Suicide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Suicide - Essay Example A number of suicides are caused by depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other types of mental illness (Caruso). Various bitter experiences of life result in depression (Caruso). These depressions when unaccompanied by effective treatment give way to suicide cases (Caruso). Many a times people revealing no signs of undergoing negative life experiences are found to commit suicide which may be due to genetic factors (Caruso). Merely one single factor does not generally prompt one to attempt suicide (Caruso). The convergence of various factors together lead to the taking of such a fatal decision (Caruso). Among the umpteenth number of causes leading to suicide, some can be the death of a loved one, a divorce, separation, or breakup of a relationship, losing custody of children, or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair, a serious loss, such as a loss of a job, house, or money, a serious illness, a terminal illness, a serious accident, chronic physical pain, intense emotional pain, loss of hope, being victimized (domestic violence, rape, assault, etc), physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, unresolved abuse (of any kind) from the past, feeling â€Å"trapped† in a situation perceived as negative, feeling that things will never â€Å"get better†, feeling helpless, serious legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or incarceration, feeling â€Å"taken advantage of†, inability to deal with a perceived â€Å"humiliating† situation, inability to deal with a perceived â€Å"failure†, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, a feeling of not being accep ted by family, friends, or society, a horrible disappointment, feeling like one has not lived up to his or her high expectations or those of another, bullying (adults, as well as children, can be bullied), low sel-esteem (Caruso). The alarmingly rising numbers of adolescent-suicides have revealed the various causes of such incidents such as academic, social and

Ethics in Noble Truth and Eightfold Path Essay Example for Free

Ethics in Noble Truth and Eightfold Path Essay In this paper I will be discussing the concept of the four noble truths and eightfold path within the Buddhist religion. The four noble truths do not give concrete answers to metaphysical questions, unlike other religions. Buddhism teaches human existence is imperfect and the four noble truths are a guide to help steer away from suffering. The four noble truths are important to Buddhist ethics in that they are the way to nirvana and enlightenment. The first noble truth is life is suffering. To live means to suffer and since it is human nature, no one is perfect in any shape or form. While we develop, we inevitably have to endure physical and psychological suffering sooner or later. Each of us, no matter how rich or poor, is going to get sick, grow old, and die. Nothing is permanent, nothing can permanently satisfy us. â€Å" Any aspect of life, no matter how seemingly pleasant, already has the seeds of the suffering that is a common denominator of all human experience† (Young) This is because things change and pass away; everything and everyone we love will someday pass away. The Buddha also taught the reason behind the suffering that individuals experience. The second noble truth is suffering is caused by craving. â€Å"We suffer because our craving leads us to become attached to things or people and deluded as to the real nature of our situation in life (Young). † As long as we are unable to detach of moral pleasures, we will experience suffering. One must learn to overcome these greed, aversion, hatred, jealousy, etc. These conditions are always in hand with society, family, and within one’s self. Recognizing and understanding the second noble truth gives way to the freedom from suffering. The third noble truth is cessation of suffering. It is the complete fading-away and extinction of this craving, its forsaking and abandonment, liberation from it, detachment from it†(welsh). This may be the most significant of all the noble truths, as it reassures us that true happiness is possible. When individuals give up useless cravings and learn to live each day to the fullest, enjoying what each day brings with no expectations, they are able to live a free life. Nirvana arises when an individual becomes free of all sufferings, and eliminates cravings. When an individual is able to attain nirvana, they are able to move on to the next noble truth. The forth noble truth is the means to liberation. This noble truth teaches how to remove all suffering from your life, and explains the various levels of achieving such. So, first of all, in order to gain the good qualities, we need to work on creating all the different conditions that will make those qualities emerge. To develop the various insights of meditation and real wisdom, we need to develop great faith and confidence in the validity and usefulness of that wisdom. Buddhist needs to change their habits so that they have the ability to do all the necessities to make insight and wisdom emerge. Therefore, there are many factors and conditions we must generate within our life that will bring about our happiness. The guide to peace and the end suffering is the eightfold path. The eightfold path is a guideline to ethical teachings and growth of an individual. The goal is to free believers from attachments and ultimately leads to understanding. â€Å" â€Å"Everyone should attempt to live by the eightfold path, and (theoretically) enlightenment is open to anyone, regardless of caste, gender, or whether lay or ordained. † Young. The Eightfold Path consists of three components: wisdom (prajna ): (1) right views and (2) right intention; morality (sila ): (3) right speech, (4) right conduct, and(5) right livelihood; and concentration (samadhi ): (6) right effort, (7) right mindfulness, and (8) right concentration. (Deal). The eightfold path is the way to avoid self-denial and self-indulgence considered the middle way. The first step in the eightfold path is the right view, which falls under the category of wisdom. The right view means understanding the four noble truths and grasping the nature of objects and ideas. Right view is attained, sustained, and enhanced through all capacities of mind. It begins with the insight that all beings are subject to suffering and it ends with complete understanding of the true nature of all things. The second step, which also falls under the component of wisdom, is correct intention. This refers to abandoning one’s own thoughts and desires. This is the step of the eightfold path that one must give up selfish attitudes that lead to more suffering and replace them with the opposite. â€Å"The point is not to nattached from oneself to a particular person but with a caring attitude, but to practice a â€Å"universal goodwill† young† The third step is correct speech. This means to tell the truth, to speak friendly and to talk only when necessary. †Man’s speech must be the truth, his conversation must be edifying and he must not engage in scandal gossip. One should take control with one’s word not only for the sake of truth but to demonstrate control and discipline. † Right speech can be seen as an ethical conduct in Buddhism. The forth step in the eightfold path is that of correct conduct. Young mentions that unwholesome actions lead to unsound states of mind, while wholesome actions lead to sound states of mind. â€Å" Not taking life, not stealing and not having sexual intercourse† (Van Voorst). It is important in Buddhism to concentrate on actions that will help the well beings of others. The fifth step is the right means to livelihood. This path represents earning an honest living. An occupation that is against the other steps of the eightfold path is in return against right livelihood. One should acquire only by legal means, not by illegally; one should acquire it peacefully, without coercion or violence; one should acquire it honestly, not by trickery or deceit; and one should acquire it in ways which do not entail harm and suffering. † (Bodhi) Selling of weapons would be an example of wrong in this religion as the consequences of weapons can cause harm to others. The sixth step in the eightfold path is right endeavor. This step is very important, as it is a necessity to put a conscious effort in what we do. Without right effort less would be able to get achieved. â€Å" Avoiding any sort of unwholesome action that will have a negative karmic influence, and pursuing beneficial deeds. †(Young) being aware of your own mind and not to have a mind that is diluted. This brings us to our next step, the seventh step, which is right mindfulness. This step in the eightfold path refers to the ability to see things without any delusions. â€Å" Right mindfulness refers to the deep, ultimately non-dual, understanding of the body, feelings, mind, and experienced things†(Koller. In the step being consciously aware of all that is that is going on with ones mind and body. Van Voorst states, â€Å" To remain focused on the body in and of itself- he is fervent, aware and mindful- putting away the greed and distress of the world. This step helps to actively observe and control our thoughts. The eighth step in the eightfold path is correct meditation. Once at the stage nirvana is at hand and, in a flash of intuition that state of final bliss dawns† (Young) This step leads to developing a deep insight into reality and the ability to be able to apply levels of concentration regularly. We see by the study of the noble truths and the eightfold path that Buddhist put great emphasis on the practices that they follow in order to reach nirvana. The noble truths and the eightfold path are essentially the ethics of the religion. The foundation of the path is moral virtue. Buddhist ethics is concerned with the practices that contribute to a believer to act in ways that help rather then harm. By following the noble truths and the eightfold path Buddhist are able to reach the goal of nirvana and non-attachment.

Stonehenge Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are few ancient structures in the world that captivate the imagination and the critical mind of both the scholarly and ordinary individual as Stonehenge. This intriguingly mysterious Neolithic monument is located near Amesbury in Wiltshire, England and draws thousands of spectators to its arena each year. The oldest part of Stonehenge, called Stonehenge I (constructed ca. 3100 BCE), consists of little more than a circular ditch dug in the soil of the Salisbury plain, with the excess soil piled up to make an embankment approximately six feet tall. This area is approximately three hundred thirty feet in diameter, and encompasses â€Å"Stonehenge proper† – the familiar circles of massive stones that once stood upright as well as the large horseshoe arrangement of standing stones near the center of Stonehenge. (Trefil 48) The outer ring of Stonehenge proper, also known as the â€Å"sarsen circle,† consists of several upright sarsen (gray sandstone) stones. According to the text of Art History, each stone in this circle weighs up to fifty tons and stands up to twenty feet tall, and was once â€Å"capped by a continuous lintel.† To accomplish this architectural structure, the builders used the technique of mortise-and-tendon joints to join and ensure the security of the lintel sections. With this technique, a projecting pin (tenon) located on a lintel fits tightly into a hole designed for it (mortise) on an upright stone. (Stokstad 59) Inside the sarsen circle was once a ring of bluestones. These special stones consisted of various grades of bluish dolerite, which (many individuals conclude) were only found one hundred fifty miles away in the mountains of southern Wales. The inner horseshoe arrangement of five paired lintel-topped uprights, or trilithons, dominates the center of Stonehenge. These sandstone trilithons range in height of up to twenty-four feet, weigh up to forty-five tons, and radiate the mysterious majesty of the megalithic structure. (Stokstad 59) Whatever the method by which the stones arrived on Salisbury Plain, they were apparently set up in about 2800-2700 BCE in either the unfinished circle or the incomplete horseshoe open to the south-west. A century or so later, (ca. 2500 BCE) the great sarsen circle was constructed, and the bluestones were dragged from their holes only to be returned some centuries later to form the i... ...few miles from Stonehenge where there was a convenient glacial deposit of the only stones used for Stonehenge. (Burl 22) However, the view remains that the massive stones of Stonehenge were, indeed, transported hundreds of miles to Salisbury Plain. Assuming that the bluestones were brought from Wales by hand and not transported by glaciers as Aubrey Burl has claimed (or moved by the magical hand of Merlin), various methods of moving them relying only on wood and rope have been suggested. During 2001, in an exercise of experimental archaeology, an attempt was made to transport a large stone along a land and sea route from Wales to Stonehenge. Volunteers successfully pulled the massive stone on a wooden sled over land, but it was ultimately lost in rough seas after being moved to a replica prehistoric boat for its journey across the Bristol Channel. (Burl 21) As we have observed, legends about the origin and purpose of Stonehenge are many in number. It is quite possible that we may never discover the truth behind the mysterious circles of stones on Salisbury Plain, yet it is also true that the intrigue and fascination that accompanies the existence of Stonehenge will surely remain.

Educational psychology Essay

Education is essential to the success of the individual and communities. Public schools are charged with the responsibility of preparing students for college/university; while college/university are expected to prepare students for the work force. An inclusive approach to teaching; learning and assessment is forseen in the ‘The Revised National Curriculum Statement’, as part of this result we as teachers need to address barriers that learners may experience. As teachers we will only succeed in doing this if we are aware of social; emotional; physical as well as other barriers our students may experience. The success or failure of individual students depends on their ability to learn, it’s also important to remember that barriers don’t necessarily exist all the time(or from the get go), but can occur suddenly due to change in circumstances; emotional trauma as well as a variety of other factors. BARRIERS TO LEARNING CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 4GROUPS MAINLY: 1. SYSTEMIC BARRIERS 2. SOCIETAL BARRIERS 3. PEDAGOGICAL BARRIERS 4. MEDICAL BARRIERS The above mentioned barriers are not a complete account of all barriers students can experience, for example: Down ; Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; . Autism; Cerebral Palsy or Epilepsy, to name but a few. I will go on to explain in only a few short sentences which each of the above mentioned barriers entails: 1. SYSTEMIC BARRIERS There are a few problems in our educational system that can contribute to conditions that may cause barriers to learning: Lack of basic and appropriate learning material; Lack of assistive devices; inadequate facilities in schools; overcrowded classrooms as well as lack of mother-tongue speakers. We as future teachers have to try get the necessary resources even though the inadequate number of schools and available classrooms restricts the effort to supply in the need for education. I as a teacher would look into starting charity fundraisers even getting the children involved in order to get the necessary funds to help my school with the lack of resources etc. The language of teaching and learning, can be a barrier seeing as some parents cannot read or write the language of teaching, they are not equipped to assist with homework or projects . As a teacher I would try to start an afterschool programme in which students can ask for help with certain homework or projects they may experience problems with. 2. SOCIETAL BARRIERS Includes Sever Poverty; Late Enrolment; gangs/violence at home or in neighbourhoods; gender issues in cultural groups and societies. I will go on to discuss Severe Poverty which is a large barrier to learning (in any country) but in S. A in particular. If students don’t have access to their basic needs such as: nutrition; shelter; water; electricity; toilets; transport and basic medical treatment. As teachers we should take an interest in each childs circumstances and recognise particular problems, be able to take on a role as caregiver; teacher and counsellor and always offer our help where we can. We also cannot have negative attitudes because it can be harmful to or students, by not having a negative attitude we help our students build self-esteem and confidence in being able to complete activities without having fear of rejection or labelling. As teachers we should be well educated about the pandemic HIV-AIDS, I as teacher will make sure I understand and have the necessary skills and knowledge to be of help to my students whom have been diagnosed. I will also incorporate a week in my curriculum to dedicate to HIV-AIDS to my students in which I will have them do some research and I will explain the necessary knowledge my students need to know, and by so doing reduce the chances of my students being discriminated or labelled. 3. PEDIGOGICAL BARRIERS Insufficient support of educators; inappropriate and unfair assessment procedures and inflexible curriculums. Seeing guidance regarding inclusive assessment methods is given in the ‘Guidelines Document’, which was published in ‘National Department in Education in June;2002’; states that the curriculum can be very inflection in nature and not meet the diverse needs of all learners. Therefore I as a teacher would ensure that all learning styles are accommodated in my classroom. Ensure that my students  will be allowed to work at their own pace which in turn will also make no child feel left behind and faster students impatient, I will also ensure that no learner is excluded from any subjects based on gender; religion; and physical disability. 4. MEDICAL BARRIERS Sadly there are more than 4000 medical causes of disabilities in learners. To name but a few: sensory disabilities; neurological disabilities; physical disabilities and cognitive disabilities. As a teacher I would pay special attention to my learners as well as observe them closely in order to diagnose a problem as soon as possible. As a teacher I will always maintain an organised classroom, be prepared with a clear vision of what I would like to achieve on a specific day as well as have a ruff plan of what I would like to achieve in a year. I will ensure that my students will always know their routine and what I expect of them. My classroom will be a safe and supportive environment.. I will make sure I’m able to adapt my teaching practice when necessary, I will also do my best at maintaining as flexible curriculum as possible. I will always keep learning and educating myself so as to be able to identify as well as understand barriers to learning; in turn making sure I have the necessary knowledge to to adapt my teaching and assessment methods, to assist each child with a barrier in my classroom, As a teacher in my community, I will pay attention to all the above mentioned barriers; make sure all students get the best education possible. I will be sensitive to my students needs as well as my communities needs. SOURCE: curriculum-wecape. school. za/resource_files/40112654_inclusive_eng_12-27. doc

Japanese Street Fashion

The beginning of the 21st century, it formed street fashion, a fashion style in which the wearer customizes outfits by adopting a mixture of current and traditional trends. At present, there are many styles of dress in Japan, created from a mix of both local and foreign labels. Some examples of popular styles are: Laity, Gaur and Decors fashion. Laity is a fashion subculture originating in Japan that is based on Victorian-era clothing. It is usually consisted of knee length skirt or dress with a cupcake† shape assisted by petticoats.Laity fashion has evolved into many different sub styles that are present in many parts of the world. The most popular sub categories are: gothic Laity, sweet Laity and the punk Laity. Laity has popularized by the more feminine visual eke or â€Å"visual style† artists. Visual eke is a fashion among Japanese musicians, who are usually male, featuring make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes Guar fashion is a type of Japanese str eet fashion that was popular in the sass, but shortly died out in the early sass.It is often portrayed as a sign of youth rebellion as it is the opposite of the traditional idea of beauty in Japan. Guar fashion is typically characterized by heavily bleached or dyed hair, highly decorated nails, and dramatic makeup. Popular sub categories include: Kangaroo, Him guar and Anne guar. The Decors style originated in the late ass and rose to great popularity both in and outside Japan. The clothes are usually in black, dark pink r baby pink and neon.A plain shirt and hooded are often worn with short tutu-like skirts. The most important part of the style is to pile on many layers of cute accessories until the clothes worn underneath are barely visible. Leg and arm warmers, knee socks, and many accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, lights, children's toys, mittens, face masks and sunglasses are worn atop each other in different layers. The style is worn to give the youthful and inn ocent image.

Bearing Arms Responsibly essays

Bearing Arms Responsibly essays Gun control is familiar to everyone in society, especially with our youth and it's become one of the most debatable issues in the prevailing society. America's youth seem to be more interested in the gun control issue than youth of previous generations; this is due to the recent tragic crimes that are being committed in schools, malls, places of business and homes. Although many try to argue for stricter gun laws, I feel that guns are only as bad as the person behind the trigger. Stricter gun laws will only drive guns in to the hands of criminals, and I believe that individual citizens have the right to bare arms and protect himself or herself and their property. The first rule of weapon safety is to never point a gun at anything you do not intend to kill. I feel most of the people who kill the innocent today do not truly understand what it means to take a life. This does not make guns bad, just a bunch of uneducated citizens with access to guns that will harm others just with a simple squeeze of a trigger. Educate the public better and get the youth more involved in hunting so that everyone understands the true meaning of taking a life, and the respect that one should have with the power that comes with that. This goes back to no gun has ever pulled its own trigger, just someone that was not capable of handling the firearm responsibly. Secondly, if gun laws become stricter you will only be driving criminals to go out and get deeper into running guns. When the government gets tighter on gun laws, the prices for firearms will only go up. With the market already flooded it just does not seem to be a realistic option at this point. So once again criminals will always find a way to get want they want no matter the cost. Finally, I feel as a citizen of the United States of America, I have the right to protect my family and my property. The government should not be allowed to regulate how I, as a private citizen, decide to arm m...

Alice Paul essays

Alice Paul essays Alice Paul did a lot for women by challenging laws to get equal rights for women. She protested like no one else ever had, was chairman in the National American Women's Suffrage Association (NAWSA), and founded the National Women's Party (NWP). Alice Paul even fought for her rights in prison; she is a very important part in women's history. If it wasn't for the things Alice Paul did for women, we probably would not have the rights we have today. She even worked very hard to write the Equal Rights Amendment. She was a very strong and dedicated woman. Alice Paul was born on January 11, 1885 in Moorestown, New Jersey. She attended Swarthmore College and graduated in 1905. After graduation she took the rest of the year to do graduate work at the New York School of Social Work. After that, she went to England in 1906 to continue her education in social work. She got her master's degree in 1907 from the University of Birmingham and London. She received her Ph.D. in 1912 from the University of Pennsylvania. While she was in England, she faced a difficult times but still managed to keep up her work in school and fight for what she thought was right, which started her journey and through some influences she joined the militant wing of the British Suffrage Movement. During her work in the British Suffrage Movement, Alice participated in protest for equal rights for women. When she was protesting outside Parliament and was arrested. In jail she went on a hunger strike and the guards tied her up and force fed her through a funnel. Still protesting she threw up everything they tried to feed her. While she was in there she met Lucy Burns, they did a little protesting together and were arrested together again. Alice returned to the U.S. in 1910 and Lucy also went but to Brooklyn in 1912. In 1912 Alice and Lucy met up and joined NAWSA, Alice was 26 at the time. In March of 1913 Alice Paul organized the biggest protest ever and marched from t...