Consumer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Consumer - Essay Example The financial system performs the overall function of moving money between savers and borrowers and this allows people to transfer their ability to use money to transform the world through time and space. (Shavinina 2003, p. 530) The financial system interacts with real economic activity through its various functions by which it facilitates economic exchange. What is the significance of this system for consumers, one may ask. The financial system plays an important role in mobilizing funds in such a way that they are transformed into assets that better meet the needs of individuals as investors and as consumers. A specific example is when financial intermediaries facilitate portfolio diversification. Here, resources are transferred across time and space, allowing investors and consumers to borrow against future income and meet current needs. Financial systems also have existing mechanisms that are pivotal in developing pricing information. This information such as the appraisal of the value of companies allows investors to make informed decisions in regard to how they allocate their money. A market that is plagued by information imperfection will result to an imbalance in the quantity and quality of investment hurting an economy’s potential. In regard to financial institutions such as banks, they perform various functions within the financial system, including the use of technological infrastructure to profitably and reliably deliver services and so extend the institutional trust upon which the financial system depends. A particularly important role played by financial institution is how they ease the tension between a saver’s preference for liquidity and the entrepreneurs’ requirement for long-term financing. Because of this, wrote Nnadozie, at any given level of saving, an efficient financial system will allow for a higher level of investment by maximizing the proportion of saving that actually finances investment. (p.

Religon Buddhism Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Religon Buddhism - Term Paper Example The discourse would initially proffer a brief historical background of Buddhism, prior to determining its common practices and core beliefs. Likewise, the paper would present a personal experience visiting Buddhists’ place of worship and to relay the responses from a devotee’s point of view. History Diverse research literatures have expressed different views on the exact origin of Buddhism. There are studies tracing the roots of Buddhism from the Indus Valley civilization and the Aryans (A View on Buddhism, 2006, pars. 1 & 2). In a website About Buddhism (2007), its history indicates that â€Å"the founder of Buddhism in this world is Buddha Shakyamuni. He was born as a royal prince in 624 BC in a place called Lumbini, which was originally in northern India but is now part of Nepal† (About Buddhism, 2007, par. 1). Likewise, History World (n.d.) identified Nepal as Buddhism’s point of origin, with Siddhartha Gautama, a Nepal prince, â€Å"follows an asceti c life for six years before deciding that a middle path between mortification and indulgence of the body will provide the best hope of achieving enlightenment. He resolves to meditate, in moderate comfort, until he sees the light of truth. One evening he sits under a pipal tree at Buddh Gaya, a village in Bihar. By dawn he is literally buddha, an 'enlightened one'. Like any other religious leader he begins to gather disciples. He becomes known to his followers as the Buddha† (History World, n.d., 1). Common Practices Buddhism reveals three common trainings or practices consisting of sila (â€Å"virtue, good conduct, morality†); samadhi (â€Å"concentration, meditation, mental development†); and prajna (â€Å"discernment, insight, wisdom, enlightenment† (Robinson, 2009). As averred by Robinson (2009), the practice of sila was premised on the principles of equality and reciprocity. Devotees are taught to acknowledge equality in stature of all living things a nd to practice, what is commonly known as the Golden Rule. The underlying idea for this practice is self-preservation. No one wants harm to be inflicted upon oneself. If everyone adheres to this principle, ultimately, no harm befalls mankind – the good of all is preserved. By this, an individual treats everyone else with respect, grace and concern. This in turn, develops good relationship to others, consistent with their belief in karma. Core Beliefs The core beliefs of Buddhism centers on reincarnation, on diverse cycles of rebirth, karma, and on Nirvana, or the state of being free and liberated from suffering (Robinson, 2009). They also believe in Four Noble Truths, the Five Precepts, and the Eightfold Path, among others. These beliefs focus on respect for all living things, ending suffering through the eightfold path, and following commandments which are almost synonymous with the Catholic’s Ten Commandments, specifically highlighting avoiding killing, stealing, tel ling lies, misusing sex and consuming liquor or drugs, among others. Worship Visit There is a Buddhist temple in Knost Drive, Mims, Florida known as the White Sands Buddhist Center. It rests on a 16-acre peaceful and beautiful land very near the Atlantic Ocean. There is complete serenity, simplicity and cleanliness in the worship place – a conducive environment for meditation and reflection, of seeking inner peace and enlightenment. The monastery’s ceremonial hall serves as a worship place for devotees. The statue of Buddha is strategically located