His Majesty the King observes the ceremonies taking place in Tundikhel, the army parade ground in the center of the city. There a majestic display of the Royal Nepalese Army is held. Guns are fired and the entire valley echoes with the resonance sound of it. The firing continues for ten to fifteen minutes to honour the fulpati. By the time the function ends the royal fulpati is already taken inside the Dashain ghar in Hanuman Dhoka Palace. With this the Dashain feasting starts. The eighth day is called the ‘Maha Asthami’. The fervour of worship and sacrifice to Durga and Kali increases. On this day many orthodox Hindus will be fasting. Sacrifices are held in almost every house through out the day. The night of the eighth day is called ‘Kal Ratri’, the dark night. Hundreds of goats, sheep and buffaloes are sacrificed at the mother goddess temples. In the darkness of the night Durga temples, army barracks, and old palaces all over Nepal hold sacrifices for the mother goddess. The sacrifice continues till dawn. The old palace in Basantapur Hanuman Dhoka, is active throughout the night with worships in almost every courtyard. While the puja is being carried out great feasts are held in the homes of common people where large amount of meat are consumed. The ninth day is called ‘Nawami’. The Taleju temple at Hanuman Dhoka is opened for the public only once a year on this day. Thousands of people go and pay their respect to the goddess day. Temples of mother goddess are filled with people from dawn till dusk. On this day the official military sacrifices are held in the ‘Kot’ courtyard at Hanuman Dhoka. The government allows foreigners to witness this function so hundreds of tourists and diplomats eagerly gather here. Animals mostly black buffaloes are slaughtered by hundreds to honour Durga the goddess of victory and might and to seek her blessing. Military bands play war tunes, guns boom and officers with beautifully decorated medals in full uniform stand there. When the function ends the courtyard is filled ankle deep with blood. On this very day the god Vishwas Karma, the God of creativity is also worshiped. All factories, vehicles, any machinery instruments and anything from which we make a living are worshiped. We also give sacrifices to all moving machinery like cars, aeroplanes, trucks etc. to get the blessing from goddess Durga for protection for vehicles and their occupants against accidents during the year. The entire day is colourful. The tenth day is the ‘Dashami’. On this day we take tika and jamara from our elders and receive their blessing. We visit our elders in their home and get tika from them while our younger ones come to our home to receive blessing from us. The importance of Dasain also lies in the fact that on this day family members from far off and distant relatives come for a visit as well as to receive tika from the head of the family. This function continues for four days. His Majesty also receives tika from the royal priests and then gives on tika to his loyal subjects. Thousands of loyal Nepalese people as well as foreigners also receive tika from His Majesty the King as this is said to be auspicious. After four days of rushing around and meeting your relatives Dashain ends on the full moon day, the fifteenth day. In the last day people stay at home and rest. The full moon day is also called ‘Kojagrata’ meaning ‘who is awake’. The Hindu goddess of wealth Laxmi is worshipped. On this day the goddess Laxmi is given an invitation to visit each and everyone. After Dashain the nation settles back to normal. After receiving the blessing of goddess Durga, people are ready to work and acquire virtue, power and wealth. Dashain thus is not only the longest festival but also the most anticipated one among all the festivals of Nepal.

Peaceful and Happy Personality, Positive Lifestyle Essay

They promote the utmost understanding of the present rather than dealing with the past. Since they give importance to the dealings of their spontaneous actions, they let go of their subconscious dealing with the environment. In having this kind of belief, Zen Buddhists kind of meditation promotes focusing on the inner strength of the present to give them a more valuable interpretation of their own experiences. It emphasizes dharma practices for them to awaken their spiritual factor thriving in them. To attain further discovery of their self, they must submit themselves in the understanding of their present state of being. Zen Buddhism discourages the strong association of their life to written texts and oral tradition of answering metaphysical matter. They promote this kind of belief for them to be able to address the limitations of their actions and for them to attest their discipline and hold to their own teachings. Many had been practicing this kind of religion because of its simplicity but complex understanding of the complex flow of their life. Since they do not hold many teachings on the philosophical written documents, many said that this kind of practice is against the law of words and against the theoretical framework of many religions existing today. This kind of belief of Zen Buddhism lead to their diverse understanding of their situation thus giving them a perspective of life and its attached meaning to their personal events and perspective to the kind of perception that they have. Taking the beliefs of Zen Buddhism, it is important to see it as an â€Å"influence† to the environment, positively or negatively, in which a person belongs. Therefore, through the collective efforts of the Buddhists, as they have made an impression to the people, they have gained this special discipline that allows them to live in a simple way without to many needs and frustrations in life. It advocates the pursuit a non-greed life in human pursuits in a non-violent way. (De Silva, 1992) They like being quiet and avoid noises for it distracts the meditation of the soul. So, this values practice helps them to reach their goal of a peaceful and a suffering-less life. Since they give importance to their peaceful way of life, they believed that through this, they can have a good personality especially in interacting with other members of the society. Although some of them chose to stay far away from people to avoid distractions, many of them still wants to influence other people by showing them how to be a real Zen Buddhist. And because of this, they become happier in dealing with their everyday experience. By looking at them in the society, they tend to have more stable emotional attachments because of the training that they have in their religion. If we will merge the idea of Zen Buddhism and their teachings, we can notice their emotion in their dealings with everyday’s scenario. Since they have the meditation and focus on the present situation of their life, in effect, they developed system of interaction that promotes same way of living with the teachings of their religion. In this way, Zen Buddhist keeps their focus on conscious thinking with regards to their experiences. In addition to that, Zen Buddhists have different meanings on their personal choices and perception to any problem that they may encounter. At this point, Zen Buddhists attained a certain level of acceptance and happiness to deal with their life and to give positive meanings to their endeavors and suffering. This attitude in life constitutes not only our perception but also our actions in dealing with other people and into different situation. Through their teaching of not only what is good and bad but on how to live your life to be able to be good, we can see the varying result. Buddhists are calmer and quieter in dealing even with the most pressure driven situation in life. They do not resort to any kind of violence in solving conflicts that arisen, but rather chose to a peaceful negotiation and trust to the capabilities of a human soul. This is one of their practices in relation to karma, or the fruit of their actions. Believing that if they do good, something good will happen to them.