Hum/105 World Mythology

Many volcanoes and mountains stretch across the world; however, all volcanoes and mountains are not considered sacred. Mount Fuji and Mauna Kea function as sacred places rich with mythical elements that have a functional role in culture, and are comparatively similar. Mount Fuji was once a sacred place only accessible to men for spiritual enlightenment, but is no longer strict on visitation. Although ceremonies remain held during climbing season to this day, many people view the ritual as more a cultural experience instead of a religious one. Japan has two other mountains, but neither is as sacred or rich with religious and mythological Japanese culture. Mount Fuji is one of the most sacred places in the Japanese culture. Every year thousands climb to the shrine every summer. Traditionally the climb to the shrine on the peak was a religious movement and women were not allowed to make the journey. This climb usually required the wearing of white robes (O'Meara, 2006). Today thousands come to climb generally during â€Å"climbing† season from July 1st to August 26th. Many believe that this place is very sacred and many believe it to be spiritual (O'Meara, 2006). People commonly believe that ascending this mountaintop is to bring luck and the more one climbs the better. The mythic belief retains empowerment because the mountain also serves as a national emblem (Leonard & McClure, 2004, p. 350). Some have climbed at least 100 times. At the start of each climbing season two religious sects hold sacred ceremonies to begin climbing season (O’Meara, 2006). Some have marathons ascending and descending the mountain. Many believe it to be unlucky to ascend any other sacred mountaintop. Climbing Mt. Fuji is one of religious tradition. Tradition states that the mountain is split into three parts from peak to base. The grassy areas represent the mundane world. The forest line represents the transient line between this world and the world of the gods. The burned areas with a thick layer of volcanic ash represent the realm of the gods and Buddha. The idea of ascending and descending the mountain represent travels between the world of the living and the dead. With each passage one could receive purity and have the sins of this world washed away (Fujisan, 2009). Shintoists believe Mount Fuji is sacred to the goddess Sengen-Sama. They also believe the mountain itself to be an embodiment of nature. Another religious sect believes that the mountain itself is a sacred being which contains a soul. The Buddhists believe the mountain is a gateway to another world (Sacred-Destinations, 2009). Mount Fuji is a sacred place and has been since the first inhabitants of Japan. Buddhists believe the mountain came to be around 286 BC after an earthquake that formed the mountain as well as the Lake Blwa, the largest lake in Japan (Sacred-Destinations, 2009). This mountain is a very sacred part of Japanese religion and for years people treated it as such. Today it is more of an attraction and the religious meaning has been lost a little. Mount Fuji seems to be more of a tourist hotspot than a spiritual place, one in which souvenirs can be bought. Mt. Fuji or Fuji San refers to the most sacred mountain in Japan. Mt. Fuji is such a natural symbol and sacred not only to the Shinto and Buddhist but also for most Japanese people. The name â€Å"Fuji† is a local Ainu word that means â€Å"deity of fire† because of the often-volcanic eruptions (Mount Fuji, 2011). The Japanese built a shrine about 800 A. D. to the gods to help calm the erupting volcano. Mount Fuji later became home to a Shinto goddess Konohano Sakuya Hime â€Å"the Goddess of the Flowering Trees. † The Shinto goddess Koyasusama is also known as the goddess who grants easy childbirth. The Shinto goddess has â€Å"shrines at the base and summit of Fuji† where there is a fire ceremony at the conclusion of the climbing season (New World Encyclopedia, 2009). The Fujiyoshida’s Sengen Shrine is the main Sengen Shrine positioned on the north side of the mountain. The shrine stands in a dark forest and is set off the road lined with stone lanterns and tall cedar trees. In the past the Shrine was a starting point for climbing Mt. Fuji, and these hikers would start their ascent with a prayer at the shrine. Buddhist found Fuji as a â€Å"symbol of meditation† and calls its â€Å"summit zenjo,† that is a Buddhist term that describes perfection of a meditative state (Mount Fuji, 2011). Japanese Buddhists revere the mountain as a gateway to another world. â€Å"Shugendo practitioners established the first climbing route to lead pilgrims to Fuji’s summit† (Mount Fuji, 2011). Today pilgrims continue to climb Mount Fuji. Some stop to worship at the shrine of Konohana Sakuya Hime, pray at the summit altars, or ritually circumambulate the volcano’s crater† (Mount Fuji, 2011). Aokigahara, also known as the Sea of Trees is another sacred and mythological place that lies at the base of Mt. Fuji. The Sea of Trees are associated with demons in Japanese mythology, haunted by the ghost of people left to die. Mauna Kea is a tr aditional mythical place that compares to Mount Fuji. Mauna Kea is a volcano found on the big Island of Hawaii. In Hawaiian mythology, the peaks of the island of Hawaii are sacred. Only high-ranking tribal chiefs were allowed to visit the peak. Mount Fuji is the central figure in the neisho-e work. The Japanese consider Mt. Fuji to be sacred and is a symbol of national identity (Wikipedia, n. d. ). Mount Fuji is also considered to be a symbol of beauty. The mountains are also a sacred place because the higher the mountain the closer the mountain’s reach to heaven. Some sacred mountain can sometimes be just a mythical thought, depending on the meaning or the purpose of the mountain. Mount Fuji, located in Japan, is the highest mountain with an active volcano. Japan has Three Holy Mountains. Mount Fuji is the mountain the sightseers go see when they are in Japan. The other two mountains in Japan are Mount Tate and Mount Haku. Some people think that the meaning of Fuji is immortal, but no proof has been determined on that issue. Many Japanese writers have used Mount Fuji in their artwork, literature, and as a background picture in several movies. Mount Fuji was sacred to the point that woman were not allowed to go to the mountain. The volcano inside Mount Fuji is currently said to be active, but has a very slim chance of erupting. Mauna Kea is also considered to be the most sacred mountain in Hawaii. The tribal chiefs were the only ones allowed at the top of the mountain. Mauna Kea is one of the best sites that people can visit for astronomical purposes. Mauna Kea is an inactive volcano, unlike Mount Fuji, and is among five other volcanoes in Hawaii. Hawaiian Law implements visitor restrictions on Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is sacred, and portrayed as the first born of the father of the sky (Wakea) and the mother of the earth (Papa). Mount Fuji and Mauna Kea are active volcanoes. Both volcanoes are sacred places where tribal chiefs are the only ones allowed to go to the top. The mountains are sacred because of developing the highest point closest to heaven. Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707-08. Mauna Kea last erupted was about 4,600 years ago. Both mountains have that attractive cone shape, and are hotspots of their location. Once a sacred Japanese religious site, Mount Fuji has become more of a tourist attraction. This volcano became a shrine to Gods, and later to the Goddess of the flowering trees. Similar to Mount Fuji in sacredness and Goddess mythology is Mauna Kea, another volcanic mountain. Mauna Kea’s myth embodies the mountain as Poliahu the Snow Goddess, the first child of the sky father and earth mother (Lovingthebigisland’s Weblog, 2009). Both sites are rich with mythology, culture, and both are sacred places. Although Mauna Kea has limits on who may ascend, Mount Fuji is open for all to climb. Both Mount Fuji and Mauna Kea retained their sacred status because of their heights being closest to heaven. References Fujisan (2009). Mt. Fuji and religious beliefs. Retrieved from http://www. fujisan-3776. jp/english/religiouis_beliefs/religiouis_beliefs. html. Leonard, S. , & McClure, M. (2004). Myth & knowing: An introduction to world mythology. New York: McGraw-Hill. Lovingthebigisland’s Weblog. (2009). The Hawaiian snow goddess poliahu and the summit of mauna kea. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from http://lovingthebigisland. wordpress. com/2009/02/05/the-hawaiian-snow-goddess-poliahu-and-the-summit-of-mauna-kea/. Mount Fuji. (n. d. ). Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Mount_Fuji. New World Encyclopedia. (2009). Mount Fuji. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from http://www. ewworldencyclopedia. org/entry/Mt. _Fuji O'Meara, D. (2006). Mount Fuji. Faces (07491387), 22(5), 6. Retrieved from EBSCOhost History. com (1994-2009). Mount Fuji. Retrieved from http://www. history. com/topics/mount-fuji. Sacred-Destinations (2009). Mount Fuji. Retrieved from http://www. sacred-destinations. com/japan/mount-fuji. Sacred Land. (2011). Mount Fuji. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from http://www. sacredland . org/mount-fuji/. Wikipedia. (n. d. ) The great wave off kanagawa. ASK. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from http://www. ask. com/wiki/The_Great_Wave_off_Kanagawa.

Dependency on Technology Essay

Pornography addiction is one of the leading internet addictions, with 12% of the total number of websites are pornography sites. Video game addiction is also a large factor in internet addiction because of the large amount of MMORPG’s (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). The average MMORPG gamer will spend 20-25 hours per week on a game. Internet social interaction addiction is the most problematic of the three addictions because of the reliance of new social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instant Messaging (â€Å"Internet Addiction Disorder† 2). Though each addiction has different orientations, they all can lead to the same risks if exaggerated. Internet addiction disorder may lead to many health problems if done for a long period of time and not changed. A main health condition caused by too much use on the computer is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is caused by too much strain on the wrist bones (â€Å"Internet†, 2). Another is straining the eyes too much which can lead to tired/dry eyes, and also myopia. Next is weight gain, which can be caused by low amounts of exercise, high intake of carbohydrates and fats, tension on abdominal muscles which makes peristalsis (digestive system movement) slowed, and poor lymph movement that enables the body to remove toxins (â€Å"Mind Prison†¦ †, 5). There are also psychological problems that come from IAD that can lead to depression. An addict that is not using the Internet may have mood swings, feel angry, depressed, or restless (â€Å"Internet†, 2). Since the Internet is such a powerful multimedia experience, one may become desensitized to less stimulating modalities, like reading (â€Å"Mind Prison†¦ †, 5). † Maintaining a healthy physical and psychological lifestyle is important in order to continue living happily. The largest issue with Internet addiction is that the addict spend too much time online and in chat rooms that he/she loses the sense of verbal communication and outside interaction. The user be comes socially awkward and sometimes unable to express emotion without it being typed. He/she also may be involved in illegal activities like downloading illegal content or develop aggressive online personalities. Not only does the addict lose a sense of communication skills, he/she may also begin to lose family or friends (â€Å"Mind Prisons†¦ †, 5). By neglecting loved ones a building new relationships with online users, this leads to many new divorces. Also because of the addict being irritable when away from the Internet, it can lead to arguments that could become violent. In today’s society, Internet addiction is becoming a bigger problem with the improvement of technology and more social media sites.

Reflictive account of my own learning jouerny with evidence of my own Essay

Reflictive account of my own learning jouerny with evidence of my own devolpment - Essay Example I believe self-assessment is the best barometer for analysing the fruits of an academic experience. In this paper, a critical assessment of my academic journey in UK is conducted through reflective accounts from various perspectives such as coping with issues like problem solving, time management, assignment designing, feedback gathering and bonding with teammates. Reflective learning, according to Jennifer Moon, is â€Å"relatively independent form of mediation† and therefore, its impact on students becomes farfetched since it encourages skills beyond formal educating outcomes such as self-management and analytical thinking (2004, p.74). I can aptly state that this aspect of reflective learning has benefitted me greatly. I have learned to face and manage numerous issues on my own, which is also known as problem solving. According to Steven Krantz problem solving is not a one-time issue but it is a part of everyday life and analytical thinking, though is not a panacea, but a p owerful method â€Å"for dealing with many situations† (1997, p.9). ... I tried to make friends by allowing them to get an idea about my personality because studying becomes an enjoyable experience when you are surrounded by friends and not acquaintances. Assignments are critical since â€Å"results of research undertakings are communicated by assignments† (Jarvis, 2004, p.178). I used to dread academic writing because according to James Hartley â€Å"it typically falls into the 'difficult' and the 'very difficult' categories† (2008, p.7) and for international students, Diane Pecorari feels â€Å"academic writing in a second language is a challenging task† (2013, p.119). However, my intention was to change the stigmatic perception that plagiarism and foreign students are strongly connected. In this regard, my teachers and fellow students were very encouraging. Whenever I felt that I was not able to comprehend the course material properly, they explained it to me. Moreover, the concepts of objective and subjective writing also ensured that I was able to write and express myself in an authentic academic manner without being too opinionated. Dave Burnapp defines Objective writing as â€Å"a style where the focus is on a topic being discussed† instead on â€Å"the thoughts and feelings of the writer† and he distinguished Subjective style from Objective by stating that it primarily focuses on â€Å"the emotions, psychology and experiences of the writer.† (2009, p.196-198) Gradually, I learnt to give preference to scholarly material in my researches and gathered analysis from experts only so that my verdict is always derived from reliable information. Now I feel comfortable in both objective and subjective style of academic writing and my confidence has been

Pharmacology course work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pharmacology course work - Essay Example The catecholamine theory of mood proposed by Schildkraut suggests that depression is associated with a functional deficiency of noradrenaline at receptor sites within the brain and mania is associated with an excess of noradrenaline at central receptor sites. Recent studies have shown that depressing effects on the CNS by ethanol is mediated by GABA which is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Activation of the GABA receptors by GABA decreases neuronal excitability. Increased stimulation of the NMDA receptor is implicated in the increased free radical production by which it potentiates the toxicity of several peptides and causes neuronal damage and impairment of synaptic plasticity. MPTP is a model in which the neurotoxin MPTP is employed. This has a competitive advantage over other models as when it causes intoxication it induces a syndrome virtually identical to Parkinson’s disease in

Marketing Major Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing Major - Essay Example The market gap represents signs of potential success. The product is mainly targeted to three segments, namely the youth, professionals who have a tendency to eat convenient food and health-conscious people who survive on a healthy diet. The product is being positioned in the market as a healthy one which is supreme to its competitors on account of taste and quality. The target consumers lie in the age group of 16-24 and 26-45 mainly so a wide range of media support has been devised. For instance, radio and television has been mainly used to target all the age group on account of their popularity. On the other hand social media like facebook and LinkedIn has been used for promoting the product launch among the youth and young professionals. Magazines like The Economist have been used to communicate with the young professionals. Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) include a variety of products which are sold at low prices and their sale occurs relatively faster. The target market for FMCG is quite vast but proper segmentation of the market and adding value to the customers are formidable challenges for any FMCG company. According to the traditional definition FMCG goods can be described as goods which are purchased very frequently. These goods are generally sold in large volume in order to generate profits for the companies which produce them. These goods are priced relatively lower compared to consumer durable goods and are perishable generally. These goods can include a wide range of items like soft drinks, toiletries, packed food items and chocolate bars to name a few. The shelf-life of the products is relatively lower for which they are manufactured in large quantities to compensate for the small price. The FMCG sector is a key component of the U.K. economy and accounts for 10% of the GDP of the country a nd 20% of the entire market (The Statistics Portal, 2014). The food and beverages sector is one of

Choose an environmental problem that the world is facing and prepare a Essay - 1

Choose an environmental problem that the world is facing and prepare a REPORT - Essay Example In the year 1931 as many as 22 nations signed the Geneva Convention to bring Whaling under control but this has not been done even to date. This treaty was modified with new protocols in the year 1938 and 1945 and the same served as a platform for International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling signed in the US in the year 1946. An International Whaling commission was established in order to safeguard the Whales. The dwindling of Whales could not have been solved with a better way than establishing a separate entity to safeguard the population of Whales. This Whaling commission took many steps to safeguard the population of Whales, they forbid the illegal capture of Whales, set a particular no and size for the Whales that could be taken and did many other things to ensure that the population of Whales does not dwindle. The IWC conducts annual meetings to reflect upon the progress and any country can become a member of the IWC provided it adheres to the rules of IWC. This committee has been very successful in safeguarding the Whales, significant changes have been noticed since this committee has been established. The members of this committee work really hard to ensure that the population of Whales remains stable. Wales are the primary symbols of Marine life but off late the strength of the Wales have constantly dwindled because of the poachers and this has drawn intense criticism from all across the globe. One of the biggest concerns that have affected the marine life and the Wales primarily is the use of Sonar by the US navy and the US is in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. The US navy uses sonar to protect its vessels and to detect enemy submarines. The sonar used is affecting the marine life and especially the Whales. The US has invested a lot of money in developing their sonar operation because they face a constant threat from countries like Iran and North Korea. This is the only reason why the US has increased the use of sonar

Art With Cassical Myth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Art With Cassical Myth - Essay Example The inside of the cup gives an insight of other two Achaeans, who are involved in a discussion of the momentous events dispassionately spread over the exterior friezes. This is one of the earliest instances in which a single epic theme links all three images. Braises are pictured dressed like a bride when she departures from the Achilles camp. A bridal gesture is given when she lifts her veil with one hand and a firm tug at the wrist. She is accompanied by her military escorts who are in military dress labeled as Agamemnon.† In his departure, his companion Diomedes an important Greek hero at Troy makes his presence to be seen as a kind of prolepsis reference depicted on the other side of the vase, at the embassy to Achilles. Our vase supports our alternative version in the epic tradition, that Agamemnon had used threats to go and fetch braizes. This is supported by Achilles words to his mother that Agamemnon has his prize away. These words are echoed their sites in his diatribe against Agamemnon and Nestor when having an argument with Agamemnon to make amends. Here we begin to see the threats posed on the minds of the characters and what actually happened.Diomedes did not belong to the embassy scene either did it exist. He is a mere allusion, as one of the younger and most enthusiastic of the Achaean heroes. He shows his loyalty to Agamemnon and the Greeks. Markons scene acquires power by placing Agamemnon in physical contact with braizes, although it loses its importance through the omission of Achilles.

Social media Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social media - Research Paper Example Since social media is broad topic and contributes to our lives differently. From the uprisings and revolts seen in the Arab countries between 2010 and 2012, is correct to say that social media plays a role in uprisings. This paper shall seek to explain how social media sites and networks contribute to revolts and uprisings, what are the possible strategies that can be put into use to minimize the use of social media to propagate revolts and uprisings, and lastly, it will also examine if there is any link between access of social media sites with uprisings and revolts. The Arab Spring explained as the revolutionary wave of protests, civil wars, and demonstrations began taking place on 18 December 2010 in the Arab world (Merlini and Roy 67). These revolts were triggered by dissatisfaction in the manner in which the local government were ruling, human rights violations, extreme poverty, unemployment, political corruption, economic decline, and several other demographic structural factors. In conducting their demonstrations and protests, the youths used Twitter and Facebook to communicate to their fellow protesters in other cities, as well as the whole world. They formed Facebook pages which they used to communicate with other protesters (Beaumont). These pages gave them a platform to unite together as well as share their opinions and views on how the revolt was progressing. They also uploaded pictures of themselves demonstrating against the dictatorial regimes that they were against. These pictures informed the whole world what was happening in Egyp t and Libya. Additionally, the protesters also made Facebook and Twitter updates on the situation on the ground (Beaumont). This played an instrumental role since they could warn other protesters in other small towns of imminent attack by the government soldiers. BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) also assisted the rioters since it helped them send coded messages to plan attacks,

The Treatment Of Men During Slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Treatment Of Men During Slavery - Essay Example Slaves in the ancient Roman Empire consisted mostly of prisoners of war, captives sold by pirates, or even children of Romans in penury who had been sold. The slaves were engaged in farming, businesses, working for private households, and in the construction of infrastructure for public use including aqueducts, bridges, roads etc. It was common for the owners to treat the slaves cruelly, and even kill them and not be punished for it. But some slave masters were also kind and considerate to their slaves (Nardo) as indicated by the saturnalia festival which was an occasion for the slaves and masters to be thankful to each other and enjoyed peaceful time together. Also, a hallmark of Roman slavery as compared to the modern variety was manumission or the formal release from slavery by the owner. Contrasting the ancient system of slavery in Rome with the system that existed until the end of the 19th century in the Americas, in particular North America, the glaring difference was that the latter was based mainly on race. Marysue Andreozzi The import of slaves from Africa to America began mainly due to the shortage of labor. And the blacks were believed to be hard workers. Furthermore, the practice did not meet with any religious disapproval either, since the Church law did not prohibit black slavery. Thus began slavery with racist overtones. Gradually, the slaves themselves became a trade commodity. Thus, what began as a need to overcome shortage of labor became the means to acquire more wealth (McKay et al., 2008). It is believed that in a span of a little more than 300 years (between 1500 A.D. and mid 1800 A.D.), around 12 million black slaves from Africa to the Western Hemisphere. A first-hand account of the harrowing life of the slaves aboard the ship on their voyage from Africa to America has been given by Alexander Falconbridge (1788) who was the British surgeon on four of those voyages. As mentioned in the narrative, the blacks who refused to eat had their lip s almost scorched by red-hot coal that was brought on a shovel very close to their lips and also issued dire threats that they would be made to swallow the embers if they continued to resist eating food. The author mentions that he heard of a captain pouring molten lead on some slaves who obstinately refused to eat (p. 23). On the voyages Falconbridge saw that the Blacks were provided extremely uncomfortable accommodation on the half deck with planks to sleep on. Lying on the bare planks caused their skin and in even flesh of the emaciated men to get rubbed off from their shoulders, hips and elbows due to the constant motion of the ship (p. 28). Exercise being deemed necessary to keep the slaves healthy, they were forcibly made to dance on the deck even in foul weather when it was difficult to be on the deck. They were flogged if they showed any reluctance or were not Marysue Andreozzi active (p. 23). On longer voyages such as from the coast of Guinea to the West Indies, the food ra tion was very small, which led to quarrels among the slaves (Falconbridge, 1788, p.22). Also, the allowance of water was restricted to about half a pint per head per meal. The life of the slaves once they reached the shores of America became just a shade better. They were housed in slave pens a description of which has been provided by Abdy