Audustine's Confessions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Audustine's Confessions - Essay Example The traditional understanding of free-will asserts that Adam and Eve were born of Godly nature, but because of illicit impulses or greed were torn away from this goodness and thrown into sin. The resultant occurrence is that all of humanity is then born into sin and requires God’s grace for their freedom. Furthermore, Augustine makes the point that original sin is not only embodied in wayward reason and impulses, but in the very physicality of man. This is, after Adam and Eve committed their act of original sin they had to wear clothing, because their actual pure physicality was an extension of the sin. This concept indicates that man is a physical extension of the depravity of existence. That even as depraved reasoning is an essential characteristic of humanity leading them towards sin, and even as Augustine allows for the concept of the freedom of the will, man is ultimately damned because his physicality is even embedded as a sinful act. This essay considers Augustines conc ept of original sin, arguing that his philosophical construct is misguided as it gives too much credence to deterministic thinking, ignores that wrongdoing is often the result of external circumstances, and doesnt acknowledge the amount of altruism that exists in the world. If all actions are predestined, as Augustine believes they are, then the idea of free will seems impossible, and ascribing responsibility to persons who cannot make their own choices seems wrong. However, to some extent it seems that Augustine’s philosophy demonstrates a hard to define confluence between pre-destination and free-will that have led some scholars to argue that there are actually two different Augustinian philosophies, themselves mutually contradictory (Rist 1972). Adequate research into Augustine demonstrates that these concepts are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as Augustine’s understanding reveals subtle characterizations that bind their philosophic elements in hybrid

Study Abroad :: College Admissions Essays

Learning about new cultures is my favorite thing to do. I interact well with others and enjoy networking with new people. I have found that my ability to meet new people is a trait that makes every visit I have taken to different countries an enjoyable visit. I wish to participate in this program because it has always been a goal of mine to study abroad. By participating in this program I hope to learn about another culture, make international contacts, and gain valuable international business skills. Within this program I assume that I will experience different points of views from the American professors who will be teaching. Along with these different points of views, the Italian culture and interacting with other American students will be experiences I could not otherwise have. Â  International business is becoming increasingly more important, and although I have received great education while in college, I am eager to participate in this program because the first-hand experiences I will have cannot be equaled here in America. As a sixth grader I participated in Children's International Summer Villages in Finland. While in Finland I stayed with a host family for a week and lived in a school with forty different delegates representing ten separate countries. It truly was the best time of my life.

Benifits of Foreign Travel Essay

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the benefits of traveling to other cultures. Title:Another Life Thesis/Central Idea Sentence: It’s very important and beneficial to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually, but few ever think to use traveling as a tool to assist in the restoration of all three. Introduction: [Attention Getter] Taking a vacation is on everybody’s to do list but according to a study conducted by the Families and Work Institute only about half of Americans use their full 2 weeks of vacation each year. Motivate audience to listen] I found this odd, but when I examined my own life I found I haven’t taken an actual vacation in over 10 years. [Credibility]It just something I’ve always seemed to brush off by saying â€Å"Oh well, I’ll just take a nice vacation next year, but the following year the same thing happens and before you realize it you haven’t had a vacation in over a decade. Europeans embrace this idea of vacation almost religiously. In Europe vacations are guaranteed by law. In countries like Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, employers are required to provide up to 20 days of paid leave. Americans, on the other hand, get an average of 12 days every year and on average use about half. [Central Idea] It’s important to remember that we are not machines and that we can and do become burnt out. When this happens it can affect everything from our productivity in the work place to our personal relationships with our spouse, children, friends, and family. Depression can become a real side effect and take control of a life we once loved. So it is important to catch a break from our everyday life and take time to â€Å"Stop and smell the roses† (Unknown). Travelling to foreign cultures is just one way to experience different thoughts and ideals for dealing with day to day life. [Preview of points]While many Americans realize the importance of staying fit by exercising it is way more important and beneficial for healthier, happier living to understand that staying fit means more than lifting weights or going for a run, but working out our bodies, our minds, and our spirit in order to live a true healthier life style. Transition Sentence: So let’s begin by discussing the physical benefits of foreign travel. Body: I. First and most obvious there will be a few physical benefits from foreign travel that will be very noticeable from the very first day. A. Walking 1. Whether you vacation in Europe or Asia it really doesn’t matter so long as you get away from America or Canada. Everyone else in the entire worlds seems to walk everywhere. This may sound scary for those who haven’t seen the inside of a gym in a while or in some cases ever, but after awhile you won’t even notice how much you’ve walked. You’ll become so immersed in all that you’re seeing and experiencing that it’s not until you return to your room at night or until you sit for a while that you begin to notice that both you’re feet now have a pulse. 2. The second sounds a bit unbelievable, but after a few days of walking around and once I begin to recognize the landscape. I usually have made a few friends with some of the locals even if I don’t speak the language. There is a lot than can be said with hands, faces and a smile, but once this happens I can’t help but to begin to feel like this could be my second home. B. Food 1. While Europe and Asia do have fast food franchises most will opt out in order to experience more of the culture being visited. This is very true especially if you’re a fan of the food back home. In my case nothing beats authentic Spanish Paella or Italian anything. But in most cases you’ll be eating a bit healthier while visiting and may not even notice. Most food around the world is not processed like it is here in the states. Don’t get me wrong Wendy’s and McDonalds can be pretty delicious, but I’d rather eat real food everyday; I just can’t cook as well as those guys in Italy or even the guys Olive Garden for that matter. . Throughout the day you may dabble in a few different wines, but for the most part you’ll find water to be the beverage of choice. Unless, you’re a beer or soda connoisseur wishing to try some of the local but undiscovered to â€Å"you† refreshments. Towards the end of the day you may finish a bottle or two of wine, but in your defense†¦ One, you’re in a new country representing America and you wouldn’t want to be rude. Two, wine itself in reasonable quantities is actually good for the blood stream therefore good for your heart so â€Å"BAME, Double Whammy†! Three, what better way to socialize with locals or other fellow tourist than over a couple glasses of wine or beer under a star lit canopy dinning â€Å"Alfresco†? II. Next we will discuss a couple of the mental benefits that you will become aware of throughout the trip. A. So, First in order to begin this awesome adventure it is absolutely crucial to learn this one lesson about vacation otherwise you should’ve stayed home and burnt every dollar you spent for this trip. So here is the first mental benefit of going on vacation. It’s learning how to actually take a vacation! The very first thing we must learn is actually the most difficult we must be honest and true to ourselves that we are on vacation for the sake of nothing more than our own well being and revitalization. With that being said we must let go of our old lives if only for the week or two we are on vacation. 1. So first, it’s absolutely important not to work, discuss work or think about work even as a second thought. Your life back home is on pause until you return. 2. Second sever any and all easily available ties to your life back home. Of course if you have children and have to check on them that is an exception, but leave your cell phone, laptop and tablet, PDA, pager in your room. Give the number to the front desk to anyone back home in case of emergency. There is always someone at the front desk and you never have to worry about reception. 3. The first two steps is to ensure that your mind receives the break it deserves from normal life. B. So now that you have accepted the fact that you’re on vacation and are enjoying or not enjoying all this walking. You will definitely notice things that are different; compared to home. 1. Your mind will definitely become broadened by every one of your senses. As every sense becomes titillated each sensation will become forever locked in your memory and you may notice to compare a lot what you experience to something similar back home. 2. As each day passes you may begin to see how differently other cultures deal with life problems. I mean everyone around the world has to deal with work problems, relationships, and out of control children, but its how we deal with them that tends to get the better of us. You may take a few notes just by watching how people just seem to not sweat the small things in Europe and Asia. It seems to me they as we as Americans live to work, the rest of the planet works just enough to live. Perhaps that’s why they get more vacation and work less hours. When was the last time an American labor force took a siesta? III. Finally we will discuss the spiritual benefits that come from foreign travel. A. First off, I must make myself clear that when I use the word spiritual I do so in a general sense of the word. I do not mean to use it in direct connection towards any God or religion. While most people do believe in a supreme being of some kind some believe in science or no God at all, but regardless of what we believe we all have a sense of self therefore we all have a sort of spirit. 1. A very possible but unlikely event of spiritual revitalization is the adaptation of religion. 2. A more likely form of spiritual revitalization may perhaps come from the peace and tranquility that one may find while visiting a spa or in a quiet location away from everything. 3. Once a peace has been given to the spirit, you will become refreshed and ready to continue with life annoying little problems but after a while you will become more aware of when you need a break. Transition Sentence: So let takes one last quick look at all we have covered today. Conclusion: We now know that a vacation is a lot more than time away from work. We have discussed the three parts of us that benefit from vacation the physical, mental and spiritual and the importance of keeping all three areas in shape in order to obtain a more happy existence.

The Buddha, The Dharma, And The Sangha - 873 Words

Starting out in the Indian subcontinent, Buddhism grew to be a dominant religion that spread throughout Asia. Buddhism is rooted in the three elements known as the â€Å"Three Jewels†: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Through these elements, followers practice meditation and self-control in order to reach the state of enlightenment, or nirvana. The religion was pioneered by The Buddha, whose last reincarnation was named Siddhartha in Nepal around 600 B.C.E. He was a human who transcended to a state of enlightenment, understanding and practicing the three elements of Buddhism. Unlike the main figure in many other world religions, Buddha did not deem himself God or a prophet, but just a regular man who learned the teachings of nonviolence, inner peace, and balance. Siddhartha was born as a prince and lived a lavish life growing up. However he eventually realized that his life would not be fulfilled by material belongings, and abdicated his position. Siddhartha went on to study meditation and yoga, eventually reaching enlightenment. The pervasiveness and inevitability of suffering in human life was a main topic contemplated by Buddha throughout his life. The sources of suffering are key in the path to enlightenment, and Buddha realized this in his quest to enlightenment as well. These topics, among other core teachings of Buddhism, are substantiated and outlined by the experiences of the last Buddha. One of the most core topics explored by Buddhism, the pervasiveness andShow MoreRelatedBuddhism : What Kind Of Rituals Do You Prefer?1490 Words   |  6 Pagesthe world. One among them is Buddhism. It is fourth largest religion in the world. A person who had his own philosophy on life, how it should be lived, and how to procure enlightenment, commenced this religion. The person was none other than Lord Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama. He was born in a royal family and was the prince of the Magadha- a region in northern India. Gautama’s parents loved him very much; in fact, they never let him visually perceive the down side of the life. For instanceRead MoreWhat Kind Of Rituals Do You Prefer?1137 Words   |  5 Pagesthe world. One of the religions is Buddhism, and is fourth largest religion in the world. A person had his own philosophy on life, how it should be lived, and how to procure enlightenment, started this religion. The person was none other than Lord Buddha , also known as Siddhartha Gautama. He was born in a royal family and was the prince of the Magadha- a region in northern India. Gautama’s parents loved him very much; in fact, they never let him visually perceive the down side of the life. For instanceRead MoreA Relationship Between Monastics And Lay Followers1699 Words   |  7 Pagesand lay followers is vital in ensuring that the Buddhist community, the Sangha, is run smoothly. A lay follower may be viewed as someone who isn’t completely devoted to Buddhism because they aren’t living the monastic lifestyle, obeying all the strict rules set forth in the Sekhiya Dhamma, such as â€Å"with downcast eye will I take a seat amidst the houses† and â€Å"not with too large balls will I make (up my food)†¦Ã¢â‚¬  but the Sangha would not thrive without the vital help of lay followers who provide foodRead MoreThe And Lay Followers And The Buddhist World933 Words   |  4 Pagesfollowers are both essenti al in ensuring that the Buddhist community, the Sangha, is run smoothly. A lay follower may be looked at as someone who isn’t completely devoted to Buddhism because they aren’t living the monastic lifestyle, obeying all the strict rules set forth in the Sekhiya Dhamma, such as â€Å"with downcast eye will I take a seat amidst the houses† and â€Å"not with too large balls will I make (up my food)†¦Ã¢â‚¬  but the Sangha would not thrive without the vital help of lay followers who provide theRead MoreThe, The Buddhist Monastic Order1692 Words   |  7 PagesThe Sangha, the Buddhist monastic order, comprises Bhikku (monks), Bhikkuni (nuns), laymen, and laywomen. While the Bhikku and Bhikkuni depend upon the laywomen and men for economic support, the lay community depends on them for spiritual guidance and ritualistic practices. This well-rounded mutual relationship is clearly a division not only amongst religious status, but determined by gender as well. T his is quite a contradiction with the Buddhist belief that your physical self is impermanent andRead MoreDescribe the formation of the Sangha and identify the importance of the first two councils in the600 Words   |  3 PagesDescribe the formation of the Sangha and identify the importance of the first two councils in the development of Buddhism. The formation of the Sangha began with Buddhas journey to Deer Park in northern India, to get Enlightenment. Buddha and 5 monks who discarded Buddha before he got Enlightenment are formatting the first Sangha. With the conversing of Yasa and fifty four of his friends, the figure of arahants increased to sixty within the first two monks. The relocate of the three Kassapa brothersRead MoreThe Orange County Buddhist Church Essay1698 Words   |  7 Pagesmade by Siddhartha Gautmama. According to the minister, Gautmama’s goal was to surpass duhkha, a human condition where they experienced, difficulty, frustration, or suffering. He became the first awakened person who is also referred to as Amida, the Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light, after he accepted the truth of oneness and the interconnection all aspects have with one another (Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada 2015). Soon after, Shinran Shonin became a Buddhist monk and hoped to reach enlightenmentRead MoreBuddhism A nd Its Impact On The World1604 Words   |  7 Pagesarray of basic Buddhist principles to his kingdom and most notably a policy of Dharma or ‘the way of righteousness’ which though some believe do not necessarily connect to Buddhism, undeniably emulate Buddha’s teachings and philosophies. Asoka s development of the Dharma, central to modern expressions of Buddhism, served as one of his several contributions to Buddhism which remain evident today. Asoka s policy of Dharma included concepts such as ecological awareness, morality, equality and emphasisedRead MoreThe Philosophical Object Of Buddhism1060 Words   |  5 Pagesrecognised as such. The protagonist of the poem, Who Are You, attempts to define his identity in the manner that most humans fall victim to. The inquirer, assumed to be Buddhist, is unsatisfied with his response as it contradicts the Dharma of the enlightened Buddha. Peter, when asked, â€Å"Who are you?† endeavors to label himself by the people that surround him, the place in which he was born, and the traits that he feels connected to. The question, however, is a deception used in the hopes of unveilingRead MoreMark Diamond s Interreligious Experience And Engagement Class Essay1526 Words   |  7 Pagesteaching of the Pure Land†. Jodo Shinshu Buddhism teaches of being born into Buddha’s Land and to be a Buddha who is enlightened to the universal truth. The founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism is Shinran Shonin (1173-1262). This religion’s primary principles are about attainting the â€Å"entrusting heart† and the awakening/enlightenment of the Buddha. Buddhists achieve t his by listening to the calling of their Buddha, Amida Tathagata, and by reciting the Nembutsu. The Nembutsu is a daily chant that is recited to