Essays on Emptiness

I chose to write a literary essay based on a story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” written by genius American author Ernest Hemmingway because I have always admired the originality of his works and the unique style of their composition. While writing this paper I have consulted such sources as Oliver Evans “The Snows of Kilimanjaro: A Revaluation” (1961), Ernest Hemmingway “The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories” (2014), Michael Hollister “Analysis of “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (2015), Nicole Smith “Analysis of The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway: Major Themes Explored” (15 Jan. 2012), Arthur Waldhorn “A reader’s ...

Abstract:

This research aimed at determining the ethical issues that surround surrogacy. Surrogacy being an issue that has elicited much debate is gaining traction because of the many childless couples out there that either suffer from infertility or are involved in same sex marriages (Gunputh & Choong, 2015) It both has the positive and negative which have been explored in this research. The research involved going through already existing information provided in accredited books, journals and websites. The research first explores the information that surrounds the positive side of surrogacy before delving into the negative side of the issue. Further reviews ...

Introduction

The notion of "nothing" is one of the most important and controversial concepts in the history of humankind. Its etymology is quite interesting for the consideration, as it can discover many different mysteries associated with the most important knowledge. In addition, the perception of this idea may be absolutely controversial, if one talks about it in the framework of religion and philosophy of the Western and the Eastern worlds. Nothing is everything, and at the same time, it is a lack of everything. This notion has a negative connotation; it denies everything to what it is opposed; moreover, it ...

Abstract:

This research was aimed at determining the ethical issues that surround surrogacy. Surrogacy being an issue that has elicited much debate is gaining traction because of the many childless couples out there that either suffer from infertility or are involved in same sex marriages. It both has the positive and negative which have been explored in this research. The research involved going through already existing information provided in accredited books, journals and websites. The research first explores the information that surrounds the positive side of surrogacy before delving into the negative side of the issue. Further reviews of these ...

After going through the practice of Tonglen meditation, I learnt that it is possible for one to let go of the things that bring discomfort in their life by following easy breathing techniques. The practice helped me realize that most of the things that bring unhappiness in our life can be controlled through meditation practices that influence our thoughts. As such, when one is breathing out lack of food and homelessness, they feel relieved and peaceful. The feeling of relief and peace reduces suffering and improves the general condition of an individual. Therefore, this practice has taught me that ...

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Introduction The world “Existential” refers to the experience of existence, and “existence” refers to a complete and “whole” life (Sykes, 2010). Existential therapy works on a belief that inner conflicts within a person occur due to certain issues of existence that are considered as “existential vacuum”, also referred to as “existential frustration” such as meaninglessness, apathy, boredom, and isolation (Yalom, 1980). It is a philosophical way of treatment (Sapp, 2010), and helps the client by showing him or her that the counsellor is with him or her rather than by doing things for the client (Iacovou & ...

The main aim of Buddhism teachings is cultivating the mind with a motive of benefiting others in the society. It advocates for an individual sense of peace and happiness that will contribute to happiness and prosperity of others in the society. The teaching of transforming the mind and creating a positive and responsible attitude towards others is of significant importance in today's society, and each individual has to learn the given set of skills from Buddhism to ensure harmony and peaceful coexistence in the society. Through teachings from Buddhism, individuals can face any problems that life brings as they ...

The architecture of the early 20th century relied heavily on the introduction of new materials which led to the existence of new styles that rejected the notion of social hierarchy and religious affiliation. During this period, the buildings created within the early phase of modernization became so diverse and eccentric yet it was due to this nature that allowed architects to apply all the scientific knowledge in creating functional structures rather than buildings based on the designer's viewpoint. What separates the style of the 20th century from its predecessors was their openness in terms of exploring new materials especially ...

Introduction 3

Daoism 3 Confucianism 6 Buddhism 9 Conclusion 12

Introduction

Meditation is a way to transform the mind, relax, build an inner energy and increase life forces, a practice aimed to reach a specific altered state of consciousness. The beginnings of meditations date back to appearing of the major East Asian schools and religions as Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Nowadays, meditations are popular not only in the East but also in the Western countries. They are ways of personal growth and parts of psychotherapeutic programs that benefit people to attain the serenity of mind against the background of fast city life. ...

Introduction

Historical origins of Buddhism may be traced back to the founding father or simply the founder the Buddha or the awakened one. According to Johnson (344), the Buddha was a royal prince named Siddhartha Gautama born in the place now referred to as Nepal. The teachings Buddha taught started in northern India over 500 years before the establishment of Christianity by Jesus Christ. Buddhism has influenced other religions in Asia such as Hinduism. The two religions have developed to maturity levels in constant contact. The impression and mark that Buddhism has made on Hinduism have made Buddhism be able ...

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My Name We are undergoing a tremendous spiritual renaissance. The current awakening in spirituality is unparalleled, at least in modern world history and is somewhere linked with the all-pervasive desire for a better quality of life. The authors of this article make a case for existentialism as a pathway to achieve the dual goals of spirituality and psychological betterment. The aim of this paper is to provide a review and critique of the article titled ‘Existential Theory and Our Search for Spirituality’ by Eliason, G.T., Samide, J.L., Williams, G., & Lepore, M.F. (2010).

Religion Vs Spirituality

At the outset, one must make ...

Psychoanalysis refers to Sigmund Freud’s work centring on the unconscious self. That is, our hidden, repressed desires and aggressions which are held in a part of the brain which cannot consciously be accessed. Flaubert’s A Simple Heart tells the tale of Félicité, a house maid who lives her life without worry, upset and with unguarded love. Psychoanalysing a text enables the reader to develop a deeper comprehension of its workings. An understanding of the author’s life and person can often lend itself to the cognitive process behind the plot or the characters’ personalities. Freud’s psychoanalysis work was best ...

It has often been said that poetry and lyrics are one and the same: indeed, lyrics are undoubtedly the modern day equivalent of the popular poem of previous centuries; the rock stars are the poets. Whether poem or lyric, they convey human emotions, stories of love and loss, and conjure up imagery for the reader/listener to imagine. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the words and ideas of one poem with its song counterpart. For this, I have chosen Ode on a Grecian Urn by John Keats and the lyrics to My Very Best by Elbow. ...