Baums Ambivalent Vision :: Literature Children Books Papers

Baum's Ambivalent Vision Perhaps more completely than any other writer, the person who hopes to write successful children's literature must become a child again, to write with that combination of seriousness, simplicity, and wonder children demand in their stories: they will read no others. Arguably, then--because his books have been read and reread by generations of children--L. Frank Baum possesses this quality, this childlikeness, to a great degree. It is a crucial attribute for writers, one that Erich Neumann calls "a special animation of the unconscious" and defines as "the creative man's special kind of alertness. He usually possesses it even as a child, but this alertness is not identical with the reflecting consciousness of a precocious intellect. The childhood state of the creative individual can be characterized no better than in HÃ ¶lderlin's words: "und schlummert wachenden Schlaf" ("and slumbers in waking sleep"). In this state of alertness the child is open to a world, to an overwhelming unitary reality that surpasses and overpowers him on all sides. At once sheltered and exposed, this waking sleep, for which there is as yet no outside and no inside, is the unforgettable possession of the creative man". ("Creative Man and Transformation" 180) The special, creative state Neumann describes is functionally an altered state of consciousness, one achieved in a writer's case not by drugs, fasting, or meditation, but by simple concentration in a relaxed posture, the restriction of the mind to a blank piece of paper as the writer sits at his or her desk, waiting for whatever will come. Because it is a variety of altered state, because most of the major phenomena of such states overlap (Mogar 385), because one of these phenomena is a shift toward increased imagery, and because the images themselves follow a remarkably regular pattern--it is possible to construct from various sources a visionary schema that indicates just how a particular writer reacts to this heightened sense of the unconscious--with a sense of joy, of fear, or of ambivalence. The first of these sources is Aldous Huxley's Heaven and Hell, in which he identifies the major imagery of visionary states as a sense of light and color in intricate, geometric forms resembling jewels and/or flowers (103-04). This is true in both the positive and the negative visions Huxley identifies, though the jewels and flowers seem divine in the first case and demonic in the second. The latter, the terrible

Hamlet vs. Beowulf Essay

How do the protagonists from Beowulf and Hamlet compare? Though both play a major role in an epic story, they share a few common viewpoints. The outcome of both stories is greatly influenced by the main character’s struggles in life. The situations that occur throughout these stories also impact the narratives. In addition, the various characters in each work influence the protagonists’ choices and lives. Each is involved in themes which can easily relate to those of modern day society, although Beowulf and Hamlet live in completely different times. Beowulf is the ideal warrior; he is a strong, fearless fighter and a fantastic leader who goes to immutable extremes to protect his people. When his country is threatened by what is thought to be an undefeatable beast named Grendel, Beowulf does the impossible and slays the monster. Hamlet, on the other hand, is not a leader like Beowulf whatsoever. Hamlet is not even a king or recognized as a leader. Hamlet’s father was murdered, and afterwards he simply wants to go back to school to learn. It is not until much thought and preparation that he makes it his mission to have his father’s revenge. If Beowulf was placed in the same situation, he would have instantly killed the man responsible for the murder. From the beginning of this epic poem, Beowulf is not loved as a child and is told he will never be a leader, thus giving him the motivation to become one of the greatest warriors ever. His only fear is failure, in battle and as a leader. He takes on such a large role as a warrior that his fellow countrymen do not see the need to ever prepare to fight because Beowulf is all the warrior they need. This ultimately results in much pain and struggle when Beowulf finds himself in need of assistance. Hamlet is as much of an introvert as Beowulf is an extrovert. Hamlet prefers to study instead of fight and learn over battle. Hamlet’s parents love him, but his mother is a shallow woman who marries his uncle solely to remain in a place of power. Horatio and Hamlet hold an odd relationship- Horatio is Hamlet’s servant, yet he is a close friend of Hamlet’s. There are many major events in both of these narratives, but one in each stands out. In Beowulf, at the beginning of the novel he is crowned king and viewed as the leader of all. This is a major event because it puts Beowulf in a position of undivided power which seems to eventually go to his head. Though he is an incredible leader, he believes that he does not and never will need any assistance, which ends up being fatal. In his final moments, Beowulf exclaims â€Å"To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die† (Beowulf, page 189). A major turning point in Hamlet is the scene where Hamlet speaks with his father’s ghost. Up until this point in the play, Hamlet seems at ease with his father’s death, but after he converses with the ghost he becomes ridden with revenge. This climax turns the entire context of the play from Hamlet wishing to attend school to Hamlet seeking revenge on his uncle which, similarly to Beowulf, leads to his death. Beowulf’s character is rather elaborate. At the beginning of the book, it is said â€Å"a boy-child was born to Shield, a cub in the yard, a comfort sent by God to the nation† (Beowulf, page 3). From the beginning, Beowulf is made out to be an undefeatable hero who will stop at nothing to protect his people from danger. It is easy to relate to Beowulf in the sense that he will always rise to people’s expectations and continue to exceed them, as supported by the text â€Å"then Halfdane’s son presented Beowulf with a gold standard as a victory gift†¦with customary grace bestowed upon Beowulf both sets of gifts† (Beowulf, page 69). But it eventually comes to a point where he simply cannot meet the expectations and is left dumbfounded. As Grendel’s mother returns to take her son’s claw, she is frightened as â€Å"The hell-dam was in panic, desperate to get out, in mortal terror the moment she was found, she had pounced and taken one of the retainers in a tight hold, then headed for the fen† (Beowulf, page 91). Even though the monster is scared and running away, Beowulf, simply out of pride, follows her to her home to battle. Hamlet has no leadership desire at the beginning of the play. He simply wants to study and learn while his dad rules the country. Then Claudius, his uncle, murders his dad and after an encounter with his father’s ghost, Hamlet’s personality changes; he becomes obsessed with restitution. This makes sense because anger is one of the strongest human emotions. It is an axiomatic emotion, referred to as â€Å"one of the seven deadly sins.† For Hamlet, this becomes a reality as getting revenge ultimately leads to his own death. A very popular quote, â€Å"More than kin, less than kind† (Hamlet, page 3) was originated in Hamlet when he mumbled it to his uncle, who becomes his stepfather. Beowulf and Hamlet, though composed by different authors and written in different forms, have struggles which parallel many in the world today. Both of the heroes are affected by emotions, the people around them, and the events that occur throughout each work. Beowulf lives in a very violent society where heinous violence is the norm; this compares to certain parts of the world today, such as the Mideast. He also exemplifies the good in good versus evil which most of the modern world still deals with today. Beowulf fought against monsters whereas people today fight against disease and terrorism. Hamlet’s obsession with revenge is not different from many living today. Although Christians are meant to forgive their neighbors, many find this difficult. We are supposed to learn from history, however, the past seems to repeat itself more often than not. Even though Hamlet and Beowulf live in different eras, their battles with violence, good versus evil, and revenge still hold true today.

The Harsh Reality Crime and Punishment Essay - 1926 Words

A paragon of realist literature, Fyodor Dostoevsky harshly exposes nihilism in his novel, Crime and Punishment, published in 1866. He wields his knowledge of social psychology and pathology to weave the cautionary tale, borrowing liberally from his personal life. Its protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov, is intelligent yet bitter and unfeeling, embodying the qualities of nihilism, the desertion of one or more meaningful aspects of life. The philosophical doctrine of nihilism is historically ubiquitous, particularly with the Nihilist Movement, one of Imperial Russia’s Great Reforms, and the growing apostasy and atheism of postmodernity; both instances highlight the abandonment of virtue. Raskolnikov is an impoverished ex-student living in St.†¦show more content†¦Raskolnikov has many intrusive thoughts about murdering the miserable pawnbroker. After a close encounter with his landlady, he thinks, â€Å"I want to attempt a thing like that and am frightened by these trifles’† (Dostoevsky 2). This is one of several duplicitous ideas that pass through Raskolnikovs mind. He is contemplating the death of an innocent solely for her money - the obvious motive - but to prove his superiority to society, which he blames for his crippling poverty. Even theoretically, he is a nihilist: a mere consideration of killing requires some moral abandonment. His dangerous intrusive thoughts manifest in reality; he â€Å"pulled the axe quite out, swung it with both arms, brought the blunt side down on her head...the body fell back...she was dead† (Dostoevsky 69). In addition to Alyona Ivanovna, Raskolnikov kills Lisaveta, as she witnesses him standing near her sister’s mangled body. Raskolnikov believes that by committing the murder of the old woman, he is rightfully removing â€Å"a louse...a useless, loathsome, harmful creature† from society, a mentality of political nihilists (Dostoevsky 358). This also demonstrates utilitarianism - an ethical doctrine that states moral decisions should be founded upon the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. It is imperative to note that Raskolnikov is acting on supremely selfish impulses. Although he wishes to purge society of its ills and be a â€Å"benefactor ofShow MoreRelatedPhilosophy of Punishment: Deterrence General and Specific1084 Words   |  5 PagesPhilosophy of Punishment: Deterrence General and Specific Sentencing Model: Indeterminate Sentencing For the philosophy of punishment I chose deterrence, specifically because of the goals and benefit this philosophy. The deterrence punishment is divided in to two separate categories. First on is the general deterrence, the goal of general deterrence is to prevent non-offenders (those who’ve not committed a crime) from committing crimes by exposing non-offenders to the reality of theRead MoreGANG VIOLENCE AND HARSH PENALTIES1465 Words   |  6 Pages20 2014 Gang Violence and Harsh Penalties The presence of gang violence has plagued the United States for many years. Although it is more active in some parts of the country than others, gang violence affects every American: either monetarily as a taxpayer or directly as a victim. Regardless, it is a concern of every individual; therefore, the criminal justice system has been addressing it for years in different ways. 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Please Assume1532 Words   |  7 Pagesunbelievably becomes â€Å"Yes† when the topic changes to capital punishment. Over decades, advocates of death penalty persist that the à ¢â‚¬Å"an eye for an eye† rule is justice and have misperception it effectively deters crimes. However, according to the statistic and logical analysis, the death penalty should be eliminated as soon as possible, because it fails whether to be merciful to protect innocent people or to be harsh to deter crimes or as a suitable punishment. To Be Merciful The law is set up to protect theRead MoreJuveniles Treated Like Adults Essays1330 Words   |  6 PagesEveryday a vast number of brutal crimes occur somewhere in America. Teens as young as thirteen commit murder, rape, and burglary to an extent. What can be done about it? The best answer I can think of is to treat juveniles like adults. They have just as much responsibility and knowledge of their actions just as adults do, so they deserve the same punishment if they commit the same crime. Believe it or not, teens commit the same level of crimes that adults commit. Crimes will get even worse in the futureRead MoreDoes Punishment Deter Crime?1325 Words   |  6 PagesRunning head: EFFECTS OF PUNISHMENT Does Punishment Deter Crime? Does Punishment Deter Crime? During biblical times crime not only affected society, but it was believed to have also been directed towards God himself. The Bible is the oldest book to reference with many directives to living life peacefully and without revenge. As retribution is considered a form of punishment, if not the first, the Bible itself explains that the punishment should not exceed the crime. Matthew 5:38 statesRead MoreThe Deterrence Theory Vs. 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Classical philosophers thought that certainty was more efficient in preventing crimes than the severity of punishment. They rejected capital

Article Summary Psych 302 - 1416 Words

Kelly Featherston Article Summary – Psych 302 Introduction Ullsperger, Bylsma, and Botvinick (2005) investigated whether the findings of Mayr, Awh, and Laurey (2003) can be replicated and how much they can be shown across different task performances. Their specific study was motivated by a prior experiment where Gratton, Coles, and Donchin (1992) found that after an incompatible type trial reaction times were reduced and target processing occurred more frequently than flanker processing on the next trial. Botvinick, Braver, Barch, Carter, and Cohen (2001) believed that this follows the conflict monitoring hypothesis where incompatible trials involve a conflict with the response leading to greater top-down information processing (Botvinick, Nystrom, Fissell, Carter, Cohen, 1999). However, Mayr et. al (2003) argued that the congruency sequence effect found by Gratton et al. (1992) was due to repetition priming because of stimulus repeats in a flanker task. This may have led to a faster reaction time with repeated trials. Mayr et al. (2003) u sed two experiments to present evidence for their argument. Both experiments failed to show the effect found by Gratton et al. (1992) when target and stimulus items did not repeat from trial to trial. The findings by Mayr et al. (2003) sparked a debate due to conflicts with the results found by Gratton et al. (1992). Gratton et al. (1992) had previously looked at the possibility of a repetition priming effect and found that thereShow MoreRelatedFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesDecentralized Work Sites 8 Skill Levels 8 A Legal Concern 8 Employee Involvement 20 How Organizations Involve Employees 20 Employee Involvement Implications for HRM 20 Other HRM Challenges 21 Recession 21 Off Shoring 21 Mergers 22 A Look at Ethics 22 Summary 23 Demonstrating Comprehension: Questions for Review 24 Key Terms 24 HRM Workshop 25 Linking Concepts to Practice: Discussion Questions 25 Developing Diagnostic and Analytical Skills 25 Case 1: Work/Life Balance at Baxter 25 Working with a Team:Read MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesdecision, that is, a rational decision. 3. During the rest of the school term, create a journal of pieces of reasoning. Collect examples of reasoning that you find in your own experience. Sources might be web pages, newspaper or TV ads, magazine articles, conversations, books, and so on. Cut out, photocopy, or write up each example on a regular-size page (8.5 x 11 inches). Below each example (or on an accompanying page) identify where the reasoning came from, including page number and the date

Management Strategies Of Combating Declining Populations

The Sichuan partridge (Arborophila rufipectus): management strategies in combating declining populations Introduction The Sichuan partridge, one of the most threatened species, needs native habitats preserving to decrease the rate of decline (Dowell et al, 1999). The Sichuan partridge suffers from hunting and deforestation of native habitat in China. This was theorised using a population viability analysis (PVA) model, VORTEX, to model scenarios of varying management strategies. Laojunshan has been turned into a nature reserve in an attempt of protection (Liao et al, 2008). The aims of using VORTEX (Lacey and Pollak, 2014) was to analyse the success of management strategies including controlled hunting, supplementation, habitat restoration and corridors or a combination. VORTEX takes into account random events such as catastrophes running through iterations (replicas) to generate outcomes (Lacy, 1993). Each outcome will be assessed using probabilities of survival, genetic diversity and mean population sizes over a 200 year period. Methods To get a simulation output in VORTEX, data was entered for scenario settings which included invariable information such as reproductive rates, mortality rates, initial population size and carrying capacity along with catastrophes. These were found by research into breeding habits and life cycles, along with hunting which occurs in the Yangsiba reserve. The three management strategies assessed were habitat restoration and corridors,Show MoreRelatedThe Alternative to Retirement1572 Words   |  6 Pagesretire and the number of workforce would drop obviously in the coming decades. This phenomenon not only occurs in the Hong Kong, but in fact worldwide. According to an online survey conducted in 2012 by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management, the result indicated that 64% of the respondents claimed that their workplace had mandatory retirement ages while the average is 61. According to the topic â€Å"Changing role and relationships over the life course†, interview s were conducted to gainRead MoreStrategic Planning : Kia Motors Corporation3217 Words   |  13 Pagesglobally and 29.8% in the domestic market (Annual Report, 2013). Where are we going? As per the corporate website, the Company aims to be global leader with a globally renowned brand and holds a vision of respecting people and practicing environmental management to maximise value creation together with its partners and provide a better future and sustainable growth to its stakeholders. - How will we get there? It aims to get to this position by providing superlative mobility through innovative cutting-edgeRead MoreClimate Change3273 Words   |  14 Pagesway for houses. Natural resources are being used extensively for construction, industries, transport, and consumption. Consumerism (our increasing want for material things) has increased by leaps and bounds, creating mountains of waste. Also, our population has increased to an incredible extent. All this has contributed to a rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas supply most of the energy needed to run vehicles, generate electricity for industriesRead MorePei Preserves Case2797 Words   |  12 Pagesthe repossession of Prince Edward Island Preserve Co. Ltd. (P.E.I. Preserves), I have assessed a number of issues that need to be addressed in order to continue being profitable and come up with a feasible product-market strategy. The corporation as a whole lacks a clear strategy and includes a number of operations unrelated to their main focus of manufacturing and retailing preserves. Because of the wide range of operations, you are being overworked and not all segments can be properly attended toRead MoreLufthansa Airlines6749 Words   |  27 Pageschange management competence when it coped with September 11th, the most serious crisis in the airline industry since World War II. The aviation group pulled ahead of its competit ors and reversed a loss of â‚ ¬744 million in 2001 into an operating profit of â‚ ¬718 million in 2002. In 2003, the war in Iraq and the SARS disease demanded that, more than ever before, Lufthansa draw on its ability to cope with crises. Overcoming change-tiredness and continuous re-energizing were seen as the key management challengesRead MoreThe Problem of Cooperative Society in Marketing Agricultural Product in Nnewi Metropolis5312 Words   |  22 Pagescooperative legislation in 1935. The early move was in agriculture and latter shifted to marketing following the shift in the Nigerian economy from agriculture to crude oil. He gave the scope of cooperative activities in Nigeria as covering: On population, he said there are about 5million family members covering 20 million house holds. Total number of registered cooperative societies is about 50,000. 1.3 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This study is significant because it will produce data on cooperativeRead MoreComment on How Changes in Macro and Market Environment Forces Impact on the Level of Competition in an Industry.18606 Words   |  75 Pagesï ¬ rms being repeatedly bailed out by their governments. This has not always applied, however, with Air France being given ï ¬ nancial assistance several times.10 Overall, though, the level of state aid given to ï ¬ rms in most of the EU member states is declining. State aid National laws In addition to EU laws, member states also have the right to make their own legislation governing business practice. This can mean inconsistencies across Europe. For example, national laws governing advertising acrossRead MoreStrategic Management - Suzlon7451 Words   |  30 PagesNo.32 Table of Contents Vision 4 Philosophy 4 Mission 4 Suzlon Positioning 5 Organization Structure of Suzlon Group 6 Organizational Structure 7 Business Strategy 9 Porter’s Five Competitive Forces 11 SWOT Analysis 21 Strengths 21 Weaknesses 22 Opportunities 23 Threats 24 Tows Matrix 26 Suzlon’s low cost strategy 27 Competitive Strengths 30 Product-Market Characteristics 34 End To End Solutions Models 35 Corporate Social Responsibility 37 Summary and Recommendation 39 Conclusions:Read MoreSas Case Study9382 Words   |  38 Pagesemployers and employees now so typical in organizations, uncomfortable. Certainly, aspects of the companys generous benefits, spacious, campus-like grounds, and concern for the total welfare of all of its people seem out of place in contemporary management practice. What a puzzle! How can a company that operates like firms did fifty years ago succeed in todays economy-not only that, but succeed in one of the most high-technology sectors of that economy, software? SAS Institute poses a second mysteryRead MoreSas Case Study9389 Words   |  38 Pagesemployers and employees now so typical in organizations, uncomfortable. Certainly, aspects of the companys generous benefits, spacious, campus-like grounds, and concern for the total welfare of all of its people seem out of place in contemporary management practice. What a puzzle! How can a company that operates like firms did fifty years ago succeed in todays economy-not only that, but succeed in one of the most high-technology sectors of that economy, software? SAS Institute poses a second mystery

Journal of Adolescent Research

Question: Describe about the Journal of Adolescent Research? Answer: Ericsons psychological stages and interpretation: First case: In the first case of Jason, it seems that since an early age he lacks the interest for studying. According to Erik Eriksons stages of psychology, Jason lies in the stage of role confusion versus identity. This is the stage of Fidelity; the child belongs to the age group of fourteen years and at this stage they have a confusion that engraves their thought, this stage is critical for the teens to choose their identities and think about the way they should behave. Second case: The second case of Brenda reflects her state of confusion regarding her career. This is more like having role confusion. At almost every stage she chose something that she found to be not her cup of tea. She almost tried different roles but the main thing she was missing is to identify her purpose. So her stage and state of psychology is more of role confusion. In making career choice she is very fickle. Third case: In this case of Carrie a 36 year old woman, she is presently alone and divorced. It is clear that she needs love which is an indication of the stage six. This stage is about love where it deals with isolation or intimacy. When she was eighteen she had love but now she misses that love. She is at 38 and according to the psychological stage this state would last till forty years of age. Either she needs to find her ideal love or if that becomes hard then she would start focusing more on her career which is more about generativity and stagnation (Beyers and Seiffge-Krenke, 2010). Fourth case: In case of Eric, a kindergarten student, he depends highly on the teachers instruction and guidance. He hesitates to participate in group activities. He has automatically developed a sense of inferiority which is generally done at the age between five and twelve. This stage is establishes Inferiority versus Industry. At this stage they are not firm about whether they could make it or not (Berzoff et al., 2008). Fifth case In this case of Anna, she is suffering from disorder of pervasive development. She is four years of age and her behavior indicates that of an autistic child. This is the stage of shame and doubt versus autonomy. At the first six months she was under the guidance and care of her mom. When her mom was found to have abnormal mental syndromes she lost that care. Moreover she had an abusive aunt who tortures her mentally and physically. So her development was interrupted with a bad environment. All she need is a proper care from her mother (Leuzinger-Bohleber, Canestri and Target, 2010). Sixth case: Joe belongs to the fourth stage of psychology. This stage is about inferiority and social behavior. Though he is good in social interaction among his friends yet he does not want to enter into the world of competency. He is happy with his grades and state and has the complex of inferiority. Seventh Case: Her Karl a 78 year old person belongs to the eight stages where he is in despair and lacks social interaction. His near ones doesnt prefer to visit him because he expresses his feeling about his life without meaning. So at his later adulthood he has despair more than integrity. Eighth case: John is 36 years of age and is married. He is in the seventh stage of stagnation versus generativity. He lacks the interest to find time for his childrens and prefers to lead his life on his own way. He had failed to find a sense of purpose for contribution so he has a stagnant behavior towards his family than his career (Newman, Newman and Uttley, 2009). References: Berzoff, J., Flanagan, L., Hertz, P. and Berzoff, J. (2008).Inside out and outside in. Lanham, Md.: Jason Aronson. Beyers, W. and Seiffge-Krenke, I. (2010). Does Identity Precede Intimacy? Testing Erikson's Theory on Romantic Development in Emerging Adults of the 21st Century.Journal of Adolescent Research, 25(3), pp.387-415. Leuzinger-Bohleber, M., Canestri, J. and Target, M. (2010).Early development and its disturbances. London: Karnac. Newman, B., Newman, P. and Uttley, C. (2009).Development through life. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Islam And Buddhism Essays - Spirituality, Allah, Deities, Shabda

Islam And Buddhism Islam and Buddhism are two distinct religious traditions that provide their own meaningful responses to the fundamental questions about life. Their views on issues relating to the possibility of a Supreme Being, the purpose of life and their understanding of the cycle of life and death are all quite distinct from each other, but at the same time, having minor similarities. These can be seen in the following comparative study between the teachings of these two world religions. Is there a Supreme Being? What is the nature of the divine? All Muslims profess the existence of the One and Only God, God Almighty who is also referred to as 'Allah'. They firmly believe that Allah is the most high and honored, the creator and the sustainer of all that exists and he has no physical connections between any thing he has created whether it be the creatures or human beings on this earth. He has no beginning and no end. Allah has no physical dimensions like hunger, sleep or rest for he is the one who gives such attributes to his creatures. Buddhism on the other hand, recognises no creator god who initially brought the universe into existence and continues to control it in the way that Allah controls everything that is or happens in the universe from the smallest to the greatest events. The founder of Buddhism, who is known as Buddha, did not want to be worshipped as a god. He taught that people would be happier if they took responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. His teachings were simply a guide for living. Muslims can some what relate to this in the way they are taught to be responsible for their own actions and sins. The two religions are also similar in the way they both believe in the concept of god/s existing in the afterlife. Muslims firmly believe in the existence of Allah in heaven while Buddhists consider the possibility of gods existing in the heavens that their karma has created. What is the purpose of life? Islam teaches that God created human beings and endowed them with immortal souls. Each individual possesses the quality of uniqueness and the duty of each person is to work out his or her own destiny and each is responsible for his or her own action. Buddhists would say that rather than being created by a Supreme Being, humans actually got themselves born due to karma made in past lives. This was made with a particular father and mother with whom we have karmic connections. Islam also teaches that the task of a human being is to make a sincere effort and strive to do his/her best. Islam discourages its followers to sit in resignation. However, whatever results from effort is to come from God's decision and should be accepted with patience. At the same time, giving thanks and praise to God is also part of the central purpose in life. In contrast to Buddhism teachings, Buddha did not want to be worshipped as a god, but instead, taught people that the central idea of life was to reach as sense of incomprehensible peace in their minds. In Islam, life is essentially preparation for the Day of Judgement when Allah will call all people to hear an account of how they have lived. This will determine their destiny after life. On the other hand, Buddhists believe that humans are on this earth because of the evil things that they have committed in past lives and the main purpose of life is to reach the state of enlightenment. To escape the cycle of rebirth is to enter the supreme reality of Nirvana where there is freedom and bliss. To attain nirvana is simply to be out of existence. The way in which Buddhists are taught to go about this is to devote their life to compassion, charity, and non-violence and to clear their mind of all content and learn to drift away from the consciousness of this world. How do we understand the cycle of life and death? Is there life after death? In Islam, life on earth is considered to be a minute part of the totality of existence. The life in the hereafter is of eternal duration. Every individual is accountable for his performance in the worldly life and is answerable in front of God on the Day of Judgement. On this day, God will raise every one from the dead and he will allow those who have lived a