Asian history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Asian history - Essay Example There are three meanings of Tao (Taoism) that Lao-tzu describes in is teachings and philosophical ideas. In the teachings of Taoism, the universe and everything in it follows a mysterious and unidentified force referred to as Tao which is translated plainly as â€Å"The way.† There are three meanings that assist in the understanding of the â€Å"way† described by Lao-tzu. The first meaning is that Tao refers to the ultimate reality in which its diversity cannot be conceived or understood by human nature. The Tao is not equal to anything, but this undefined and superior Tao is the basis for everything; moreover, it is a way that is above all in the universe and a mystery to human beings. In all the things of the world, Tao is definitely the greatest and its existence cannot be denied by anyone or anything. This concept for instance, perceives that Tao is only comparable to God from the Old Testament who is indescribable (Oldmeadow 96). The second meaning of Tao is that i t is definitely immanent in that it is the driving force for all existence and the way that people should follow. The Tao in this case clarifies that the being takes the form of â€Å"flesh† guidance to ever which gives guidance to everything in the world. It is like an intense spirit, assumes a complete being, defeats even the most glittering existences, and exists like dust or spirit. The Tao is like a sprit and not a substance that can be exhausted and it flows forever. The Taoism bible, Tao Te Ching indicates that everything is one regardless of the appearances. It gives life to all things and therefore, Tao is the Mother of the Universe that ensures the existence of everything in it. Smith gives an example that Tao is â€Å"Graceful rather than abrupt, flowing rather than hesitant†¦flows with purpose† (Oldmeadow 96). The third meaning of Tao describes it as the path of human life that is related to the ruler of the universe. This indicates that human beings l ive in accordance with the universe and therefore, living in Tao. In addition, it means finding a balance between negative and positive energies within the universe. Nature should not be damaged or abused but rather humans should strive to maintain naturalness in all things (Oldmeadow 96). The three approaches to Daoism are intellectual (Philosophical), Psycho-physical, and spiritual (religious). Philosophical Daoism is an approach that aims at conserving â€Å"te† or power with teachers focusing of coaching. This philosophical idea was generated by Laozi and Zhuangzi in a concept that focuses on the idea of â€Å"wu wei.† Wu Wei is a term that means Quite Creativity that advocates for preserving life liveliness by ensuring that one does not spend uselessly. The concept advocates for minimal friction or conflicts within interpersonal relationships and in relation to the natural world (Haldan 10). The psycho-physical Daoism approach is the essence of enhancing the level of â€Å"Ch’i† (breath or crucial energy) through proper diet (food and herbs), martial arts (discipline), and meditation (Yoga). Ch’i is increased by ensuring consumption of necessary supplements nutritionally. In addition, absorption of ch’i is achieved from the universe and allowing inner flow through efficient body movements. Physical exercises are necessary in Daoism through activities like Yoga to

Landscape Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Landscape - Essay Example This island also inhabits grasslands and mountainous areas as well as plateaus, which spread throughout the country. Its fame also comes from the Blue-Mountains appearing from the southeastern end of the country. The blue haze name emanates from oil droplets trickling from the eucalyptus trees. The many beautiful beaches cap the geographical uniqueness of this island. In Australia, indeed, there are many things to be curious about; it is truly a unique country as this largely feature as the monuments and vernacular landscape traits of the country. Origin of the landscape In the 18th century, Captain Cook discovered the island of Australia 1770. This is where the originality of this country lies even though there might be other chances that another voyage ship might have graced the country. This emanates from the possibility that a Portuguese first sighted the country. The Dutch are also known to have explored the coastal region of the country by the 1640s. It therefore earns the acco lades as the lowest, flattest, and oldest continental landmass on Earth. It had the relatively stable geological history. Its formation involves forces such as tectonic uplift of the mountains ranges or clashes between tectonic plates in early landscape history. This occurred still when Australia was part of Gondwana. T he highest peak of Australia, which resulted due to the tectonic forces, was about 7,310 ft, which is comparatively low in assessment to the premier mountains in other continents (Duncan, Nuala, and Richard 92). The current shape of the continent has its shape because of the erosion, which has heavily weathered Australia’s surface area. The country now sits in the middle of the tectonic plate hence no active volcanism. As a result, the first European settlement in the country was in January 1788. It is this time, after the discovery of the Island. The first fleet sailed into Botany Bay under the command of Command Arthur Philip, establishing Australia first as a penal colony by the 1640s. Ethnic makeup of its people Australia’s original inhabitants, the Aborigines, settled there between the ages of 42,000 and 48,000 years ago. These inhabitants arrived via the land bridge and short sea crossing from South East Asia. At these ages, the sea water levels were relatively low as compared to the soaring heights in today’s Australia. The original inhabitants were soon out-numbered by the settlers (Duncan, Nuala, and Richard 88). The story of migration, like any other country in the era of colonization, brought another sect of its population. Nevertheless, the Australian history of its ethnic population does not stop there. Immigrants keep arriving in this country. This continuous flow of immigrants makes its history steeped with the settlers. Their arrival has had an effect on the land and its people. The Role of religion in forming places In the 21st century, religion in Australia purely comes as Christianity. 61.14 % of the Aust ralian population predisposes itself to Christianity as per the census of 2011. In respect to history, the current percentage is far much higher and the religious landscape is diversifying. This comes along with the multicultural immigration as 22.3% of people with no population. With 8.55% of the population not able to incline to a certain religion, the remaining population consists of a diverse group of Buddhist at 2.46%, Islamic at 2.21%, Hindu at 1.28%, Jewish at 0.45% and Sikh at 0.3% of the entire