As soon as man breaks out of his mothers womb and emerges from the ruins of his sweet infantile world he sees around him a complex world with rich dialects, resplendent art, diverse ideas and beliefs and fascinating rituals and ceremonies. ... Haviland said, "Culture consists of the abstract values, belief, and perceptions of the world that lie behind people's behavior and that their behavior reflects. ... Now the question arises what factors lay the foundations for a particular culture and what factors mould it give its distinct aroma. ... Even though the Hinduism and Islam are so disti...

• Word Count: 734
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Although some disagree that Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world, none can argue the enormity of the impact it has had, and still continues to have on India's society. ... Hindu spiritual texts such as the Vedas, and other orthodox beliefs and practices of Hinduism have had a strong influence on the foundations of India's ancient and modern civilisation. ... "Religions of Man" recounts the legend of Purusha from expressing how Brahma made the first man, Purusha and from his body four different groups or castes were taken; each caste for a different purpose...

• Word Count: 1545
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Although many world leaders today view growth and modernization as imperative to the advancement of the human race, some view it as harmful to cultural and spiritual awareness and a step towards a materialistic lifestyle and world. ... Gandhi's view on modern civilization spread from economics to religion and it is vital to take the context into account while analyzing his views. ... Throughout the course of his life, Gandhi criticized western civilizations and their lifestyles. ... "Now they (men) are enslaved by temptation of money and of the luxuries that money can buy" ; and...

• Word Count: 2349
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Old writings within the 'Vedas and the Upanishads' label women as 'maata (mother) or Devi (goddess)', denoting worth and preciousness for women.1 It was male responsibility to look after women, brothers and husbands would look after their women by any means. ... Firstly, Purdah is the custom" in some Muslim and Hindu communities of keeping women in seclusion, with clothing that conceals them completely when they go out". 3 A large reason for the decline in the status of women and their freedom was that ' original Indians wanted to shield their women folk f...

• Word Count: 2806
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate